Tools for Talking About Vision Loss

Douglas Walker: What do you say to family and friends–neighbors even–when you find out you have vision loss? You know… you’re not sure that you know how to handle it yourself, let alone get anyone else involved. Well, that’s what we’re here for.

My name is Douglas Walker. And I’ve been living with vision loss for quite a few years now. And I tell you… talking with my family and friends about my vision loss has been really important. It’s not always easy. But it’s important. You want those around you to support and understand what you’re going through.

Now people you live with probably already have some ideas about your vision. A spouse or a partner may have gone to the eye doctor with you. Or adult children may have mentioned changes in your behavior. Maybe your grandchildren have asked why you aren’t reading them a story.

It helps for you to be upfront about what’s happening with your vision. You don’t want people jumping to their own conclusion.

Ed Haines: Now that you've had a chance to learn a bit with us, we'd like to learn more about you. Your name, email address, how you heard about Hadley and your relationship to vision loss.

Learning more will give us a better understanding of how to personalize Hadley just for you. And don't worry, everything you share with us online will be kept safe and secure. Of course, if you prefer to talk through these questions we're just a phone call away at 800-323-4238. Taking these few steps saves your preferences so you can continue right where you left off and track your progress every time you logon.

Plus it connects you to the Hadley community and helps sustain our funding to keep Hadley free of charge. And last but not least, it gives you direct access to experts like me. Now, where were we?