By Dr. Dennis Denick, OD, Dipl ABO, FIALVS – Founder, Low Vision of Southwest Florida
Patient Success Story
Have you been told, “There’s nothing more that can be done for your macular degeneration?”
For many people, those are some of the most discouraging words they will ever hear.
The gentleman pictured above heard something very similar.
Harold, an 85-year-old Southwest Florida resident, had gradually lost the ability to comfortably enjoy one of his favorite activities—reading. Like many people living with macular degeneration, he believed he had reached the end of his options.
When Harold came to my office, I asked him one simple question that I ask every patient.
“What would you like to be able to do again?”
His answer came without hesitation.
“I’d like to read again.”
Rather than focusing only on an eye chart, we focused on Harold’s goals.
After carefully evaluating his remaining vision, we prescribed a customized low vision reading device designed specifically for his visual needs. Just as importantly, Harold received individualized training so he could comfortably and confidently use the device in his everyday life.
Today, Harold is reading again.
For many people, that means much more than reading words on a page. It means enjoying a favorite novel, completing crossword puzzles, reading the morning newspaper, following church bulletins, managing personal mail, or simply regaining the independence that vision loss had taken away.
One of the greatest compliments I receive isn’t about helping someone read smaller print.
It’s hearing a patient say,
“I got my life back.”
More Than Magnification
Many people believe that if regular glasses, injections, or surgery can no longer improve their vision, nothing else can be done.
Fortunately, that isn’t always true.
Low Vision Rehabilitation doesn’t focus on curing the eye disease—it focuses on helping people make the best possible use of the vision they still have.
Depending on a person’s vision and goals, specialized reading devices, telescopes, electronic magnification systems, prism glasses, contrast-enhancing filters, and other customized technology may help patients return to activities they thought were lost forever.
But the technology is only part of the solution.
The real goal is helping people regain independence, confidence, and quality of life.
What Would You Like To Do Again?
Every Low Vision evaluation begins with the same question.
• Read books or newspapers?
• Watch television more comfortably?
• Recognize the faces of family and friends?
• Sew, knit, or enjoy hobbies again?
• Read restaurant menus?
• Write checks or manage your mail?
• Attend church or sporting events with greater
confidence?
Although many of my patients have macular degeneration, Low Vision Rehabilitation may also benefit people living with glaucoma, diabetic
retinopathy, inherited retinal diseases, albinism, optic nerve disorders, stroke-related vision loss, and many other conditions that cannot be fully corrected with ordinary glasses.
If you’ve been told, “There’s nothing more that can be done,” don’t assume you’ve reached the end of your options.
While we cannot restore normal vision or cure every eye disease, we can often help people make better use of the vision they still have—
allowing them to return to the activities that give life meaning and enjoyment.
Sometimes improving vision isn’t just about seeing better.
It’s about living better.
Low Vision of Southwest Florida
(941) 799-8044
www.lowvisionofswfl.com
(Located inside THE EYE ASSOCIATES)
4101 Evans Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
If you have been told “nothing more can be done,”a Low Vision evaluation may help you explore additional options.
Appointments are limited.