Aware of the demographic that low vision typically affects, local Senior Centers became an early target to start spreading the word. Local Lions clubs in Central Massachusetts began collaborating with local Senior Center Directors to schedule Low Vision presentations for their members. As a result, presentations have been made in multiple towns drawing highly engaged audiences ranging in number from 15 to 25. Several referrals have resulted from these sessions.

One specific case shows how much good this program can do for our afflicted residents. It involves an elderly local resident who attended our Low Vision presentation at her Senior Center. She suffers from macular degeneration and has a great deal of trouble reading books, newspapers, pill bottles and labels in the grocery store. She was referred and scheduled for a Low Vision Assessment at the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, a member of the NECO Clinical Network. The assessment confirmed her condition and identified two low vision products that could immediately improve her quality of life. A desktop Merlin video-magnifier for reading books, newspapers, magazines, etc. and, an Optelec Power Mag LED Hand Magnifier for remote use in reading pill bottles, grocery store labels, price tags, etc. Both products were donated by Lions. She was also scheduled with an Occupational Therapist (from MABVI) who visited her home and recommend skills and assistive aids to help her with basic day to day functions. 

As a side-note to this story, the same elderly resident referenced above also had significant hearing problems. Her case for this need was developed and presented to the District’s local Sight & Hearing Conservation Fund Board and she was approved to receive two new hearing aids at no cost her. 

All this support changed this woman’s life strengthening her independence, improving her mobility around her home, and bringing back to her the joy of reading.