by Bea Peterson
Cheryl Lawyer, outreach coordinator for the Northeast Association of the Blind at Albany, which covers 15 counties, spoke at the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at Hoosick Falls on Wednesday. Her topic was helping legally blind older adults stay active and independent. She explained that legally blind older adults are entitled to free low vision rehabilitation services sponsored by the NYS Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped.
People who are over 55, unemployed, NYS residents, living independently and legally blind are entitled to low vision examinations with assessment for prescription aids such as magnifiers, special glasses and more.
Rehabilitation therapists will come to their home and teach them strategies for low vision independent living in reading, cooking, cleaning and financial management. Adaptive aids such as talking clocks, large print items and writing guides are available.
They will also receive instruction on indoor/outdoor travel skills, receive travel aids such as white canes and be provided support and coping skills to adjust to their vision loss.
Causes Of Vision Loss
The number one cause of low vision is macular degeneration for which there is no cure. There are two types of macular degeneration, wet and dry. Shots, Lawyer explained, have been able to stabilize the wet form of the problem.
Glaucoma is the number two cause of blindness. It affects the peripheral vision. Early detection and treatment is extremely important.
Diabetic Retinopathy, caused by diabetes, gives no warning signs and is not repairable but is the most preventable. It is the number one cause of blindness in the United States.
“Eyes are the windows to other health issues,” said Lawyer. She also pointed out that whatever is good for the heart is good for the eyes.
Cataracts rank as the fourth leading cause of blindness, though today very successful surgical procedures are changing those results. However, Lawyer said, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in 90% of the world.
Lawyer’s program included a video of people living well with diminished or no vision. She also brought along Baxter, a nine month old guide dog in training, for everyone to meet.
For more information about Low Vision Education Programs contact Cheryl Lawyer, Outreach Coordinator, at 518-463-1211, ext. 234 or email lawyer@naba-vision.org. The programs are free of charge.
The Center will be offering similar programs of benefit to its residents and the community in general every month.