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Adjusting Your Life To Low Vision
Adjusting your life to low vision
Depending on your age, your level of vision and the rate at which your vision may change, low vision can affect you in different ways. Knowledge of what you can do, and supports that are available to you will help adjust your life to suit your needs. Your sight loss may impinge on many aspects of your life such as physical ability to perform certain tasks at work, to drive, to read, the ease at which you get from place to place, and your relationships with those around you.
Reading may become increasingly difficult with vision loss. However, there are a number of reading aids available including optical hand held magnifiers and electronic magnifiers, which may be already installed on your smart phone or tablet. They can also be purchased for your laptop or desktop PC. Additionally, you may consider audio books or installing apps on your phone to read text to you. Some of these devices can be expensive, so an assessment with a vision rehabilitation professional is a good starting point for an impartial demonstration to determine which features best suit your eye condition. You can also ask your local sight loss charity to guide you in seeking payment assistance.
Preventing falls and promoting safe movement in the home, at work, and external environments is a particular challenge for people with low vision. It is essential to recognise the importance of training in orientation and mobility. Your local health care provider and your local sight loss charity can help you identify training courses in your area.
Traveling can be stressful at any time, but it can be even more overwhelming if you or your travel companion are dealing with a visual impairment. It doesn’t have to be. With the correct planning, precautions, and awareness, you can make sure your next trip is enjoyable and successful. Click here to find many resources that will help you plan your trip ahead of time so it runs as smoothly as possible. Guidance ranges from how to plan your trip, how to look for discounts, what to pack and how to travel at ease with assistance under the following headlines:
- Travel Planning Guides for the Visually Impaired
- Travel Tips for the Visually Impaired
- Understanding Your Rights as a Traveller With a Vision Impairment
- Specialist Organizations for the Visually Impaired Who Want To Travel
- Additional Resources
In Europe, if your sight loss qualifies as legally blind you are entitled to assistance with getting on and off aircraft, ships and trains free of charge. However, it is your responsibility to notify your airline, ticket or tour operator in advance of your trip of your needs.