Low Vision Support Groups

Low vision support groups are important, especially after you are just diagnosed with your condition. It doesn’t matter what degenerative eye disease you have, living with low vision means living in an entirely different way than those around you.

It is important to participate in support group (whether locally or online) to help you move through the stages of coping with your disease. It doesn’t matter if you’re suffering from Angiod Streaks like myself, diabetic retinopathy or even macular degeneration, having a group that understands what you are going through and can help guide you is important.

Never underestimate the power of having a network of help. support groups are where people with low vision come together to share their experiences, stories, frustrations and just to vent. Also, it is a prime location to find solutions to what you are going through — because many of the groups’ members have been there before.

Low Vision Support Groups Help with Depression

It is imperative you gain a sense of independence with your low vision. As you lose vision, it is hard to do everyday things — like reading the mail, driving, making dinner or even writing a check to pay your bills. Each task that you can no longer do becomes a source for frustration — making you want to give up altogether.

While you may turn to family and friends for assistance, they don’t understand what it is like to live with vision loss. They will offer to do everything for you, making your independence further and further from reality. vision support groups are full of individuals who know what it is like to lose their vision and they have resources and experiences that can help you regain your independence, discover solutions around tasks youcannot do, and even help you emotionally cope with the loss of your vision.

Low Vision Support Groups to Consider

Vision Aware – Here you can find a list of support groups based on where you live.
Vision Exchange – This is a list of vision loss support groups that may help with your low vision.
Ears for Eyes – This database is for local support groups.
Family Caregiver Alliance – This was originally created as a non-profit organization to help family and friends of low vision patients, but they also have state and local caregiver services.
National Federation for the Blind – Here you will find online support groups for low vision.
Hadley School for the Blind – There are free online courses you will find here that help you deal with low vision and

Apps and Technology for Low Vision

There are many apps and technological devices out there that can help you cope with low vision too. As you look for a low vision support group near you, don’t forget to look at these applications as well. For example, iBlink Radio is an iPhone app that offers radio stations, podcasts and news stories — and it was designed for those suffering from blindness and low vision. By subscribing, you can hear podcasts about independent living, computers, radio technology and more. Find more apps here.

people coming together to help & share low vision solutions

Using Technology to Assist Your Low Vision Transition

In my goal to provide you all the support you need in order to best handle your low vision situation, I’ve researched the area of low vision technology.

This has resulted in a vast knowledge bank in terms of the assistive technology products available to us that help us live more independently.

As you’re investigating low vision support groups and joining the best one for your situation, I invite you to find out about the high tech gear that can ease your day-to-day burdens. Sound interesting? Fill out the form below and I'll send you details.