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Did you all know Feb. is Low Vision Awareness Month, I didn't. I know it is almost over, but I just thought you should all know.
Time to Learn about Vision Rehabilitation
In recognition of Low Vision Awareness Month during February, Lighthouse International urges people with impaired vision, their families and friends to learn about the benefits of vision rehabilitation. In the United States alone, 16.5 million persons over age 45 report having vision loss. *
People who lose their sight as adults can continue to pursue their daily activities, safely and independently, when they are equipped with the training, counseling and employment services provided through professional vision rehabilitation services.
Vision loss that cannot be corrected by ordinary glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery is called ?low vision.? While vision rehabilitation cannot restore lost sight, it can help to maximize any existing sight, as well as equip individuals with the techniques to maintain an independent lifestyle. A team of professionals, including low vision doctors, rehabilitation teachers and orientation and mobility specialists, social workers and employment specialists, provide individualized instruction and guidance to achieve your personal goals. They work with people who are blind or partially sighted, as well as with family and friends, to improve the overall quality of life and restore lost function.
*Lighthouse National Survey on Vision Loss? (1995) data applied to population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.
In observance of Low Vision Awareness Month, Lighthouse International offers some advice for people with vision impairment, their families and friends:
For People with Impaired Vision
? See an eye doctor specializing in low vision. Low vision services, provided by specially trained optometrists and ophthalmologists, include an eye exam to identify functional vision problems, an evaluation of remaining vision and the prescription of optical and other devices including, magnifiers and telescopes, suited to your eye condition, activities and lifestyle;
? Be ?in-the-know? about how rehabilitation teachers can help you remain independent at home. Certified rehabilitation teachers can teach you safe new ways to do familiar tasks, such as preparing food, operating the stove, personal grooming, using the telephone, and managing your medications and money;
? Find out how orientation and mobility specialists can provide you with one-on-one instruction to get around on your own safely and successfully, both at home and outdoors;
? Learn about the latest computer technology and adaptive equipment for people who are blind or partially sighted;
? Call Lighthouse International?s toll-free number at 1-800-829-0500 or visit the website at www.lighthouse.org to locate vision rehabilitation services and other professional referrals in your area.
For Family and Friends
? Recognize that a person?s visual ability can fluctuate from day to day and by time of day;
? Learn as much as you can about what it means to have impaired vision. For example, with macular degeneration, visual acuity and central vision are affected, causing difficulty with reading, recognizing faces and seeing other fine details;
? Recognize new techniques and safety methods of accomplishing tasks through the use of special equipment, optical devices and skills which restore independence;
? Get connected with other people experiencing similar issues. Professionally led support groups for family members and significant others educate participants and offer the opportunity to share feelings and concerns.
www.HealthNewsDigest.com
Time to Learn about Vision Rehabilitation
In recognition of Low Vision Awareness Month during February, Lighthouse International urges people with impaired vision, their families and friends to learn about the benefits of vision rehabilitation. In the United States alone, 16.5 million persons over age 45 report having vision loss. *
People who lose their sight as adults can continue to pursue their daily activities, safely and independently, when they are equipped with the training, counseling and employment services provided through professional vision rehabilitation services.
Vision loss that cannot be corrected by ordinary glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery is called ?low vision.? While vision rehabilitation cannot restore lost sight, it can help to maximize any existing sight, as well as equip individuals with the techniques to maintain an independent lifestyle. A team of professionals, including low vision doctors, rehabilitation teachers and orientation and mobility specialists, social workers and employment specialists, provide individualized instruction and guidance to achieve your personal goals. They work with people who are blind or partially sighted, as well as with family and friends, to improve the overall quality of life and restore lost function.
*Lighthouse National Survey on Vision Loss? (1995) data applied to population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.
In observance of Low Vision Awareness Month, Lighthouse International offers some advice for people with vision impairment, their families and friends:
For People with Impaired Vision
? See an eye doctor specializing in low vision. Low vision services, provided by specially trained optometrists and ophthalmologists, include an eye exam to identify functional vision problems, an evaluation of remaining vision and the prescription of optical and other devices including, magnifiers and telescopes, suited to your eye condition, activities and lifestyle;
? Be ?in-the-know? about how rehabilitation teachers can help you remain independent at home. Certified rehabilitation teachers can teach you safe new ways to do familiar tasks, such as preparing food, operating the stove, personal grooming, using the telephone, and managing your medications and money;
? Find out how orientation and mobility specialists can provide you with one-on-one instruction to get around on your own safely and successfully, both at home and outdoors;
? Learn about the latest computer technology and adaptive equipment for people who are blind or partially sighted;
? Call Lighthouse International?s toll-free number at 1-800-829-0500 or visit the website at www.lighthouse.org to locate vision rehabilitation services and other professional referrals in your area.
For Family and Friends
? Recognize that a person?s visual ability can fluctuate from day to day and by time of day;
? Learn as much as you can about what it means to have impaired vision. For example, with macular degeneration, visual acuity and central vision are affected, causing difficulty with reading, recognizing faces and seeing other fine details;
? Recognize new techniques and safety methods of accomplishing tasks through the use of special equipment, optical devices and skills which restore independence;
? Get connected with other people experiencing similar issues. Professionally led support groups for family members and significant others educate participants and offer the opportunity to share feelings and concerns.
www.HealthNewsDigest.com