Spectrios is honoring 40 years of serving adults and children with vision loss. In our time, we have been blessed to be part of so many stories of hope and this year we’re sharing those stories with you! As part of our 40 Stories of Hope in 40 Weeks series, we are sharing Martha's story. Due to challenges from glaucoma and worsening corneal disease, Martha could no longer drive and needed to downsize her home. When she finally began coming to Spectrios, she found the support she needed to regain some of her independence.
Janice's Story
Janice was a teacher who loved reading. Then she developed macular degeneration. She was seeing an eye doctor, but he wasn’t being honest with her about her sight. He was telling her what she had lost, but he wasn’t telling her what was still possible.
Martha's Story
After 40 years living with glaucoma, I realized I could no longer safely drive. I was very fortunate to have family and friends provide most of my transportation needs but found it too challenging to live alone in a large house. I moved to a lifecare community where I could live independently.
After my vision worsened from corneal disease and other issues, my ophthalmologist suggested I visit Spectrios. I was already a supporter but really had little idea of how amazing their services are!
The first person I met was Dr. Williams for an examination and an explanation of my eye conditions. He was so thorough and patient, describing my situation as no one else had. He gave me hope and told me there were many tools available that Katrina (OT) and Mark, technology specialist, could show me.
So, the next person I met was Katrina. She spent time listening and learning about me and my goals. She taught me many tips to make my life easier and more independent. I left with a large print check register, a white ID cane, a portable desk light, tinted glasses, bump dots, and a lighted magnifying glass.
Then I went to see Mark. He added accessibility aids to my phone and tablet. Later, when I could no longer read my mail, he showed me new video magnifiers-one handheld and one portable desktop model. What awesome devices! I am now able to do most of my reading and writing activities independently.
The monthly support meetings on Zoom and the quarterly Brightside newsletter are also loaded with information and tips about living with low vision.
It is not only the knowledge the professionals at Spectrios share, but the kindness, compassion, and personal care they bring makes being treated at Spectrios a most excellent experience! Thank you for being here!
Mark and the Access Technology Lab demystified new technology. Mark, who also lives with vision loss, shared what he uses regularly for help in his own life. He started with the basics, like how to set up Siri to give the weather forecast or make calls. Since Janice was an avid reader, Mark also taught her how to use the library app and speak feature so she could listen to her stories. By the end of the training, she was even having fun! Janice was so excited to show Mark what she could do.
Spectrios is the beacon of hope for Janice. It has shifted her experience from struggling with vision loss to thriving with adaptability and learning. Her outlook is positive and now she has HOPE. The team at Spectrios has been an integral part of her journey. Spectrios is not just a powerful resource, it is a place of hope and support that will affect her life, and many others, for years to come.