Whether you were recently diagnosed with a vision disorder or are experiencing ongoing changes in sight, you may be grappling with a range of intense emotions. Grief, fear, anger, and frustration are common responses to vision loss: they are normal and you are not alone in feeling them. Vision loss affects your lifestyle, family, and… Continue reading Emotional response to vision loss: Finding support
Category: Vision Impairment
Talking to People in Public Places
When I talk to people participating in our Adapting to Vision Loss program the question people most often raise is “How do I talk to people in public?” They feel awkward about asking for help, unsure of how to do it, uncertain if it is a good idea to tell people they have limited sight. … Continue reading Talking to People in Public Places
The Blind Life YouTube Channel
There is an ever-increasing amount of low-vision information online. From websites to podcasts to YouTube channels, you can find individual stories of vision loss and adaptation, the latest research studies, and reviews of brand-new assistive technology devices. But one program stands out for it’s engaging, informative, and in-depth tips for living with low vision and… Continue reading The Blind Life YouTube Channel
Career Resources for People with Vision Impairments
The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) hosts a number of important career resources to assist people with vision impairments in their career development, including CareerConnect and its family of ConnectCenter websites. These sites provide job listings, advice for career exploration and development, and help and support for navigating the work world. APH has… Continue reading Career Resources for People with Vision Impairments
Podcasts for People with Vision Impairments
Audio Information Network The Audio Information Network of Colorado (AINC) is an Ensight partner serving people with low vision, blindness, or print disabilities. AINS provides a large number of podcasts on a variety of subjects through their app or website. You can access various Colorado newspapers, or podcasts on health, entertainment, employment opportunities, sale and… Continue reading Podcasts for People with Vision Impairments
Foundation Fighting Blindness Clinical Research Institute Hosted Workshop for ProgStar, Largest Natural History Study for Stargardt Disease Ever Launched
Reprinted with permission of FFB The primary goal of the landmark study, funded by the Foundation, is to provide companies and researchers with disease-progression data and potential clinical trial endpoints to drive therapy development Columbia, MD – More than 60 leading retinal disease clinical researchers from around the world gathered in Baltimore on June 11, 2018… Continue reading Foundation Fighting Blindness Clinical Research Institute Hosted Workshop for ProgStar, Largest Natural History Study for Stargardt Disease Ever Launched
NEI funded researchers identify 133 genetic variants that predict glaucoma risk
Results inform strategies aimed at preventing vision loss From the National Eye Institute Researchers funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) have identified 133 genetic variants that predict with 75-percent accuracy a person’s risk for developing glaucoma related to elevated pressure within the eye. Future genetic tests could identify high-risk individuals who would benefit from… Continue reading NEI funded researchers identify 133 genetic variants that predict glaucoma risk
My aching neck: Massage for people with vision impairments
Excerpted from “Insight for Bodyworkers: Connecting with Blind and Visually Impaired Clients” By Mary Kathleen Rose Sept/Oct 2012 issue of Massage and Bodywork magazine Conditions of the eyes range from common eyestrain, myopia (nearsightedness), and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) to diseases that threaten significant loss of vision, such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinopathy. While… Continue reading My aching neck: Massage for people with vision impairments
Two Blind Brothers Support Research to End Blindness
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bradford and Bryan Manning were diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease in childhood. The disorder caused gradual loss of their central vision, and it also gave them a mission: To raise awareness and help others with eye diseases. They decided to develop a clothing company and donate the earnings to support research to end blindness. Now called… Continue reading Two Blind Brothers Support Research to End Blindness
1Touch Self-Defense class increases confidence and safety
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you have low vision, you may feel vulnerable in public places. Scott Land, a gymnast and rock climber who has retinitis pigmentosa, does. Legally blind since 2000, Scott studied 1TouchTM Self Defense to learn what to do if someone were to attack him, and he is now a teacher sharing 1Touch with Ensight consumers.… Continue reading 1Touch Self-Defense class increases confidence and safety
Some Addiction Treatment Programs Recognize Needs of People with Low Vision
For those with low-vision who struggle with substance abuse, the process of finding an addiction treatment program may feel daunting. While seeking to overcome an addiction, they must also face the challenge of finding a program that recognizes and respects their needs and provides accommodations. An online resource called Rehabcenter.net provides help with this dilemma… Continue reading Some Addiction Treatment Programs Recognize Needs of People with Low Vision
Simon Wheatcroft, blind since his teens, runs ultramarathons
Simon Wheatcroft is an ultramarathon runner. Though he has retinitis pigmentosa and has been blind since 17, he has slowly built his mileage and his ability to traverse varied terrain. The story of his evolution to distance runner is one of daring as well as ingenuity. When Wheatcroft grew bored running from goal post to… Continue reading Simon Wheatcroft, blind since his teens, runs ultramarathons
NEI Highlights New Technologies and Tools for People with Low Vision
The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, is funding several new technologies and tools being created to help the 4.1 million Americans living with low vision or blindness. The tools are designed to help people manage daily tasks such as navigating office buildings, crossing streets, and recognizing images and objects.… Continue reading NEI Highlights New Technologies and Tools for People with Low Vision
Breaking Blind YouTube Channel Provides Advice for Living with Low Vision
Looking for “how to” videos that teach you how to adapt to vision loss? Check out the “Breaking Blind” YouTube channel to follow creator Maureen Neitfeld as she demonstrates everything from making fudge to working out. Maureen Neitfeld lost her sight at 17 from a disorder called Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome that causes tumors to grow… Continue reading Breaking Blind YouTube Channel Provides Advice for Living with Low Vision
New Documentary on Vision Available on PBS
Sight: The Story of Vision, is a documentary on scientific, medical, technological, and human aspects of vision that premiered in October 2016 and is now available online at PBS.org. The film, narrated by Sir Elton John, tells the story of how people discovered how eyes work as well as how to improve or restore sight.… Continue reading New Documentary on Vision Available on PBS