by David Ball
Staff Writer
For more than 30 years, Jacksonville resident Mada Allen has lived with declining sight caused by macular degeneration, where quite simply, a portion of her retina has deteriorated to cause a loss of central vision.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that macular degeneration is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in Americans older than 50, affecting more than 2 million people.
Allen, 93, knows she’ll never have close to normal sight again, but she hopes with the help of the Low Vision Center of Northeast Florida based in Riverside, she may one day read again.
“I don’t know if there is much help for me, but they are trying hard,” said Allen, who had just finished her first exam after being referred by her doctor.
“I’ve had a lot of treatment through the years, and I’ve been to many places,” Allen added. “I’ve never had a more thorough and considerate exam.”
Thoroughness is a necessity, said Clinical Director Dr. Tiffany Owens, who states the center’s mission in three parts — to provide comprehensive visual rehabilitation to individuals with permanent vision loss so they may maximize the use of their remaining vision; to provide a place of comfort and a source of hope for individuals who experience difficulties caused by vision loss; and to be a perpetual resource for guidance and information to all patients.
A recent report by Owens shows the center is succeeding in its mission, and doing so while operating as a certified 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Eye Research Foundation of Jacksonville started the center last January and still provides some funding, although the center is moving closer to becoming self-sustaining.
During the second quarter of 2007, Owens reported the center saw 11 new patients a week, just short of the operational goal of 15 new patients a week. An average of eight follow-up patients filled out the weekly load.
The center uses a sliding pay scale so no patient is turned away due to an inability to pay, and Owens reports the center is working to add Aetna, Humana, Wellcare and Tricare to the participating insurance providers.
Allen said her visits and purchases of any visual aide devices could be completely covered by her insurance.
“It’s very rewarding,” said Owens, “to be able to help somebody see what they want to see, to have patients who have not been able to read in years and then we put some glasses on them, and ‘wow.’”
A patient’s visit begins with a vision examination and a discussion of the patient’s goals. Then Certified Low Vision Therapist Kim Rigdon guides patients through a cornucopia of resources, tips on how to live with low vision and technology and devices that can help patients live more normal lives.
“It could be as simple as changing the size of text on their home computer screens that could really make a difference for people,” said Rigdon. “We can go through the activities of daily living — putting on makeup, shaving, brushing teeth — and help make it easier for people with low vision.”
Many devices can also help, and the center offers everything from simple magnifying lenses to portable magnifying LCD screens and even wearable devices that can even allow some patients to drive in certain states (although not in Florida).
Owens said one of her most memorable patients was 16-year-old Allan Bailey, an accomplished violin player who could hardly read his music due to low vision. After a trip to the Low Vision Center, Bailey was fitted with a wearable electronic magnifier (think Geordie from “Star Trek: The Next Generation”) and has continued his success in music.
“Most people leave with something,” said Owens. “Not always is it perfect like they wanted, but a lot of it, too, is learning to accept and live with the vision loss.”
Owens said it’s the success stories like these that make her feel like she’s making a difference, and that the Low Vision Center will be around to help many more patients across North Florida and South Georgia.
“I like the amount of time you get to spend with patients, and you feel like you are a part of their lives,” she said. “It’s very rewarding.”
The Low Vision Center is located at 2519 Riverside Ave. and can be reached at 389-9989.