"A lot of times when I first sit down with a patient, they'll tell me 'I can't flip pancakes anymore, but that's not gonna happen,'" O'Hanlon says with a knowing smile. "Well, wait — it will happen. I can show you how to do that."

From viewing family photos to cooking favorite meals, O'Hanlon specializes in finding affordable and practical solutions for people dealing with all types and levels of vision loss. While some specialized devices can cost upwards of $600-700, she emphasizes starting with simpler approaches.

"When clients come to us wanting solutions, I'll start with the low-tech solution first," she explains. "We see if it works, if it's appropriate, if it's helpful. If not, then we gradually move to higher-tech options until we find what works."

Sometimes, the best solution is already in your pocket. 

"A lot of times I can show you a trick with your smartphone that will solve the problem," O'Hanlon notes. She's an expert in accessibility features across different devices, and often finds that combining basic elements like lighting, magnification, and contrast can make a dramatic difference.

"Lighting is a big issue that people tend to overlook," she demonstrates while showing how to use a phone's camera and flashlight together as an illuminated magnifier. "They want to jump right to magnification, but when you combine lighting, magnification, and contrast – that's where you get the biggest bang for your buck."

The Cleveland Sight Center offers comprehensive support beyond just technological solutions. 

"We have classes, leisure activities, and people who will come to your house to teach you how to cook and manage your daily business independently," O'Hanlon explains. "We can teach you anything you need to learn – it's just a matter of calling us, and we'll get you plugged in."

For O'Hanlon, the most rewarding part of her work is witnessing those breakthrough moments when clients realize they can still do the things they love. Her message is clear: losing vision doesn't mean losing hope. With constantly improving technology and dedicated support, there's almost always a solution waiting to be discovered.

"That's part of why I love my job," she says, beaming. "You're making a huge, huge difference."