“I Don’t Have To Be Afraid Anymore”
Rhonda Shaw’s has mild vision impairment, which is a combination of eye disorders that have prevented this 60-year old Bluffton resident from being able to drive, read, travel safely at night and recognize faces.
Born with severe astigmatism, ocular albinism, contrast sensitivity and myopia, all of which can cause visual challenges. Rhonda’s life became more complicated by the onset of macular degeneration in her dominant eye. Rhonda lost her job and eventually gave up her driver’s license in 2002. For the next 15 years Rhonda’s world grew smaller as her confidence shrank. Problems with depth perception, led to several falls during the day, turned a normal flight of stairs into a dangerous obstacle at night.
While attending a low-vision event in Lima, Rhonda met representatives from The Sight Center. The Sight Center empowered Rhonda to broaden her world and take charge of her own life. With proper lighting, magnification, and training on how to use a white cane, she began to do the things she hadn’t done in years.
Reflecting on the experience, Rhonda says “The Sight Center understood it wasn’t just about the my visual acuity but how these conditions affect my ability to stay independent.” Rhonda is once again exploring her world on her terms. “Until you showed me how to use a white cane, I didn’t have a life after dark” she said, adding “I don’t have to be afraid anymore.”
- Read more success stories
- Share your own story about vision loss
- Learn about services that may be beneficial
- Find the devices & products that might be useful
- Support The Sight Center with a donation