Local Lions were contacted by a woman who is legally blind, who was seeking financial assistance toward the purchase of a magnifier that she hoped would significantly improve her independence and quality of life.

Her most recent test results reported steadily declining vision caused by severe widespread macular degeneration and other issues. She had minimal peripheral vision and very minimal residual vision. She was legally blind and a white cane user.

She described her life-style as one that had become more reclusive and far less independent requiring a reader to come in to her home once a week to read her mail, pay her bills and just read to her for pleasure. She was seeking a product that would help get back some of the independence she prided herself on.

Doctors from Massachusetts Lions Low Vision Network were consulted for advice on the patient’s condition and best product available to help improve her quality of life.

A product called the Da Vinci Pro was recommended; a high-performance desktop, video, closed-circuit television featuring a Full Sony HD camera and full- page text-to-speech optimal character recognition. Our patient, with her slight forward vision could magnify print up to 77x of what is on the page or convert text to speech allowing her to hear the reading of text on bills, books, newspapers or any printed material. They recommended the best local supplier in her area.

Lions visited the supplier’s office for a demonstration on the product. It was incredible and it was clear how significantly it could improve the patient’s independence and quality of life. The cost was $4,600.

With all case information secured the facts were presented to the local Lions Club Board. It received their approval for their club to sponsor this case and they made a $300 donation towards the purchase of the devise. The District’s Sight & Hearing Fund agreed to pay the remaining balance to purchase the Da Vinci Pro to benefit the local resident.

Months later, the grateful applicant reports this has changed her life restoring her confidence, in-home independence, and quality of life.