Members Stories
Lucy's Story
Lucy was a successful fashion designer aged just 30 and with her own home when she developed MS. First she lost sight in one eye, and eighteen months later lost her remaining sight in her second eye.
Lucy went from having everything to being unable to work or drive in just a matter of months.
Lucy was left without support and desperately worried about her future. Sight Support Derbyshire helped Lucy to make the most of her sight, and crucially, provided advice and guidance to ensure she could stay in her own home. Lucy has been volunteering for Sight Support Derbyshire and helping others suffering from sight loss ever since.
Jack's Story
Jack is a gentleman in his early 60's with sight problems caused by a stroke. Jack also has Multiple Sclerosis and suffers from severe tremors. These tremors make it impossible for Jack to hold conventional magnifiers. He was referred to Sight Support Derbyshire by his local optometrist.
Having suggested trying the monomouse electronic magnifier - supplied to Jack free of charge on a long-term loan through the Low Vision Scheme - we had great fun climbing behind the TV set to find a spare scart socket, but to no avail. Not one to give up easily Jack arranged for a second TV set to be borrowed from his family and this was sitting on the kitchen table when he was re-visited. Early signs suggested the mouse may have been of some help, though none of us were entirely sure.
Doing the follow up call three weeks later Jack's wife answered the phone. Explaining it was the lady from Sight Support Derbyshire calling about the magnifiers, I was greeted with the words "oh, that mouse!". Initially I was unsure if this was a good or bad response, however it was quickly followed up with "please don't ask for it back - he'll cry!". Jack's wife then went on to say how he was using the mouse constantly. Whilst she was pleased that this meant he could read his newspapers again, she wasn't quite so keen that he could now read all the mail that arrived at the house - including the bills!
The monomouse is just one example of the equipment that can be provided through the Low Vision Scheme - a service currently funded by the Derby City and Derbyshire County PCTs and administered by Sight Support Derbyshire.
Other formats
If you would like this information in any other format or language including large print, audio transcription or Braille please contact us
loading...