When you have low vision, it means that your vision is impaired and may be impossible to correct with vision surgery, contact lenses, or eyeglasses. It can be caused by genetic or hereditary conditions, eye diseases, and eye injuries. Don’t worry—this does not mean that you will not remain being independent. You can seek help from a low vision rehabilitation center to maximize your independence and cope with your situation effectively.
Low vision rehabilitation aims to help you perform your daily tasks efficiently, even with visual impairment. It can be helpful to individuals who are having difficulty cooking, reading, using the computer, watching TV, or recognizing their friends and family because of low vision. A low vision rehabilitation center has a program to teach you the things you can do to continue being independent. Remember that even with low vision, you do not have to give up on daily living tasks or the activities you enjoy. You just need to learn and discover new ways to do them.
Regardless of where you are on the spectrum of low vision, the low vision rehabilitation center has the resources and expertise to help you out. Some rehabilitation institutes offer a free service, which includes one-on-one, personalized appointments with low vision specialists who will work with you to maximize your remaining vision. They will assess your needs, provide practical tips on contrast enhancement, glare control, and lighting, and explore the devices that could help you in accomplishing daily tasks like making meals, watching TV, using the computer or mobile phone and reading.
Low vision rehabilitation programs and services are also available. These include orientation and mobility training, independent living skills classes, one-on-one technology classes, braille and audio books, and more. Every service can be tailored to your unique needs, so be sure to schedule an appointment with a low vision specialist from the rehabilitation center to find out what you can expect from the program.
www.brailleinstitute.org | 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553)