It was a little over a year ago when Rita Laurion realized something wasn’t right – something was going on with her eyes. “My vision was so blurry I couldn’t read! I visited several different doctors, had lots of eye exams but for several months they were baffled. No one knew what was wrong with me.
Finally, after months had passed, I was diagnosed with Fuchs’ dystrophy in my left eye. Scared, angry and frustrated – that’s how I felt. You see, when you begin to lose your sight you don’t expect the changes that come. It all happens so fast!”
The doctor who finally diagnosed me gave me two options. I could either let the disease take its course, or have surgery to correct the problem. However, with the surgery there was a small chance that I could go completely blind. This was not a chance I wanted to take. My eye doctor recommended I call the New Hampshire Association for the Blind. He said I’d be able to get the help I needed and start making the most of the vision I have left. Three years earlier I had received help from the Association but this phone call was one of the most important phone calls I’ve ever made.
Soon after my call I met with Emily, a certified social worker, who helped develop my service plan. Denise, my low vision specialist, came out and helped me find the right magnifiers, devices and special glasses so I could read the newspaper and watch TV. Kathy, a vision rehab therapist, also came to my home and put special indicator markings on the appliances in my kitchen so I can continue to cook my favorite meals.
I miss having full vision but I’m a believer! I know that I have so much to be thankful for. Blessed with a wonderful life, supportive family and Ray, my best friend and husband of 60 years, I couldn’t ask for more!