Lighthouse Guild provides tips for patients with low vision during COVID-19
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The Lighthouse Guild developed some mobility guidelines for people who are blind or have low vision to help ensure their safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are all in a totally new situation. COVID-19 is making us adapt to different ways of doing things,” Carol Moog, senior mobility instructor at Lighthouse Guild, said in a press release. “At Lighthouse Guild we are dedicated to providing our programs and services to help people with vision loss lead full and productive lives during COVID-19 and beyond.”
The first recommendation is to “speak up” if someone is approaching or to announce yourself, using verbal cues such as, “Please let me know when I can move up in the line.” In addition, the guild emphasized the use of delivery services or shopping during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Other recommendations included embracing technology including phone cameras for magnification and telehealth applications, using “the white cane” as identification to heighten the awareness of others with visual impairment, and to adjust glasses before leaving home to best avoid fogging while wearing a mask.
Finally, stay connected and active, the group advised.
“Social distancing does not have to mean social isolation,” the guild said in its release. “Now may be a good time to reconnect with old friends via phone or text. Consider joining a tele-support group so you can chat with others in a group setting via phone. Religious establishments, schools, and cultural organizations in your area may be offering accessible virtual services and e-learning. Consider learning a new skill, through classes currently being offered via phone or online. Listen to books you have been wanting to catch up on or perhaps complete a project around the house.”