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Did you know that the leading causes of blindness among working age adults, may also be one of the most preventable eye diseases? November is Diabetes and Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. Diabetic Retinopathy, one of the eye diseases associated with diabetes, is the leading cause of blindness among working age adults, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). In fact, NEI also reports that between 40%-45% of individuals with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy, yet only half that number are aware of it! During a…

World Sight Day is an international "day of awareness," coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). The purpose of World Site Day is to focus attention on the global issue of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. It is held each year on the second Thursday of October. This year, World Sight Day will be held on October 11, 2018, with the theme of Eye Care Everywhere. Important Messages on World Sight Day These are the key international messages for World Sight Day: Approximately 285…

There Is Something You Can Do If you grew up with vision loss, or any disability really, there's a good chance you are already familiar with some of the resources you need to find assistive technology (AT). Assistive technology includes products, devices, or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that are used to maintain, increase, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Those who learned about AT at a younger age probably received some training on it early on. Many of the clients I work with as a…

Many communities have a special event on October 15th, to promote the white cane, and to honor its users. Events may range from an exhibit table in a mall, to blocking off streets and marching through the city. In either case, the goal is twofold: First, to let drivers and pedestrians know what the white cane means. Secondly, to let the public know that people who have a vision loss are productive citizens. Alabama's Celebration of White Cane Day…

Where Can I Get White Cane Training? Many people with vision loss are not aware of their need to learn safe travel skills. When they finally realize they are no longer moving around safely and look for training to use a white cane, they often experience long waits for services. Sometimes they are even told there is no such training available in their area due to budget cuts and a shortage of professionals who teach cane skills. In honor of White Cane Safety Day on October 15, VisionAware is highlighting the Leader Dog Orientation and…

by Empish Thomas Medical Doctor Moves Away A few weeks ago I got some disappointing news from my neurologist. I was told that she was leaving the medical center she practiced at and moving across town. I was deeply saddened and in shock. I really enjoyed the rapport I had with this doctor. She understood my medical needs and was sensitive to my visual impairment and transportation challenges. Now, I would have to start all over again looking for a new neurologist closer to home. This situation and similar ones were discussed at a conference I attended this summer called Rides to Wellness. It was an all-day…