Posted in How I'm Adapting, Low Vision Clinic

Low Vision Clinic – Sunglasses

Posted on by One Vision

One of the first things I’ve tried is the sunglasses. To help my life be a little easier. I’ve learnt through my ‘people who can’t see good’ group, that I’ve got to be more proactive and organised, because they certainly are. An amazing bunch of people. I was out with a few of them for a drink last night ☺

So the first item that I was very hesitant to use, mainly wear, are my new sunglasses.

PICTURE DESCRIPTION Picture of my sunglasses face downwards.
PICTURE DESCRIPTION Picture of the side view of my sunglasses

I love my ordinary, everyday ones. They form, and are a part of my identity. My usual sense of style isn’t everyones, but it’s my very own. So wearing anything I haven’t picked myself doesn’t sit well. I’m rather self conscious in them so far, but the pros outway the cons rather largely. I’m sure this will fade with time. Sometimes you’ve got to try and accept decisions that aren’t or were never going to be your choice ever, however hard they maybe. As my best mate says. It sometimes looks like I’ve glued myself up, walked into the wardrobe to see what sticks.

I’ve been away for the weekend and tested them out whilst there.

Because I have Photophobia, the sun and glare is a real problem. Even on cloudy, or overcast days. Anytime of year. Usually I stay out of the sun, keep sunglasses on and sometimes still have to deal with pain around my eyes later or an almighty headache. On recent occasions, this has lasted a few days.

So when I was out on Saturday, I popped these on. They have a grey lense as they dulled the brightness for me more than the amber lenses did.

I sat in the full sun by the water for the first time in years as my eyes felt comfortable and it wasn’t bright or didn’t glare at all.

Must admit, I was abit nervous as I continued to sit in the sun other than going into the water nearby. Thinking I would pay for it later on in the day.

I didn’t.

And haven’t since!

So these sunglasses have cured a big problem to me.

They are by Cocoons Sunwear. Black/Grey C402G. Polarised, flexy temples and scratch resistant.A

Aviator style. Side lenses to block out even more of the suns brightness. Sorted!

PICTURE DESCRIPTION Black and white photo of myself looking to camera with my sunglasses on. Lips are red.
Posted in Low Vision Clinic

Low Vision Clinic Appointment

Posted on by One Vision

I’ve been to my Low Vision Appointment last week and collected quite a bounty of useful tech.

PICTURE DESCRIPTION Picture of Bayfields bag full of boxes of useful gadgets

I was led into a back room and then we discussed how I ended up in this room. Being assessed for what would suit me. I explained my difficulties so far and what was concerning me most (The Sun).

First up was magnifiers. A pocket one for reading a few words i.e. Clothes sizes, price tags, small print on packaging. This is an easypocket by Eschenbach.

Then there is a small handheld magnifier with light that we discovered I can only use by shutting one eye or there words jumble up. together. This is a Mobilux led by Eschenbach. It also come with a stand that you can use to do close up work like painting my fingernails with polish. I did this at the weekend and it was so much easier and also makes me feel better as they aren’t as ‘splodgy’ and all over the place as they once were.

Then there was a large handheld magnifier. A Ruby HD by Freedom Scientific. which I read a magazine, (Something I haven’t done for years also)and could even screenshot pictures to enlarge.

Once we had decided what would be best we went to the front desk to try out the sunglasses (cocoons) I tested amber and grey shades. The grey ones made the outside seem dull and just what i needed. The amber ones weren’t suitable as everything was still bright.

All this is for free. On permanent loan. You just have to take them back if they aren’t suitable or you don’t need them anymore. If you need them repaired, they will do that free of charge too.

This was a referral from my local sight aid charity.

I will post blogs for each item and take photos.