For the past ten years, I ve been working here to bring that hope to people with impaired vision and the promise of all they can continue to do after experiencing vision loss. In fact, that s what I do year-round both in my office in Medford, NY, and on the road as a Lighthouse social worker. In both the consumer s home and community, our vision rehabilitation team focuses on practical tasks, like going back and forth to the mailbox or the laundromat, taking the bus to go shopping, taking the dog for a walk and other daily activities that may be important. Cooking a meal or writing checks are often priorities. Providing support and encouragement is also a big part of my job.
Vision loss can be a major challenge, and people handle it in different ways.
Many often find it helpful to have someone outside their normal circle of friends and family with whom they can freely discuss problems. I help them sort out their feelings and rally inner strengths in order to move on. Because I have very little vision myself, I also know firsthand that life with vision loss is about more than simply being able to read your mail, write checks or set the oven dial. It s about continuing to enjoy life as well. The fact that I have low vision often less than that of the people with whom I work helps them to connect with me more easily.