What can you see…?
This is a question those of us with diminishing sight often get asked. How on earth do you answer a question like that? If it’s a good day I might say “not much” but if I have been struggling to find an earring or I have just put toothpaste everywhere but on the toothbrush, it could lead to a sharp retort or worse tears of frustration.
We are all individuals that cope with our sight loss in our own unique way, although there are some common themes for all of us. Giving up driving is usually the biggest adjustment but there are plenty of others as well. Sadness and a sense of grief for all the books we will never hold in our hands to read, and photos we will never see, bring a sense of loss. Learning to use Talking Books becomes necessary if reading is important to you and not always successful in the beginning, it is a learned skill so give yourself time.
For most of us, apart from driving, we can still do most things we have always done with some adaptation. Is it so bad if the odd seedling gets pulled out when you are weeding the garden, especially if it’s a lovely day, the sun is shining, and the birds are singing?
Sight Support is a volunteer group of people that have experience of sight loss and awareness of what is available to solve some of life’s frustrations when you can’t see as well as you once did. If you would like to contact us phone 0800 555 577.
Thanks to our contact with the staff at MDNZ we hope to bring you an article in each of the Viewpoint Newsletters talking about practical, affordable, well tested aids and tips for coping with diminishing sight.
The team at Sight Support Trust provide practical assistance, knowledge, and support to those with vision loss. Macular Degeneration New Zealand frequently refers callers looking for support and assistance to Sight Support Trust no matter where in the country they are. Thank you to the Sight Support Trust for providing such an important service.
