OE Patients

Tag: Jerry Rosenberg

  • A Tribute To Jerry Rosenberg

    A Tribute To Jerry Rosenberg

    Our friend and colleague, Jerry Rosenberg, passed away on November 5, 2019, his 89th birthday.  He was a loving husband, father, grand and great-grandfather.  He lived life with purpose, not allowing progressive vision and hearing loss or age, to thwart his mission to help others.  Jerry chaired a support group, affiliated with the Association for Macular Diseases, for more than two decades.  He loved to write and never stopped, his second book was published just weeks ago.  He will be missed, but not forgotten.

    Jerry’s distinct voice will continue to be heard through his articles published on the pages of OE Patients.  We are honored to share a bit of his legacy with this memorial tribute.

    Little girl eating ice cream over blue background.

    Grandpa, You Can See That?

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    The vision loss of a family member or friend is not always easily understood by those around us.  In this article, Jerry offers an honest assessment with a healthy dose of humor.

     

    Process of cataract surgery in modern clinic.

    Cataracts Removed, Vision Improved

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    After years of advice not to remove cataracts, Jerry gets the go ahead and reports an excellent outcome.

     

    Older man using smartphone at park during the summer
    Content older man using smartphone at part in summer.

    You’re Never Too Old To Learn

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    In this post, Jerry reminds us that age should not be a barrier to leaning something new, particularly for those of us with vision loss, there is much to gain in adopting and adapting.

     

    Happy senior man using computer at home office.

    Hooray For Inclusive Technology

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    With the help of multiple accessible technologies, the writer in Jerry Rosenberg, does not skip a beat.

     

    Ophthalmologist checking patient’s eyes on white background.

    A New Doctor, A New Course

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    Jerry reminds us, sometimes when least expected, a new doctor will give you a whole new perspective.

     

    Senior man smiling while using digital tablet in living room.

    ICanConnect Promotes Equal Access

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    Because Jerry was both legally blind and hearing impaired he was able to benefit from the ICanConnect program, receiving computer technologies and training that enabled him to communicate digitally and continue writing.

     

    Jerry Rosenberg is the author of two books, The Speechwriter and My Granddaughter “The Junkie” – available on Amazon.

     

  • Cataracts Removed, Vision Improved

    Cataracts Removed, Vision Improved

    For many years I asked my retina specialists (and there have been many) about the removal of cataracts.  For the most part they all said, “The risk isn’t worth the reward.”  Then finally, my current physician, Dr, Michael Tolentino, agreed it was time.  He said his perspective changed from that of caution and concern that the surgery could exacerbate the underlying macular degeneration.  He was beginning to see that patients who opted to have the cataract removal procedure were getting very good results in terms of clearer and brighter sight. 

    Dr. Tolentino recommended Dr. Melissa Iglasius, who he said was very competent and experienced in cataract surgery.  I interviewed the surgeon, and she gained my complete confidence.  Dr. Iglasius said definitively, “Standard surgery is sufficient, no need for laser or crystal lenses.”  There would be no additional out of pocket expense.

    I had both eyes done, within the last four weeks and the results are truly amazing.  Bear in mind that my visual acuity was 20/400 in the left eye and 20/200 in the right.  Before the surgery I could not see the letters on a ZoomText large print computer keyboard.  I can now see the letters clearly.  At this point I can also make out items in the fridge, that I could not see before.  The clarity in my peripheral vision is noticeably improved.  I still have macular disease, but the increase in light is a big step up.  The eye drops are to be continued in the right eye for 16 days, so there is potential to regain more clarity.

    Illustration showing normal eye on the left and eye with cataract on the right.

    When asked, at the support group meetings I run, about the removal of cataracts with AMD, my reply was always, “Discuss it with your retina specialist.”  The fact remains, a careful review of the possible risks and rewards of any medical treatment, should be addressed with your physician.  Today, based on my experience, I would also be inclined to encourage others to explore the options with an open mind.

    Cataract surgery is over in 15 minutes, recovery from anesthesia, depending on which one you chose, is relatively short.  It is well advised to adhere to the follow up instructions including a regimen of drops, no bending over, no rubbing the eye, and using anti-bacterial cleanser.  In my case, the reward was certainly worth the risk.  Thanks to Dr. Iglasius.

     

  • Grandpa, You Can See That?

    Grandpa, You Can See That?

    There is a famous proverb I learned in drama class many years ago and thought it apropos for this article.  “Do not judge a man until you’ve walked two moons in his moccasins.”  I offer up this advice, with a tinge of humor, for family, friends, colleagues and caregivers.  Having contracted macular degeneration more than 50 years ago, I feel well qualified to share my insights.

    Grandkids, or maybe even spouses, leave shoes, toys, and other obstacles in the middle of the living room floor.  They know you have a visual impairment, but it’s their house too, and this is normal behavior.  There are other usual and obvious hazards created by loved ones all the time, unintentionally.  Cabinet doors, closet doors, and drawers left open are undetectable by my eyes until it’s too late, and a collision is the end game.  The Bible tells us, not to place stumbling blocks in the path of the blind.  Although this may be a metaphor for life’s travails, for me it’s a truism.

    The pointing finger really gets my goat.  I walk into a retail store wearing the standard blindness indicators, dark glasses and white cane.  I ask a sales associate for help locating an item.  The answer comes back, “It’s over there,” and I see, peripherally, the finger is pointing in a general direction.  To avoid repeating this experience, I learned it’s best to immediately go to the register and state directly, “Can you help me find something? I’m blind.”  This pronouncement is necessary because in many stores the training is not inclusive of the accouterments of vision loss, or how to accommodate customers who are visually impaired.

    My lovely wife is always exhorting me to use the motorized cart when we shop, because I have difficulty walking.  I constantly tell her, “Honey, I’m blind in my left eye, leaving me with no depth perception, and I’m afraid I’ll hit somebody.”

    Neighbors, not accustomed to living with a person who has low vision, can be unaware of the pitfalls.  Serving me water in a clear glass is a risky move, placing the glass on a mirrored coffee table top, totally treacherous.

    Sometimes, even the youngest child can surprise you.  It happened on a trip to the zoo with our 5 year old great-granddaughter.  We were enjoying ice cream cones and getting a little messy.  My wife asked where the ladies room was and I pointed to the restrooms behind her.  My little one exclaimed, “Grandpa, you can see that?”  I told her that I knew where it was because I had used the facilities before, but was charmed at her cognition of my condition.

    And a child shall lead the way.

     

  • Hooray For Inclusive Technology

    Hooray For Inclusive Technology

    As I sit down to write an article, a book or a letter, I am really amazed by the many devices that are now available for people with low vision.  I am happy to have them and to have learned to utilize and become comfortable with them.

    A computer with a 26 inch monitor, ZoomText magnification and speech program and large print yellow keyboard, greet me each morning.  I am legally blind, so it is set to show the date and time in very large print.

    An electronic magnifier (CCTV) sits beside my computer, for increasing the size of printed text for research and writing.  A recently purchased printer that scans and copies, enables the scanning of articles and images directly into the computer.  I use a laser printer as well, set up just to print labels.

    I have the luxury of an Amazon Echo and Alexa, which I ask to confirm spelling on any words I am unsure of, and Siri on my iPhone also answers many questions I have. Google too, is very smart and efficient at answering questions about almost anything in the world!

    My iPhone enables texting by voice, using Siri or Dictation, and Siri reads text messages and emails to me.  There is a Speech option in iOS Accessibility Settings that allows me to highlight text and have it read back aloud.  There is also a full function screen reader called VoiceOver, that reads everything when it is engaged. 

    I’m in the process of learning Dragon Speech to Text, which will then enable me to speak directly to the computer and have the words converted to text, appearing on the screen.  This could bring a whole new approach to my writing.

    If technology issues arise there is technical support available 24/7.  Apple’s Accessibility Support Line (877-204-3930) provides expert help for all Apple products. Microsoft products are supported by the Disability Answer Desk (800-936-5900) by phone, and also with the Be My Eyes app, which provides visual assistance.

    You might also try, Talking Camera, Seeing AI and Magnifying Glass on your smartphone, or look through your app store for any of these accessibility apps that can make life a bit easier.  One of my most precious possessions is a mini electronic magnifier that I can carry with me, but now with a magnifying app in the phone, I no longer have to carry two devices.

    It feels lucky to me, having so much technology that compensates for my vision loss and allows me to continue a very productive life.  And if I can benefit from all these advances…so can you!

     

  • iCanConnect Promotes Equal Access

    iCanConnect Promotes Equal Access

    For people, like me, who are living with both significant vision and hearing loss, the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program, known as iCanConnect, was established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and signed into law in 2010 by President Barack Obama.  The program provides accessible technology and training at no cost to recipients qualified under federal disability and income guidelines.  An individual assessment determines the equipment that is granted, which includes smartphones, tablets, computers, screen readers, and braille displays.

    iCanConnect is administered by different organizations across the United States.  Helen Keller International (HKI) is one of the administrators, with offices throughout the country.  In Florida, the Florida Outreach Center for the Blind issues applications and referrals to HKI.  That’s where I first heard about this wonderful program.

    Through the program, I received a computer with all necessary software, including ZoomText, a laser printer, and an iPhone 7 Plus.  Next came the trainer, who installed everything and taught me how to handle all this great new stuff.

    The iCanConnect technology specialist arrived at my front door with a guide dog, a sign language interpreter and a driver.  It was amazing to be taught by this skilled trainer, who travels throughout the country, helping others learn, through his experience and by his powerful example.

    I can’t expound enough about the ways I have benefitted from this excellent program.  It allows me to function as a writer and lecturer.  The technology enables me to stay up to date on the latest information and resources that help people living with  macular diseases, and to communicate to my readers and listeners.  This article is one of those very efforts, intended to inform many more people about the inclusion and equal access afforded by digital technologies.

    A heartfelt thank you to President Obama and the FCC, from Jerry Rosenberg.

     

    For more information go to: iCanConnect.org

    Or Call: 800-825-4595

     

  • A New Doctor, A New Course

    A New Doctor, A New Course

    As a member of Humana for many years, I have had to change my retina specialists several times.  I was very happy with the doctor I had for the past year and was surprised when I got a call, from my eye care center, informing me that I would now be cared for by a different retina specialist.  The woman on the phone said his name was Dr. Michael Tolentino, and that he had an excellent background and credentials.  Not taking her word for it, I Googled him.  I learned that indeed this was true, having been associated with the Schepens Eye Institute in Boston that I frequented in the 1980s.  So, I made my first appointment.

    He was very friendly and warm, and surprisingly, not Italian as his name would imply, but from the Philippines.  He told us that his father was a renowned ophthalmologist, associated with Schepens. He, himself had worked in the Schepens lab when he was 14 years old.  I learned that we both knew and respected many doctors that had trained there.

    Upon perusing my records and pictures, he said that he didn’t agree with my previous retina specialist’s decision to skip the eye injection at my last visit.  He showed me the pictures: “See that white part in both eyes, we have to get rid of that, and I’ll give you the shots until we can get your vision better.”  I was amazed to hear a doctor so aggressive.

    My next question to him was: “I have cataracts in both eyes, none of my previous doctors would allow me to have them removed. They said that the risk isn’t worth the reward, which would be minimal.’’  His response was: ‘’What risk? After a couple of shots, you’ll get both removed.”

    I remembered an article on cataracts from Lighthouse International a few years ago, stating that 20% of AMD patients had better visual acuity after cataract surgery.  I also wanted to be one of those 20%.

    Well, I put my faith and my eyes in the hands of Dr. Michael Tolentino and received my first 2 injections of Avastin, done very carefully and expertly.  I’ll keep my readers posted on the results.

    To learn more about cataract surgery and AMD from the American Academy of Ophthalmology…click here. 

     

  • You’re Never Too Old To Learn

    You’re Never Too Old To Learn

    Having chaired a support group for more than 20 years in Florida, the land of seniors and thus the land of visual impairment, I see an interesting story.

    From my own observation at my meetings, where I often invite presenters, such as Magnifying America, Enhanced Vision, Optelec, Freedom Scientific, Magnifeye, OrCam, eSight, I see surprisingly little buying.

    There is interest, of course, as some of these new devices now are portable and can read to you, along with other delightful add-ons and gadgets to allow us to function as independently as possible.

    I know that I couldn’t function without one such device and I have four: one in my office, one in my bedroom and another on my patio, plus a “mini” that I carry with me.  These must-have devices of mine are video magnifiers, also known as CCTVs.

    I’m legally blind: 20/400 in my left eye and 20/300 in my right. I have lectured on the advantages of adaptive devices, iPhones, as well as others that have been developed over the years, and I would love to know what keeps some people holding back.

    I had a member recently call me asking where he could get a large-number flip phone. I said, “Get a smartphone. You don’t have to look for numbers, you just have to program the phone and then ask them to call that person.” Then I added, “Even if that person is not on your contact list, you tell the phone the number you need.”

    I don’t think a day goes by that I’m not on my computer. I wake up to search my email and close down at night, seeing what else came in. I do research, catch up on the news of the day and visit my friends and family as well as the stock market.

    The doctor tells us our hearing is bad and we run to buy a hearing aid for an average price of $3,000. We run to the eye doctor, retina specialist, or low vision optometrist, and fit new glasses, yet don’t run to buy a CCTV. We ask others to read our mail, may not be able to read a newspaper or magazine or book, yet hesitate to get an electronic magnifier to open up the world.

    One thing I picked up on while lecturing on “Low Vision Rehabilitation” really opened my eyes. A lady in the front row said, “Why should I bother? I’m 95 years old.” I came back with, “What are you waiting for?”

    No one knows for sure how much time we have left. Why not make the time we do have left as good as we can make it? If we can better our lives on this Earth, let’s go for it!


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