Living with Macular Degeneration

Written by a Certified Rehabilitation Teacher and Certified Low Vision Therapist

Reprinted with the permission from the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Allentown, PA

Catharine and I worked together to identify her strengths and needs and to establish and prioritize her goals. She had difficulty operating household appliances such as her washer, dryer, thermostat and microwave. Markings that she could see and feel were placed on the preferred settings of her appliances. She was able to read a low vision watch to aid in timekeeping.

Money management was a very critical skill to Catharine. Several options were presented including a check guide, bold line check and bold line check register. She was able to use a low vision/large display calculator to balance her checkbook. She was shown a tactual method to identify her coins but also desired a back-up method by sorting coins into a four-pocket coin purse.

Various bold line pens and paper were introduced to aid in writing activities, as Catharine enjoyed writing letters to her family members. She was also instructed in several needle-threading devices which then allowed her to resume simple mending activities. Low vision principles including use of lighting, contrast and magnification were incorporated during activities to enable her to use her remaining vision as effectively as possible.

Catharine now feels confident that she can remain independent in her own home and resume activities she previously enjoyed.