Tag: low vision

If you live long enough, you will probably develop one. Six out of 10 people over age 60, and almost everyone over age 80 has one. Has what? A cataract. Despite this prevalence, most people don’t know the facts about cataracts until they’re “eye-to-eye” with one. Now is the time to educate yourself about the condition and breakthroughs in treatment. (continue reading…)

Vision Australia is sending its policies directly to Federal election candidates and asking them to demonstrate their commitment to enabling people who are blind or have low vision to live the lives they choose.

Chief Executive Officer Gerard Menses said that it was vital to ensure the voices of more than 300,000 Australians who are blind or have low vision are heard.

“The number of people who are blind or have low vision in Australia is set to double to 600,000 by the year 2020,” said Mr Menses. (continue reading…)

The following story was submitted by one of our readers and I think we can all agree that Babe is a true inspiration and a perfect fit for this section. Our thanks go out to her son who was kind enough to share this with us.

“My mother will be 99 years young in September 2010. When she was 91 she had been reading (one of her most favorite things to do) and she suddenly felt a pain in her eye. She lost clarity and things became hazy to the point she could no longer read her book.” (continue reading…)

Travel Tips For People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

Plan ahead. Read about your destination before your trip so you know what to expect and what sights you’ll want to visit. Make reservations whenever possible. Call airports and airlines ahead of time to find out about services, including seating arrangements, special meals and shuttle services. (continue reading…)

Enhanced Vision, the leading developer of low vision devices, is having a monthly drawing on their website for a chance to win PEBBLE! Pebble’s small lightweight design makes it the perfect companion whether you’re travelling or at home. Easily read labels, prescriptions, price tags, menus, bus schedules and so much more with this ultra-portable video magnifier. (continue reading…)

Below is a testimonial from Tresca Pennington, she was the lucky winner of the monthly Pebble drawing for June 2010!

In 1998, at 16 years old, I recall of one fateful ophthalmologist visit – the good doctor’s words, “progressive vision loss due to Stargardt’s Disease…legally blind already…and low vision devices”. Back then, A DEVICE sounded serious and I imagined some heavy, head-encompassing gear with a blinking antenna protruding from its top!
Today, as a writer, it pays for my imagination to work overtime; however, being the Mommy of two little wild ones – I surrender to a desire to see better that far outweighs the thought of who’s noticing me while I’m trying to do so.
Consequently, I’ve really taken an interest in the latest low vision technology. I depend on a variety of aids to assist me in the completion of my numerous daily tasks. I have low-tech magnifiers, special computer software and other high-tech assistive tools. I own an Acrobat LCD with 17” monitor that I got two years ago and love!!!
When my old-model, handheld video magnifier (not made by Enhanced Vision) conked out last month, I had to rely on a regular, illuminated pocket magnifier (no frills): no viewing modes or zoom options, no special features whatsoever, besides light! I decided that I needed the convenience of a state-of-the-art handheld, video unit for grocery shopping, following along on the printed church program, filling-out forms at the doctor’s office and (most importantly) for reading to my kids, while lying in bed! My husband attempted to take over that tradition, but (as our son and daughter whine) “He doesn’t do the voices right!” Something had to be done and quickly!
I visited the Enhanced Vision website first because (like I said) I love my Acrobat LCD! There I was, shopping around, when I stumbled upon the link: “Win a PEBBLE”. I researched the item’s description – it seemed like exactly what I’d need and more! So, I filled out the short online entry form and said a little prayer…
One week later I got a phone call telling me that I won the drawing! I received the Pebble shortly thereafter and…all I have to say is, “Enhanced Vision has done it for me, again!” Thank You (from me and my Munchkins)!

~Tresca Pennington

Tresca's 2 Children, Treston and Jayda

Tresca can now read to her children again with the help of the Pebble low vision magnifier!

A famous local artist, Virginia Doyle, has graciously lent her work to Benetech/Bookshare for display on conference room and hall walls.

The unique aspect of this display is that in 2002, Virginia was diagnosed with macular degeneration, a medical condition of the eye that makes it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces.  This disease is a leading cause of blindness among older citizens due to the loss of light sensing cells in the retina. (continue reading…)

Summertime is just around the corner and you’ve decided that now is the time to get out and go to the gym.

Imagine struggling to convince yourself to go to the gym, now imagine trying to do this with low vision. Sounds a little intimidating doesn’t it?

This is a challenge that many individuals with low vision find themselves having to face. While it may seem easier to nix the idea altogether, this is one challenge that can be easily overcome. (continue reading…)