Sandy is a great example of what happens when neighbors look out for one another. When she began losing her vision due to macular degeneration, she spent years struggling on her own. Once day, her neighbor told her about Cleveland Sight Center (CSC). After struggling with her mail and seeing faces when communicating interpersonally, she reached out. Her neighbors even gave her a ride to her first appointment!

At CSC, she had a low vision exam with one of the Clinic’s optometrists, which included some time with an occupational therapist to work on her goals. Sandy values her independence and wants to make sure that even with a vision impairment, she can continue to live how she wants to.

“I have to be independent, and I have to be able to take care of myself,” Sandy insists.

Her time with CSC showed Sandy different ways she can use her remaining vision, the tools she can use to make the most of it and how CSC can help. Through it all, Sandy felt she was in good hands with each staff member she worked with.

“There hasn't been a single soul who hasn't been as kind as they could be,” Sandy said.

Sandy’s grateful for the staff she worked with and the tools they introduced her to at CSC. Unfortunately, during her time with us, the state funding that usually covers services for many of our senior clients was paused. All progress ceased when she could no longer receive the services she needed.  

“I was afraid it wasn’t going to happen,” Sandy said.

Rather than making Sandy wait to receive services, CSC stepped in – covering the cost so her training could continue.

“When they called and told me they were going to move forward anyway, I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy,” Sandy shared.

Through training, Sandy learned to use her smartphone with accessibility features, manage daily tasks and read again using a magnifier.

“The first time I used the magnifier, I could have cried,” Sandy recalled. “I didn't know I'd ever be able to read like that again.”

With her trusty magnifier by her side, Sandy feels confident reading a menu at a restaurant independently, playing cards with her friends and keeping up with her mail.

“My magnifier is like a miracle for me,” she gushed.

Sandy can maintain her independence now and knows she can lean on CSC and her neighbors when she needs them.