February is National AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month – Top 4 Next Steps
February is National AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month
Ok, now what?
You have been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, and this might be the first time you heard the word Low Vision.
What does all this mean?
Here are our top 4 best next steps:
Step 1 – Educate yourself – One of the best websites describing Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is: Â https://nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen
Step 2 – Your Ophthalmologist – Your Ophthalmologist can primarily help you with surgery or injections. If you have the wet form of Macular Degeneration, then listen carefully to what your Ophthalmologist is saying about injections because they can help slow the rate of growth of the degenerative tissue.
Step 3 – Low Vision Optometrist – A Low Vision Optometrist is very unique. A Low Vision Optometrist will likely have hundreds if not thousands of optical tools and suggestions which can help you cope with your low vision. Ask your Ophthalmologist for a referral to a Low Vision Optometrist, or you can do a local google search, or ask someone at your local non-profit agency who serves people with vision loss. Make sure you find a good Low Vision Optometrist, who has access to a broad range of options, and who also works alongside a Low Vision Occupational Therapist.
Step 4 – Low Vision Aids. You will need them. It is a must. You will need to develop your personal toolbox of Low Vision aids, which will be useful for a variety of day to day tasks. If your handheld magnifier is not providing enough magnification or width (field of view) then one of the best aids to look into is an electronic video magnifier, aka (CCTV). These aids are one of the best tools to help you get things done, and remain independent. There are 4 different categories of electronic video magnifiers, 1) HD/OCR, 2) Desktop, 3) 3-in-1 and 4) Portable. They are expensive, but they are well worth the price. Be sure to take it slow and have a personal demonstration by a trusted low vision technology expert.
Lastly, hang in there…be patient, but be persistent. This information is the tip of the ice berg. It will be rough going for a while as you learn to adapt to changes. It might take you a little longer to do things, but there are a lot of people out there like you, remaining employable, independent, active and happy. There are also many Low Vision professionals who are willing to help you along your critical series of next steps.
If we can further help, please let us know.
New England Low Vision and Blindness; info@nelowvision.com
How Can We Help You Or A Loved One
Mr. Magnifier: If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, our Mr. Magnifier handheld magnifiers are the perfect 1st Step for anyone with Macular Degeneration! Here’s a link to very helpful information, including a free Magnification Guide – https://nelowvision.com/mr-magnifier-lp/
Free Low Vision Guide: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with low vision, we have created this complimentary Low Vision Guide a free resource to help you or loved one who has been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration or other low vision conditions. Click here to download a PDF of the entire report.
Corporate Brochure: Our comprehensive brochure outlines all of the helpful assistive technology and assistive training services we provide. Click here to download our Corporate Brochure.
Technology: We offer the latest and most advanced low vision and blindness technology supported by world-class personal service. We have nearly 100% of all major electronic low vision, blindness, and software products. Our complimentary, no-obligation demonstration on any of our products will make sure our clients are getting the right product for their specific eye condition. Click here to learn more.
Training: Assistive rehabilitation training services for people with low vision and blindness. We go to our clients - home, school, or business - training where they need it - from caring assistive technology professionals. Click here to learn more.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, contact a Technology Specialist at New England Low Vision and Blindness today. You can call our toll-free number 888-211-6933 or email us at info@nelowvision.com and we will be happy to help.
