Thoughts on vision. . .

As many of you know, among my favorite walking partners is a hard working, four-legged sweetie named Kieran, and the amazing lady holding on to his harness. Her name is Virginia Jacko and she is the CEO of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind as well as my neighbor and friend.

I've learned from talking to Virginia, and volunteering at the Lighthouse, that many of the men, women and children who benefit so greatly from this non-profit institution's services are not totally blind.  Rather, they suffer from low vision.  Low vision is a visual impairment, not correctable by standard eyeglasses, contact lenses, medicine or even surgery.  It can result from a variety of diseases and eye injuries, including macular degeneration, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, and it can interfere greatly from daily life.

The Lighthouse's answer to low vision is their remarkable Solutions Center where a whole world of special magnifying and auditory devices exist to assist with special tasks.  There are talking watches, talking thermometers, glucometers, electronic magnifiers, and much, much more.  There are also computer classes, cooking classes and talking book services, as well as an on-site low vision optometrist and a certified low vision occupational therapist. Virginia is adamant that no one needs to be homebound because of vision loss.  

I'm blessed with good eyesight but I've learned to appreciate how important the Miami Lighthouse is to those with vision problems.  If someone you know would benefit from their unique services tell them to make an appointment or arrange for an in-home consultation by calling 786-362-7479 or visit the website at www.miamilighthouse.org.

I promise you.  It can be life changing.
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