Sight accounts for 90% to 95% of all sensory perceptions. More than 11 million people in the United States suffer from visual impairments that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Of these, half a million are legally blind and 1.5 million are severely impaired and cannot read ordinary newsprint.
Right here in Niagara County, more than 5,000 people have some type of visual impairment.
Imagine having difficulty seeing and no longer being able to drive to get groceries, go to the doctor or visit friends. Changes in vision can prevent a person from reading mail, reading a recipe or taking a walk around the block — things many of us take for granted.
Sensory changes that accompany aging can cause less effective functioning in society and in carrying out personal activities. Many older adults can cope with changes in vision, but some extra help is appreciated. It is a wonderful feeling to live on your own and to be independent.
If you or someone you care about is visually impaired, we have amazing resources right here in Western New York. The Dale Association offers many services to the public. One of these services is a Vision Program. Under the direction of Nancy Smith, this program can assist people with low vision and eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and other vision problems. This program is open to anyone age 60 and older in Niagara County and is free of charge.
Resources available through this program including information on eye care specialists, in-home visits from an occupational therapist for vision evaluation, low vision adaptive equipment and continued help with coping with vision loss. Adaptive equipment includes assistive devices to help one remain independent in their home.
The Dale can also help enroll you in the New York State Talking Book Library. This is a free service for those who like to read. Clients receive free books and a listening device. It is all delivered in the mail free of charge. After listening to a book, all you do is put the book back in your mailbox. The postal service will make sure it gets back.
The Dale Association is also fortunate to have an on-site branch of the WNY Center for the Visually Impaired. Dr. John Rundquist, a low vision specialist, is on site one day each month. He uses a team approach to the rehabilitation of visual impairments such as macular degeneration. The team includes optometrist, opticians and vision rehabilitation specialists who help the individual adapt to their vision loss. After reviewing your goals and following a low vision evaluation, the doctor will make recommendations.
Rundquist is available for appointments in Lockport (call 716-668-1166 to schedule one) and will also be at The Dale Association at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 10 to present information about services. The public is invited to come meet Rundquist and learn more about low vision services. Nancy Smith will also be presenting information about Dale Association services. Both will be available for questions. To reserve your seat, call 716-433-1886 or stop in at 33 Ontario St.
The Dale Association and Rundquist have a long-standing relationship and a common goal of partnering for the benefit of people with visual impairment. I hope you will consider attending the Sept. 10 presentation if you or someone you care about is visually impaired.