A Transformative Journey in Vision Health and Friendship
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Exploring Vision Health
"The most unfortunate individual is one who has sight but lacks vision." - Helen Keller
The first person I encountered who was blind was Pat, a friend of my mother's from her high school days. Pat suffered from Type II Diabetes, which ultimately robbed her of her sight. From her, I learned practical skills, like how to pour a drink without spilling by using my finger as a guide along the rim.
Pat's influence led me to spend a summer volunteering with the Iowa Commission for the Blind, where I assisted in their library of audiobooks and organized Dewey Decimal cards. Lunchtimes in the Commission's cafeteria were a delight; it was staffed by individuals learning new skills through the state's Vocational Rehabilitation program, and they served the best hamburgers and fries!
To work with the Commission, sighted volunteers had to experience a day in blindness. They navigated the streets of Des Moines blindfolded and with a white cane. Though I was not required to participate as a teenage volunteer, I was eager to try it. At home, I sometimes walked around with my eyes closed to understand what it was like, though I occasionally peeked to avoid obstacles.
My vision was sharp back then, but as I've aged, I now rely on prescription glasses. While I can see well enough to recognize objects, reading requires large text.
Affordable Eyewear Solutions
Purchasing glasses and other vision aids can be quite costly. Some companies, like Wear Panda, sell sunglasses and contribute a portion of their profits to organizations that provide free eye exams or train optometrists in underdeveloped nations. Other organizations also offer grants for affordable eye exams or the purchase of vision aids. For instance, Lions Club International is known for collecting and recycling eyeglasses.
The National Federation for the Blind, the oldest advocacy organization for people with visual impairments, has a broad definition of blindness. According to them, a person is considered "blind" if their vision is poor enough that, even with corrective lenses, they must use alternative methods to engage in activities typically done with eyesight.
My late friend Hayes exemplified this definition. He had one of the strongest prescriptions available but was unable to read. Ironically, before losing his sight, he was a mystery adventure writer.
Technology as a Vision Aid
Modern technology includes features designed for individuals like Hayes. For instance, when he needed to make a call, he simply used the voice function on his cell phone. The voice-to-text capability was developed for people with disabilities, including those with vision issues, but is also utilized by business professionals with perfect eyesight for dictating memos and documents.
While many assistive applications come standard on tech devices, some must be purchased separately, which can be expensive. States often provide comprehensive guides containing information on where to find funding for assistive technology and equipment, referencing both state and national organizations.
Despite advancements, the participation rate in the workforce for individuals with visual impairments remains around 44%. This statistic highlights the reluctance of employers to accommodate those with vision disabilities. Notable figures, like Helen Keller, have shown that individuals with such challenges can achieve great things.
Famous individuals who were visually impaired include musicians Ray Charles, Ronnie Milsap, and Stevie Wonder. Harriet Tubman’s determination to free slaves is a testament to overcoming challenges presented by visual impairments. The artist Claude Monet created many renowned paintings, relying on the vision he retained in his mind.
National organizations like the Partnership on Employment and Accessible Technology (PEAT) work to enhance access to assistive technologies in the workplace, receiving support from the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy.
Some wealthy individuals, like Reddit co-founder Steve Huffman, have opted for laser surgery to correct their vision, citing concerns about the difficulty of obtaining glasses or contacts in emergency situations.
Maintaining Vision Health
Aging is the primary cause of vision impairment, particularly presbyopia, which is the reason for my own vision decline. Most people begin noticing changes in their eyesight during their 40s, with these changes stabilizing in their 60s. However, there are various measures individuals can take to safeguard their vision. The American Optometric Association suggests the following:
- Consuming a diet rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. Foods high in these nutrients include kale, spinach, corn, green peas, broccoli, romaine lettuce, eggs, and oranges.
- Wearing sunglasses outdoors protects against harmful UV rays.
- Utilizing safety glasses during work or recreational activities can prevent eye injuries.
- If you spend a lot of time on digital screens, take regular breaks and focus on something else.
- Schedule annual comprehensive eye exams; optometrists can help identify systemic health issues like diabetes, which can severely impact vision, as happened with my family's friend.
- If you have vision impairments, be sure to wear your glasses or contacts.
Fashion icons like the late Iris Apfel, former "Friends" stars Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston, and musician Lady Gaga have made glasses a trendy accessory.
Critic Dorothy Parker humorously stated, "Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses," but this notion is outdated. Building relationships with individuals who have visual impairments offers a unique perspective on the world.
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Chapter 1: Friendship and Vision
Section 1.1: Personal Experiences with Vision Loss
Through my encounters, I've realized the profound impact of friendships on understanding vision health and the journey of those living with visual impairments.
Section 1.2: The Role of Technology
Innovative technologies play a crucial role in aiding individuals with visual disabilities, helping them navigate daily challenges and enhancing their quality of life.
Chapter 2: Taking Steps for Better Vision
Discover the caregiving journey that inspires individuals and the friendships formed along the way.
Explore a woman's quest for purpose, happiness, and community as she adjusts to life in a new city.