Our Message of Hope

For about 14 million Americans -- one of every 20 -- the inability to see well makes doing things difficult. The impact of low vision on a person's quality of life can be devastating, People with low vision have difficulty with everyday activities, such as reading the newspaper, recognizing familiar faces, or working at their jobs. Many people with low vision become socially isolated because they can no longer enjoy activities such as playing cards or going to a movie. The health of people with low vision may be compromised when they cannot recognize medications or read labels or nutritional information on food packages. Daily life becomes complicated when people are unable to travel alone or lose interest in cooking because the microwave panel or stove dials are hard to see.

What can people do about their low vision? What can they do to maintain their quality of life? How can they make the most of their remaining vision?

Vision World Wide, a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization stands ready to answer these questions. Its programs and services are designed to increase awareness that hope and help are available to people with low vision, their families and friends. It strives to help people understand what low vision is and explains what steps they can take to keep their independence despite vision loss.

It is also addressing this public health problem through one-on-one counseling via its Toll-Free Information and Referral Helpline, the availability of a wide variety of relevant free material on its Website, its partnership with a number of the leading national and international private and governmental organizations that conduct biomedical research, disease prevention, and eye health education programs, its consumer protection emphasis against unethical marketers of products and services, and through the large volume of useful information on coping with impaired vision provided in its journal, Vision Enhancement, available in alternate formats (large print, audiocassette, and computer disk with special file for Braille output.)

Vision World Wide wants people to know there is hope when vision fails. They should not accept the statement that nothing can be done about their low vision because the fact is that they can do something about it. They can improve their quality of life through vision rehabilitation services to teach them how to use their remaining vision more effectively. Using a variety of visual and adaptive devices may even bring back or help them keep their independence.

Unfortunately, people with vision loss -- particularly seniors -- tend to accept their condition and not seek help. Sadly, many older adults feel low vision is a part of aging that they have to accept. Frustration and uncertainty brought about by vision loss can result in profound changes in lifestyle, physical, economic, and psychological stresses on not only the person experiencing the problem but on their families as well.

The good news is that help does exist. There are services and devices that allow people who cannot see well to continue leading independent and full lives and Vision World Wide is committed to informing everyone not only what devices and services are available but exactly who to contact for them. Inexpensive modifications can often restore independence and make a significant difference in meeting the needs of daily living.

Vision World Wide wants to replace the idea that low vision cannot be helped with a strong message of hope. While this message may seem simple, it can and does perform miracles in helping those with vision problems to continue living life to its fullest. Always remember:

THERE IS HOPE WHEN VISION FAILS!