Carol
60 years old, Diagnosis: Macular Scarring
Carol was experiencing difficulty reading, working crossword puzzles, and playing cards due to her vision loss. When completing cooking tasks, she could not determine if the meat was cooked properly. Other day-to-day tasks that were difficult were make phone calls and using a TV remote control. Carol was also at high risk for falling since she could not see the edge of her steps indoors or outdoors. Lastly, she also expressed an interest in joining a low vision support group.
Carol now has a new prescription that allows her to read larger print. She has invested in large print crossword puzzles and large print playing cards. She was provided with low vision resources so that she can consider a talking digital thermometer when cooking, large button television remote control, and can explore the many large button telephone options that are available. She has been provided instruction on how to utilize contrast tape and paint for her stairways to reduce the risk of falling. Last of all, Carol was provided information for a local low vision support group, and was provided resources for transportation.
Gene
59 years old, Diagnosis: Diabetic Retinopathy and Auto Accident
Gene was involved in an automobile accident while on the job, sustaining an injury to his one functional eye. As a result, he was no longer able to see well enough to complete work tasks such as reading graphs, spread sheets, and reports. In addition, he was no longer able to monitor meter readings and could not see well enough to accurately complete paper forms. Gene had also become more light sensitive, but traditional sunglasses dimmed his environment so that he could not safely see to direct his employees when completing outdoor tasks.
After meeting with Dr. Metzger and our occupational therapist, Gene was able to return to work. A new prescription has enhanced Gene’s ability to see. For additional assistance, he is utilizing a hand held magnifier for spot reading, and a stand magnifier for lengthy reading tasks. Gene’s employer made the necessary modifications recommended to increase his ability to be successful at work. He now has a gooseneck task lamp with full spectrum light bulbs, an elevated work surface to reduce working distance when reading or writing, a thick barreled pen with a rubber grip, and modified forms with larger font, enlarged cell size, bold lines, and bold print. Last of all, yellow solar shields have reduced the glare and significantly increased contrast, allowing him to see when supervising tasks outdoors.
Geri
75 years old, Diagnosis: Age-related Macular Degeneration
Geri came to see us when she began to struggle with reading labels on her medication bottles, menus, recipes, and cooking directions. In addition, she was having a difficult time using her computer, sewing, quilting, playing cards, and playing board games. Geri was unable to see well enough to manage her finances and could not write legibly. She also could not see her face clearly enough to apply make-up or manage her hair. Geri struggled to recognize faces in the distance, and could not read guide signs when shopping. Last of all, Geri was very light sensitive, making it difficult for her to see her environment clearly when outdoors.
After meeting with Dr. Metzger and our occupational therapist, Geri learned she would significantly benefit from a new prescription for magnifying readers for all near tasks. A hand held magnifier would help with spot reading or to assist with fine print. A monocular would allow her to see faces and objects in the distance. Geri also now has a large print check register and resources to help her locate other low vision aids that would be useful, such as a magnified vanity mirror. Yellow filters have significantly reduced the glare when outdoors and improved her ability to see details in her environment.
Jane
91 years old, Diagnosis: Age-related Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma
When Jane came in to see us, she was unable to read, manage her medication,write checks, and see appliance dials and settings easily. In addition, Jane was no longer able to play the piano, one of her prized hobbies. She was also having difficulty applying make-up, seeing numbers on the telephone, and writing notes or letters. Lastly, she had a hard time legibly signing her name.
After seeing Dr. Metzger and working with our occupational therapist, Jane is now able to spot read medication labels using an illuminated, hand held magnifier, in conjunction with effective lighting. She also has the devices and aids to assist her with make-up application, check writing, television viewing, writing, and signing her signature legibly.
Eugene
61 years old, Diagnosis: Retinal Trauma and Glaucoma
Eugene was not able to read and was having difficulty writing checks, signing his name legibly, managing medication, watching television and reading signs. In addition, he was having a hard time with daily tasks such as matching clothing items and identifying food items on his plate.
With the use of a 2.8X frame-mounted telescope, Eugene is now able to read signs and watch television. He is also able to successfully utilize a +32 diopter Illuminated stand magnifier for reading tasks. In addition, Eugene now has strategies to use at home so he can more easily match clothing and identify food items on his plate. He is now able to sign his name legibly and utilize a check writing guide to successfully pay bills and manage his finances. Last of all, Eugene has several strategies to assist with correct identification of his medication.
West
75 years old, Diagnosis: Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet)
West was having difficulty reading, writing checks, signing his name legibly, working on his computer, and seeing his television. In addition, he was unable to accurately match clothing, could not determine when to stop pouring coffee or see the numbers on his television remote control. West was also concerned about safety in the community since he was not able to gauge the depth of curbs or steps.
West had a positive attitude and was open to making the necessary modifications for greater independence and safety. He is now able to spot read medication labels, watch television, write checks and sign his signature legibly, and match clothing. To prevent burns in the kitchen when pouring hot drinks, he is now trained in the use of a liquid level indicator. West was introduced to a software program called Zoom Text as a resource for his computer viewing if he chooses to enhance the magnification on his computer screen. Lastly, we found resources for him to purchase a cane for mobility in the community and contacts if he would like to consult a mobility and orientation expert. |
