Low vision social issues-

Just some comments- and would like some feedback.

I have read many posts in both medical and sight support forums and there seems to be a common denominator in many of these . There seems to be a wide gap between what the patient feels and sees compared to how the docs
percieve the situation. I ( my wife ) have started taking pictures ( at home when vision or pain is worse ) and actually typing a report of changes since the last appointment.  At first the Doc seemed sorta amused but after the pics showed a hidden condition ( wasn't visable during exams ) and he started putting ( comparing ) the daily issues report with his visual exams- he actually begins every appoinment by reading the report and has asked for copies of all the pics for his file .  He doesn't encourage others to do this but it has proved helpful in my situation .
       It almost seems like some eye docs do not understand how difficult daily life  with reduced vision and  discomfort  ( burning - pain ) can be to the patient.  There is a local Opthamologist that has gotten involved in the social issues with low vision as well as other eye issues that effect people . He practiced for many years and has said he never realized what it was like until he had problems. Its sad when  you think that people with other physical
issues  get consideration ( ramps for businesses - ramps at crosswalks-- special handicap places at events ) and I support this 100%-   yet are their min. print sizes on products at the store??  Do theaters have seating for the visual
impaired. Even disability requires 20-120 and  20-200 or worse vision to qualify . Even most churches do not have large print items available for their older members that cannot read regular print.  As many do, I never gave any of this a thought through the years- and was very surprised when my wife and I offered to purchase large print Hymnals for the church ( small less than 100 at services ) and found that over a dozen couldn't read regular print.

    There are outlets for low vision aids and support but have yet to find an orginization that has been strongly enguaged in making social changes for the impaired.  I think more docs need to get involved  and see things through their patients eyes.
I have contacted several local Representatives ( no reply )
I wrote this because I am frustrated - I really am doing much to overcome and feel nobody should give up--but will say it is very difficult at times and understand those that feel abandoned .

Thanks- had to vent.

PS- I continue to contact Government reps and have tryed in vain to get local press involved . It seems the sight impaired just hide in the corner and accept not being able to read the small print--not going to shows--not going to sporting events--even not being able to sing along in church. I have low vision aids that get me by-but even the shopping experience would be much easier with LARGER print .

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[kg17]

I am a big fan of visual simulators.  Thevisioncommunity ******* website offers some very realistic visual simulations of many eye conditions and visual aberrations.  This is one modality that could help "communicate" one's visual symptoms with the ophthalmologist, as well as with family members, etc.  I believe ophthalmologists ought to incorporate the use of this technology into their practices - it could provide much "bang for the buck."

As far as the lack of accommodations for low vision, perhaps one explanation is that the majority of folks with low vision are older.  Older persons with low vision may be less motivated for various reasons (e.g., other health issues, lack of mobility, etc.) to get socially involved and change the system.  In general, accommodations for the disabled have occurred do to advocacy on the part of attorneys for patients with the disability - not via physicians.

It's not fair, but there are likely other discriminatory factors that occur when a person is visually impaired, versus being in a wheelchair or other more "visible" disabilities.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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