Tag: OE Patients Podcast

  • Give Yourself the Gift of Empowerment

    Give Yourself the Gift of Empowerment

    The end of one year and the beginning of another is the perfect time to consciously consider ways we can do better with vision loss. Being aware of helpful resources and getting motivated to make small changes is a strategy that pays back in multiples. There is no limit to what you do, so select one empowering step you can take today and come back for another soon. We’ve curated a collection of our favorite OE articles and podcast from this year to get you inspired.

    Here’s a small change you can make right away. If you’d prefer to have the text of pages on OE read to you, just click the button marked “Listen” on the upper right menu.

    OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.
    OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

    Must Know Info About Adjusting To Vision Loss

    Too many patients with low vision believe “nothing can be done” to improve their quality of life. In this episode Dorrie Rush and Jaydan Mitchell are busting that myth with a review of just the basics everyone needs to know about living better with vision loss. Listen to the Podcast Here

    Savvy senior woman happily using smartphone.
    Savvy senior woman happily using smartphone.

    Your Smartphone is a Comprehensive Low Vision Device

    Living with vision loss, like living in a pandemic, requires us to accept change and embrace technology. Digital access is no longer an option, it is a necessity.  Every patient experiencing changes in vision should know there are a multitude of accessibility options, available in their smartphones (and tablets), designed to help compensate low vision. Read More

    Senior man talking using smartphone voice assistant outdoors.
    Senior man talking using smartphone voice assistant outdoors.

    How Ai Compensates Vision Loss

    Today, Ai is ubiquitous. The technology that simulates human thought processing and response has the power to make many things a lot easier to deal with. It gives visual information a voice, and that is a dream come true for people with vision loss. But the real beauty is that it’s good for everyone. Read More

    Image of woman dancing with man on beach.
    Image of woman dancing with man on beach.

    Start Aging Better Today

    The COVID pandemic brought a sharp focus to the high risk category that combines factors of aging with underlying conditions. We asked OE contributor and wellness expert, Michelle Milgrim, to help us understand how we can stay healthy with age. Her advice is inspiring. Read More

    Image shows older man happily using a tablet.
    Image shows older man happily using a tablet.

    Learning at Any Age with Vision Loss 2020

    The path of least resistance is rarely the best route anywhere. There are untold rewards awaiting right outside the comfort zone. This is true for everyone, particularly as we age, and especially as we adjust to a visual impairment or legal blindness. Read More

    OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.
    OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

    Ben Benson, Restaurateur 

    In our converstion, restaurateur Ben Benson shares his experience building a successful business, all the while dealing with progressive vision loss. He takes us from the start of TGI Fridays, to Smith & Wollensky and Ben Benson’s Steakhouse. He speaks of the many adjustments he made throughout, and how his favorite technologies — iPhone, Siri and Alexa — help him compensate. Ben passed away in April 2020 at the age of 89, here is a tribute in the NY Times.  Listen to the Podcast Here

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  • Hindsight is 2020

    Hindsight is 2020

    As we get ready to say “good riddance” to 2020, it is worth taking a moment to review how very different this year turned out from the one we were expecting.  It has been a difficult year in many ways for everyone, while it imposed much greater pain on some than on others. We learned that living in a pandemic, like living with vision loss, requires a willingness to adapt, adjust and accept that life is going to be different. 2020 is a year we will remember vividly and with the clarity its number represents. So before waving so long and farewell, let’s take a look at some of the titles on OE Patients that recall why hindsight is 2020.

    If you’d prefer to have the text of pages on OE read to you, just click the button marked “Listen” on the upper right menu.

    Image of social distance line markers. of social distance line markers.
    Image of social distance line markers.

    The New, New Normal

    Until recently the concept of social distancing, or self isolating, was generally discouraged, especially for people with vision loss. Now it’s a necessity for our ongoing health and well-being. Just a few weeks ago, seeing someone veer off course, to avoid getting too close, or refusing to ride an elevator with you, would have felt very strange. Now we are raising a hand to show appreciation for the consideration of the expanded need for personal space. The wave has supplanted the smile, which is no longer detectable under our masks. And with nose and mouth coverings mandated, many more people are finding their ability to recognize faces is temporarily impaired. Read More

     

    Image of Cats Production on Broadway.
    Image of Cats Production on Broadway.

    Accessing the Arts in Place

    Online, it is also possible to continue enjoying culture and the arts through virtual tour and live-stream video. For people with vision loss, streaming live events can assure a seat front and center. Here are just a few of the options, although a Google search will reveal an abundance to choose from. Some opportunities are for a limited period while live gatherings are discouraged. Read More

     

    Closeup Image of Doctor's Eyes in a Surgical Mask
    Closeup Image of Doctor’s Eyes in a Surgical Mask

    Ophthalmology in a Time of Corona

    As ophthalmologists move from the urgent care-only phase, to scheduling routine eye exams again, it is important to know how patient safety is being protected. By now, all practices should be posting updated pandemic policies prominently on the homepage of their website, and including the update in the recorded messaging for patients contacting the office by phone. Being aware of the changes you will encounter during your next office visit will elevate your comfort and trust in the process. Read More

     

    Colorful cleaning supplies on a light pink background.
    Colorful cleaning supplies on a light pink background.

    Spring 2020: Get Clean and Sanitized

    The first day of Spring 2020 arrived with very little fanfare. Our focus instead turned to copious cleansing, social distancing and sheltering in place. It can be difficult not to dwell on the devastating COVID-19 news of the day. Staying healthy and safe is everyone’s priority.  We suggested a spring cleaning project as a needed boost to mental health and overall well-being, although these tips apply all year long. Read More

     

    OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.
    OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

    Dr. Allen Ho Talks Pandemic Safety & Eye Care

    Listen to our insightful conversation with internationally recognized retina specialist, Allen. C. Ho, MD on the risks of deferring eye exams, the implementation of safety measures and how the lessons of the pandemic can improve options of convenience for patients longterm. Listen Here

     

    OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.
    OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

    WFH – Work From Home

    Making work from home work for you, with Dorrie Rush, Jane Breheney and Jaydan Mitchell. Listen Here

     

    Image shows: Hands holding envelope with “VOTE” printed on it.
    Image shows: Hands holding envelope with “VOTE” printed on it.

    Voting with Vision Loss 2020

    To be sure, the United States election of 2020 was an historic day inside a record-breaking year. Because we voted in a pandemic, more accessible voting options were extended to all eligible voters. The expansion of early voting, and voting by absentee ballot, provides every voter with the opportunity to vote safely while minimizing the potential for crowding at polling venues. Read More

     

    Image shows financial documents for estate planning.
    Image shows financial documents for estate planning.

    Putting Your Affairs in Order

    There is no denying, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to ask ourselves some important questions. Have I prioritized my health and well-being? Do I have enough saved for an emergency? Do I want the ventilator or not? Who gets my property should I die? Suddenly we faced the cold realization, there is no guarantee of tomorrow. As social activities deferred to a later date, the idea of creating a will began moving to the top of many a to-do list. Read More

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  • Best of OE 2019

    Best of OE 2019

    As the pandemic continues, we can’t help but feel nostalgic for 2019, so let’s circle back for a look at OE’s top pages last year.  Here’s the list with links, for our most popular posts and podcasts.  If you’d prefer to have the text of pages read to you, just click the button marked “Listen” on the upper right menu.

     

    Fresh vegetables and fruits spread out on a gray table.

    The Anti-AMD Diet

    The foods we consume can play a powerful role in preventing or minimizing the progression of age-related macular degeneration.  Read Now

     

    Worker with hard hat falling onto concrete floor.
    Worker with hard hat falling onto concrete floor.

    Don’t Take The Fall, Prevent It

    Falling becomes significantly more dangerous as we age.  Alice Massa, OT, shares her expert advice aimed at elevating awareness and lowering our risk of taking the fall at all.  This page was so popular, we decided to record a podcast with the same title…linked with our podcasts below.  Read Now

     

    Three seniors using different technology in a living room.

    OE Agrees With AAO

    The American Academy of Ophthalmology says many more people will have low vision in the coming years and the tragedy is most are unaware of how to deal with it.  OE highlights the information everyone needs to know.  
    Read Now

     

    Alexa app screen showing a list of featured and new books.

    Alexa, Read My Book

    Alexa can read Kindle and Audible books from a Fire tablet or an Echo speaker.  Once it’s set up, all you have to do is ask.  Read Now

     

    View of the left side of a black car with Uber sticker.

    Your Driver Has Arrived

    Ride-sharing services are available with the tap of an app.  Here are some tips for customers with vision loss.
    Read Now

     

    Couple dancing together in a living room.

    Healthy Aging And Eyes

    Healthy aging is not just about how you look, it has everything to do with how you see.  Take these steps today to preserve your sight for tomorrow.  Read Now

     

    Hand taking a picture of supermarket bottles with a smartphone.

    Aira Adds A Free Tier

    If you’ve ever wished you could just borrow a good pair of eyes to help with a quick task, you’ll definitely want to read this post.  Read Now

     

    Hands holding present with Christmas gifts and ornaments around on a green background.
    Hands holding a present with more gifts and ornaments on a green background.

    Hottest Low Vision Gifts

    Our gift guide from last season remained a top page all year and the selection holds up beautifully. Read Now

    This year’s list is also not to be missed.  Read Now

     

    OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

    OE Patients Podcast

    There is no doubt about it, the big star of 2019 was the launch of our podcast.  Subscribe to OE Patients Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen on OE.

    Episode 1: Siri, Google & Alexa

    Episode 2: Don’t Take The Fall, Prevent It

    Episode 3: A Conversation With Hadley’s Douglas Walker

    Subscribe to our Monthly Roundup emails so you won’t miss a thing in 2020!  Sign Up Now

    This post was first published December 19, 2019 and resurfaced September 3, 2020.