Rosalinde's Story
A blood clot caused her vision loss but with bi-optic driving evaluation & training through Spectrios' Sight for the Road program got her back behind the wheel, just in time to be part of her son's driver's education.
In 1998, at the age of 24, Rosalinde was a single mother of two young boys (age 4.5 years and 1.5 years). She was working full time as a manager at a currency exchange and had just moved into her own apartment. Then she woke up with a blood clot that caused her to lose vision to the point that she was immediately unable to work, drive, or even perform the most basic care for her children.
Over the years Rosalinde has had a total of nine surgeries on her left eye and three on her right eye.
By 2001, Rosalinde could see shadows and some colors. She could walk with some assistance and would help her son with his schoolwork by having him read out the questions/directions. During this time, Rosalinde returned to school to earn her degree in Early Childhood Education. She graduated in 2003 but was unable work because of ongoing eye surgeries.
In 2009 Rosalinde underwent a kidney and pancreas transplant.
In 2011 one of Rosalinde’s doctor’s asked her what her life goal was. At the time her oldest son was getting ready to begin his driver’s education. Rosalinde told her doctor that if she could find a way to drive, she could be an active part of her son's driver's education rather than watching from the sidelines. Her doctor gave her a pamphlet about the Spectrios Sight for the Road program and told her. “I’m not sure if they can help you, but it’s worth a shot.” Rosalinde made an appointment at Spectrios with Dr. John Coalter, who tested her for bi-optic driving and referred her to Marianjoy for behind-the-wheel training.
Today, Rosalinde is a newlywed. Her husband gave her a sewing machine, and she took to her new hobby immediately. Using her bi-optic telescope and a handheld magnifier, she now sews purses, dresses, and baptism robes for members of her church congregation. Although she doesn't work outside the home, Rosalinde sells her handmade purses at local craft fairs. With a natural talent for design, she creates her dresses freehand, without patterns. She credits her vision loss with teaching her patience in every area of life.
Looking ahead, Rosalinde hopes to get involved in youth ministry at her church, continue developing her craft, and inspire others to become the best version of themselves.
Rosalinde was first interviewed for this story in 2016. If you would like to receive more stories of hope and practical information from Spectrios Institute for Low Vision.
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