Lisa, a friendly Palmerston North local, enjoys tending to her garden pots, joining in on regular walking groups, and catching up over coffee every fortnight at meetups organised by Blind Low Vision NZ.
In 2021, a routine eye check brought some unexpected news for Lisa, she was diagnosed with macular degeneration. Lisa already had cataracts, but with them corrected, she was still able to drive – until her right eye got worse. She tried injections to help with her macular degeneration, but they didn’t work. Driving became unsafe, so Lisa had to stop working. Day-to-day life got tricky too, she found herself bumping into doorways and worrying about steps.
“I want to handle my life as it is. I just want to keep going.
I would have fallen over, I would have tripped… I don’t know how I would have got on without their help. It’s quite scary when you can’t see very well.”
The hospital told Lisa to go back to her optician for regular check-ups, but didn’t mention the support available from Blind Low Vision NZ. Taking matters into her own hands, Lisa found the number – 0800 24 33 33 – to speak to Blind Low Vision NZ herself. “They picked up straightaway,” says Lisa. “The action was very swift. I was amazed.”
Soon after, a staff member visited Lisa at home. “She told me all these different things I didn’t know about,” Lisa says. One of the helpful tools she received was a writing pad with extra-large lines, perfect for jotting down her shopping lists. Another staff member came by to start Orientation and Mobility training, teaching Lisa how to use a white cane. At first, the white cane felt unfamiliar. But once she learned to use it, something clicked. “It’s like a little magic stick really,” Lisa says with a smile. She now uses it to safely cross roads, use escalators, and catch buses.
Lisa has her confidence back. She’s back to visiting friends and shopping independently, and no more tripping over tree roots!
“I’ve been given my independence back by Blind Low Vision NZ. I don’t know how I would have got on without their help.”
These days, Lisa’s pottering around the garden, walking the university block, learning French on Duolingo, and looking after her chickens. She’s feeling confident again – and she’s not slowing down.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, call Blind Low Vision NZ on 0800 24 33 33 or use the Make an Enquiry form on our Contact Us page.
Next :
Hmm, no more results were found, click here to return to all "Our Stories".