Resources for Seniors Experiencing Vision Loss…
By Lori Stevens, Certified Concierge Care Advisor
Vision loss among the elderly is a major health care problem. About one-third of seniors develops a vision-reducing eye disease by the age of 65. The most common causes of vision loss among the elderly are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. The elderly population in the United States is increasing rapidly. By the year 2030, approximately 70 million Americans will be over 65 years of age. Loss of vision among the elderly is becoming much more common….and thankfully, resources and support for this significant problem are expanding and becoming more available.
Today, you do not have to be “blind” to receive or benefit from these resources. A term now used frequently is “low vision,” which can be very troubling and interfere with life as well. According to DAVID A. QUILLEN, M.D., Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, low vision can pave the way to even deeper issues, such as depression, inability to remain independent, falls, and general inability to enjoy life and thrive.
Seniors who have declining eyesight should of course be visiting their optometrist and/or ophthalmologist on a regular basis to ensure proper treatment is followed up on and your glassware prescription is up to date. Some additional things that may be of help:
- Improve lighting – Try aiming a light at the task you are doing or while reading, or use a flashlight
- Reduce glare by adjusting lights, or wearing a hat or cap
- Read large print books
- Utilize large number/symbol phones and remote control devices
- Try books on tape or audiobooks
- Use magnifying mirrors or other type of devises that enlarge print
- Electronic books such as those on Kindle or Nook, have a font control, enabling you to make larger fonts
- Use SIRI and or Alexa devices which operate with voice commands
Below are some other resources for low vision, legally blind, or individuals with blindness:
- Audio Books and Magazines, Available by Mail or by Downloading to a Device
- National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) | 888-657-7323 (books and player provided free)
- Bookshareaccessible online library: $50 annually; free for students. Read on your computer, tablet, smart phone or assistive device
- Choice Magazine Listening (quarterly issues of recorded magazine selections, unabridged) | 888-724-6423
- Audio Bibles for the Blind
- NFB-NEWSLINE ®
- Large Print Materials and Visual Devices
- American Printing House for the Blind
- Learning Sight & Sound (LS&S) | 800-468-4789
- MaxiAids | 800-522-6294
- Independent Living Aids | 800-537-2118
- New York Times Large Print Weekly | 800-631-2580
- Veterans can receive services and devices free of charge.
- S. Department of Veterans Affairs: 844-698-2311
There are also “accessibility departments” for many companies. You may want to look into those for Apple or Samsung Smartphones, Facebook, and your computer manufacturer.
We are fortunate to have many resources right here in the greater Seattle area. Here are just a few:
2021 9th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121-2783
Local Telephone: (206) 615-0400
Toll Free Telephone: (800) 542-0866
TDD/TTY Telephone: (206) 615-0418
Email: [email protected]
Box 357920
Seattle, WA 98195-7920
Local Telephone: (800) 214-8731
TDD/TTY Telephone: (866) 866-0162
Local Fax: (206) 543-4779
Email: [email protected].
13510 NE 188th Place
Woodinville, WA 98072
Local Phone: (888)281-1492
Email: [email protected]
- The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
2501 South Plum Street
Seattle, Washington 98144-4711
Voice: (206) 322-4200 or (800) 914-7307
Fax: (206) 329-3397
