Frank – Sydney, AUSTRALIA
“My vision isn’t good,” explains Frank. “I love to cook but can’t read the recipes, let alone the labels on the food. I only have the peripheral vision in my left eye, making it difficult for me to see anything - especially now that my right eye has started deteriorating.”
Frank tried using magnifiers but found that they weren’t strong enough for him to make out words and sentences.
“The magnifiers didn’t work for me. It was almost impossible for me to write something down and then read what I had written, which was so disheartening. I tried to put together a photo album for my grandchildren of their father when he was a boy, but I just couldn’t see the photos.”
Frank is one of many elderly Australians who experienced great difficulty after being diagnosed with Macular Degeneration and consequently was diagnosed with depression by his doctor.
“One thing I have found is that people are very understanding and helpful if they know I have low vision. There is one lass down at the chemist who helps me sign my prescriptions, and the pharmacist explains everything thoroughly. They know I can’t see them, so they make up for it by guiding me and giving me help where I need it.”
“I have also had an Occupational Therapist come to my house to help me adapt to everyday life with low vision. I now use a cane when I head down to the shops, and she has taught me some helpful tips on crossing the road safely and travelling on public transport.”
“It’s hard to think that there must be others out there who are suffering from MD. I want to help to get the message out there that there is nothing more important than having your eyes tested. It might just save your sight.”
