Living With Low Vision

Turning a blind eye. Figuratively. Literally. Sitting on my bed in my darkened room twelve years ago I noticed that my right eye seemed funny. Like a black lace tablecloth had been placed in front of my face. Central scotomas I would find out later. Disintegrating retinas. Then like a curtain that moves right to […]

When I was in the elementary grades, the gym teacher had a very evil way of helping society force a tier system. The gym teacher would pick two of the popular kids and then say for them to pick their team mates. What did that feel like for those of us who were not part […]

Remember when you were a kid and you were sick, got hurt or suffered some other calamity?  You almost always got ice cream out of the deal.  It was like a rule.  Something bad happens and you got ice cream!  Right! When exactly did that tradition stop and whose idea was it to stop it?  […]

There has been lots of news recently regarding the FDA approved CentraSight implant for those with end stage macular degeneration. The telescope is implanted in one eye much like a lens is implanted in those with a cataract. After a patient receives the implant, several weeks of training with a low vision clinic is required […]

I love to spend time in our backyard this time of year. Not only do we have some beautiful hydrangeas blossoming, but we have raspberries, blueberries and for the first time, blackberries all ripening and ready to be picked. Even if you don’t grow your own berries, there are lots of good reasons to pick […]

As I wrote last week, part of my Mobility & Orientation training in school was learning how to properly use a cane. It wasn’t so much that I needed (or still need) to use one — my vision is such that I can get around okay without it — but rather I have it for identification purposes. In other words, […]

Many people with low vision due to macular degeneration or other retinal conditions often find that as their eye condition worsens that their eyeglasses are no longer performing as well as they used to. Even with a new eyeglass prescription, words look blurred and faces appear fuzzy. The dark or blank spot in the center […]

In my last post, I mentioned that one of the reasons not being able to drive isn’t so terrible is because of the years of Orientation & Mobility training I received while in school. Learning how to cross streets, use a cane, even shopping at the grocery store were all skills that I had to learn how to […]

Hi. My name is Robert Kingett. I’m a blind journalist in Chicago. I’m writing to share my experience as a visually impaired young adult living at Friedman Place, one of only two supportive living communities for the blind in the country. As a 23 year old, there were a lot of obstacles in my life. […]

If there’s one major disadvantage to being visually impaired, it’s that getting behind the wheel is nothing more than a pipe dream. If you’re reading this blog post, chances are good that you’re familiar with the dream. Driving is a luxury that folks with similar circumstances will never be able to experience. While I do […]