BUSINESS WIRE
February’s Low Vision Month Observance Launches Awareness Campaign for Low Vision Solutions
Mets Fan’s Story Shows How People with Low Vision Can Live a Normal Life
Approximately 3.3 million Americans, or one out of four, over the age of 65 suffer from low vision, according to a study sponsored by the National Eye Institute. Low vision is a visual impairment which is not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery and that interferes with a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Very few people are aware of this condition, and even fewer people know that there are products in the marketplace that can help people with low vision actively participate in their daily lives.
February is Low Vision Month, and Enhanced Vision, the leading manufacturer of innovative solutions for people with macular degeneration and other low vision conditions, is beginning a year-long program to help people with low vision and their families learn about powerful low vision aids made possible through new technology. Enhanced Vision has been developing products to help people with low vision regain their independence for over a decade, including innovative products such as a portable device like ‘Nemo,’ to the eye-glass substitute ‘JORDY’ and desktop magnifier ‘Merlin,’ which make conducting basic tasks such as reading a newspaper, helping children with homework, or reading a menu at a restaurant possible again.
These products have also helped individuals gain entry back into the workforce, as is the case with 64-year-old Stephen Teitelbaum, a Long Island resident and certified public accountant (CPA) who suffered central retinal vein occlusion in his left eye in 1981, and again in his right eye in 2003. Retinal vein occlusion essentially is a blockage of the central vein in the eye. Teitelbaum did not want to go back to work, let alone get up in the morning, with his condition. When his vision began deteriorating, Teitelbaum was using other low vision solutions but with the recent addition of the Merlin desktop video magnifier, he says the differences are night and day.
“When this first happened, I fell into a deep depression. I didn’t want to get up in the morning, I couldn’t go to work, I couldn’t do anything,” said Teitelbaum. “But after adding these low vision solutions, like the ‘JORDY’ I was able to watch television, go to the ballpark, and continue to work. I was able to do things for myself that I used to do before my vision loss. Essentially, I got my life back.”
With the help from Enhanced Vision’s products, Teitelbaum is able to continue being a CPA and is able to do the things he truly enjoys. He enjoys walking and has been known to walk a mile to work on occasion, and also is able to enjoy watching his favorite baseball team, the New York Mets, on television and at the ballpark. Teitelbaum, a die-hard Mets fan, has been a season ticket holder for 22 years.
The JORDY is a battery-operated system that can be worn like a pair of glasses or used as a desktop video magnifier when placed on its docking stand. With its 30X magnification range, built-in lighting system, and auto-focus feature, the JORDY enables people with low vision to see objects at a distance, up close, or at any range in between.
The Merlin is a full-color, auto-focus, desktop video magnifier designed with the low vision user in mind. The Merlin allows images to be viewed in vivid color, black and white, high contrast positive or high contrast negative, and enables people with low vision to read, write, view photos, enjoy crafts, hobbies, and much more.
“Mr. Teitelbaum’s experience shows how people suffering from low vision can ‘see’ again with our products,” said Nicole Hollinger of Enhanced Vision. “While there currently is no cure for people with low vision, there are devices which are alternative solutions to help people regain their independence and live life as they have always known it. This year, in observance of our tenth anniversary, we will be doing our part to raise awareness that help for low vision patients is available through educational programs in cities throughout the U.S. by featuring inspiring stories of people like Stephen Teitelbaum, and by making educational information available through our website and the news media.”
For more information about the JORDY and other Enhanced Vision products, please call 888-811-3161 or visit www.enhancedvision.com.
About Enhanced Vision
Enhanced Vision is the leading developer of innovative products designed specifically for people who are legally blind and have macular degeneration and other low vision conditions. The company has helped thousands of people regain their visual independence by providing the ability to read, write, watch TV, enjoy a play, and live again. Headquartered in Huntington Beach, Calif., Enhanced Vision products are available in more than 70 countries worldwide. For more information, please call 888-811-3161 or visit www.enhancedvision.com.