A supporter’s perspective – whether they be family or friends, I think it’s important to understand how we can guide them to help us.
I hope that some of these points resonate with you but NOTE that this list is NOT exhaustive, and I am sure that many of our members have identified many additional points – PLEASE do ensure that we all benefit from your wisdom and experience and post them below.
A low vision diagnosis can be challenging for both the individual and their loved ones. Low vision can cause a wide range of difficulties, such as difficulty reading, driving, working and recognizing faces. If someone you care about has recently received a low vision diagnosis, there are several ways you can offer support and assistance.
- EDUCATE Yourself about Low Vision –
The first step in supporting someone with a low vision diagnosis is to educate yourself about the condition your loved one has been diagnosed with. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of their condition. What is the prognosis? what research is progressing in this field is it readily accessible? This can help you better understand the challenges your loved one may be facing and the resources available to them. There is a lot of good information online but there are also an unfortunate number of charlatans. To be sure – speak to a medical professional, retinal specialist etc before acting on any information.
- ENCOURAGE Them To Seek Professional Help If Needed
If your loved one has not already done so, encourage them to seek professional help from an ophthalmologist or a low vision specialist. These professionals can provide a comprehensive eye exam, determine the extent of the vision loss, and recommend appropriate treatments and devices to help your loved one maintain independence and quality of life. If your loved one has not already done so, encourage them to seek professional help from an ophthalmologist or a low vision specialist. These professionals can provide a comprehensive eye exam, determine the extent of the vision loss, and recommend appropriate treatments and devices to help your loved one maintain independence and quality of life. Don’t overlook the services offered by BLVNZ (counselling and coaching referrals, guide dogs, cane training, adaptive assessments etc); Macular Degeneration NZ (information / Seminars), Retina NZ Inc (events / Information on research) and many others.
- ASSIST With Daily Tasks
Low vision can make daily activities challenging, such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, and reading. Offer to assist your loved one with these tasks when needed. You can help by organising the home, add more lighting, labeling items with large print, reading their mail for them and assisting them with grocery shopping. Consider accompanying them to appointments, as it can be challenging to navigate public transportation or unfamiliar areas with low vision. Remember though that sometimes we don’t need actual help – we just need to know that you understand the need and offer it.
- BE Patient and Understanding
Living with low vision can be frustrating and emotionally challenging. Understand that your loved one will be negotiating a grieving process in coming to terms with changes from the life they had planned to a new life and a foreign paradigm. Be gentle. Be patient and understanding with your loved one, as they adjust to their new reality. They may need extra time to complete tasks or to adjust to new assistive devices. Offer words of encouragement and remind them that they are not alone in their struggles. Remember too, that due to different lighting, different shadows (and even stress levels) and other changes, one day they may not be able to see as well as the previous day. Fluctuations are normal.
- HELP Them Stay Connected
Living with low vision can be isolating, and your loved one may feel disconnected from their social network. Encourage them to stay connected with friends and family and offer to help them stay in touch. This can be done through phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits. Consider connecting them with support groups / meet up chats over coffee (BLINDSIDED NZ!) or other resources (Talking Book Clubs – come and join us!)
Technology is a big help here – there are so many apps and on line tools to assist those with low vision.
- BE a Good Listener
Finally, be a good listener. Allow your loved one to share their feelings and frustrations with you, and offer your
