Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Adjusting to a loss of vision is a tremendous life-changing experience, and finding resources to help can be a challenge.
That was the message shared by Dr. Jolene Bean of Gatesville, who shared her experiences recently with the Gatesville Lions Club and encouraged the club and community residents to rally together in support of the vision impaired.
Before vision impairment led to her retirement, Bean worked as a pediatric anesthesiologist at Scott & White Hospital (later McLane Children's Center) for 32 years.
Macular degeneration in her left eye began to affect her several years before she experienced the same condition in her dominant right eye. She said the deterioration in her left eye spread over several years, but when her right eye was affected, the condition occurred far more rapidly.
"I am now an advocate for vision-related care," Bean said. "You don't really think about that or prepare for it — I certainly didn't."
She began seeking help from a low-vision clinic and "had much more trouble reading. When I drove, I had a hard time reading the signs. I got another pair of glasses, but they didn't really help. I went from 20/40 vision, which is barely OK to drive, to 20/400. I didn't realize how bad it was when I was at work, because usually everything was already prepared for you."
Bean was building a house west of Gatesville at the time of her retirement.
"I didn't know what to do," she said. "I'm surprised I didn't ask for help from my optometrist. I asked for help from others, and they weren't really sure what to do."
More than 7 million people in the United States have severe low vision, and 1.08 million have a prevalence of blindness, Bean said. She added that there are many types of impaired vision that affect people in different ways.
She said of conditions that concerned people the most, including strokes, heart disease, speech loss and cancer, only cancer ranked as a higher concern to people polled than vision loss.
"When you have vision loss, you have a loss of independence," Bean said. "All of a sudden you can't drive. You're a prisoner in your own home. I can't go anywhere unless somebody drives me.
"You also lose your ability to read. You can't search the internet and you can't see the TV very well. Things like that — it's difficult. I remember the embarrassment of having to have my son read my personal letters."
Bean joked that one positive was saving money because you can't go shopping anymore.
"Actually, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) provides for you to go to an area store and get a shopping assistant, but you have to schedule it in advance and can't choose the assistant," she said.
Not being able to see also raises concerns about her appearance, she said.
"I put on my makeup by feel, and if you're a man you have to learn to shave by feel," Bean said. I also worry about having a spot on my shirt that I can't see.
"Housekeeping and cleaning have been difficult. I moved my Band-Aids to the kitchen because I cut myself so often before I went to low-vision class. I also use silicone mitts, so I don't burn myself, and those have really helped."
The inability to read what she wants has also had a negative impact.
"I have access to a lot of different magazines and some newspapers,” Bean said. She added that she is to read the Gatesville Messenger and the Temple Daily Telegram," Bean said.
She has a special device, ScripTalk, that reads the label of her prescription bottles, and encourages others with vision impairment to get the service as well.
Bean said that while many people with vision impairment may insist they don't need help and try to maintain their independence, she said getting help can improve their quality of life.
Overcoming the ability to participate in some activities is one of the challenges of vision loss, she said.
"You lose out on a lot of enjoyable things, and you feel isolated," Bean said. A loss of the ability to shop for oneself and fewer entertainment options are among the issues a person experiences with vision loss.
The Texas Workforce Commission Offers specialized help for those with vision impairment or blindness, but because of limited resources, there can sometimes be an extended wait for assistance, she said.
Nevertheless, she encouraged people with vision loss to seek help from the workforce commission by calling 512-936-3388. "Anyone with vision issues needs to get enrolled in the Texas Workforce Commission,” she said. "It's an important resource."
Seeking help has made a big difference in her life, Bean said.
"I have learned living skills such as how to pour a glass of juice and not get it all over the counter, and to be safe in the kitchen. There are a lot of things you have to manage to do."
One issue is that all currency, whether a $1, $5 or $50 bill, feels the same, Bean said, adding there is a device available that can help with that.
Programs are available to help keep older adults in their homes even with vision impairment, Bean said. And for adults who aren't ready to retire but who have vision concerns, there are vocational rehab programs that can help people stay employed.
Hadley.edu online is another resource that has a school for the blind and free online classes to help the vision impaired.
"Their goal is to give people the skills they need to adjust to a loss of vision," Bean said. "It's not easy. You have a lot to learn. But they offer videos and clips about how to do things. It's quite incredible."
Transportation needs and audible traffic signals for pedestrians are big concerns, Bean said. While there is local and area transportation available, there are limitations, and those programs could cease in August if funding is cut.
"Being able to get a ride is a big deal," she said.
Bean said she is interested in the possibility of having low-vision support groups that can meet locally.
"Right now, there are none in the area," she said. "People need to learn the ropes and be able to talk to people (with similar experiences). We need to figure out ways to help the blind in our community. We could have dinners or meetings with speakers.
"Don't pity the blind, reach out and support them. I think Gatesville can become a real haven for blind people."
Helping those with vision impairment is a primary emphasis of the Lions Club International, ever since Helen Keller challenged the group to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." Among the initiatives of the Lions is collecting eyeglasses for people who need them, sponsoring vision tests and also funding a school for the blind in Arkansas, which has an international focus.
