Diagnosed with Macular Degeneration… Now What (11 of 12) – Support Groups
Go to this link to order your printed copy of our Low Vision Guide – https://nelowvision.com/product/macular-degeneration-now-what/
So, you have been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, now what? Many, when being told they have Macular Degeneration, inaccurately hear, “I’m going blind”, and that can feel like your whole world is collapsing.
It is extremely rare to go completely blind from Macular Degeneration, whether you have either the wet or dry type. If someone tells you that nothing more can be done, that can be very depressing and is often not completely correct. What matters is a better understanding of how to navigate the landscape of the professionals who can assist you with adapting to a world of vision loss.
By the way…. congratulations, you have now become a carpenter! Yes, a carpenter…meaning you now need to assemble a new toolbox of 12-24 new ‘vision-loss’ tools to help you with seeing both near, intermediary and distance objects.
In this 12-part Macular Degeneration Low Vision Guide, I have outlined ideas for you or a loved one to consider when diagnosed Macular Degeneration. It is important to note that not all these action steps are required, but they should be given strong consideration.
#11: Support Groups – Practical and emotional support
Make sure to ask anyone in the previously mentioned steps about local support groups. Support groups provide practical, emotional support, as well as useful tips and strategies to individuals coping with serious sight loss.
Support groups provide the opportunity for participants to share fears, frustrations, coping mechanisms, and resources as their vision impairment progresses or changes. Groups are often led by peer coordinators who are also visually impaired. Support groups provide an opportunity for people who are newly blind and visually impaired to come together to discuss issues relating to their vision loss.
Individuals in each group have a variety of eye diseases and conditions. Topics of discussion typically focus on specialized equipment to use in the home or on the job, how to maintain independence, aging and vision loss, or the effects of vision loss on family and friends.
It is common that most support groups meet monthly in various community locations. Some support groups meet during the day, others meet in the evening, and it is likely that accommodations for transportation can be provided when possible.
<Click here to read about step #12: Attitude – As Hellen Keller once said>
<Click here to order your printed copy of this 12-part Resource Book>
<Click here to download a PDF of the entire report.>
About the Author
Scott V. Krug is the President of New England Low Vision and Blindness, a company located in New England, and specializes in bringing hope to people who are low vision or blind through technology, training, and care. Scott has been working in the field of technology and optics for people who are low vision or blind since 1992. Website: NELowVision.com.
