Warkworth Low Vision Support Group Monday 18 February 1.30pm

For the past four years the Low Vision Support group has met each month at Summerset Retirement Village.

This is a support group for people with low vision, and people who have eye conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, who may in the future be living with reduced sight. Our group has come together through shared challenges and losses, and celebrated successes when someone has embraced new technology and found solutions which are very helpful.

Blind Low Vision New Zealand are moving away from their physical audio players to Alexa Smart Speakers, and several people now find these devices very useful on a daily basis. Smart phone apps are helpful to read mail aloud.

While some of this technology is hugely helpful, there are still many everyday challenges to overcome when you don’t see well. One recent shared frustration discussed was the three pin plug. Many in this group find doing this very tricky. This is an appeal to anyone out there with a problem solving bent; how can we design a solution for this?!

Three pin plug, can you solve the problem?

We meet the 3rd Monday of each month, 1.30pm. Please join us if you or someone in your family is struggling with low vision.

At our next meeting, Monday 19 Feburary, we are meeting at Summerset Falls. We will be joined by Helena Easton from Blind and Low Vision NZ. She is a great link to all the resources and support on offer. Please join us, all welcome.

Warkworth Low Vision Support Group Monday 19 September 1.30pm

For the past three years the Low Vision Support group has met each month at Summerset Retirement Village.

This is a support group for people with low vision, and people who have eye conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, who may in the future be living with reduced sight. Although this community has come together through shared challenges and losses, there have been many highlights. Some of the group has mastered new technology and found solutions which are very helpful.

Blind Low Vision New Zealand are moving away from their physical audio players to Alexa Smart Speakers, and several people now find these devices very useful on a daily basis.

One of our group, Brian Holmes, has had great success with a Reveal 16 electronic magnifier. This is similar to one now set up in the Warkworth Library. It has a moveable table making it very user friendly for reading books, or magazines.

Brian Holmes and Pam Poole

Brian’s main joy with the Magnifier has been his stamp collecting passion. The magnification goes up to 45X and the unit helps him see coloured detail on his stamps.

We meet the 3rd Monday of each month, 1.30pm. Please join us if you or someone in your family is struggling with low vision.

At our next meeting, Monday 19 September, we are visiting the Warkworth Library and will be joined by Sarah Parsons from Bolinda Borrow Box - suppliers of much of the library’s collection of digital audio. Please join us and learn more about how to access the library collection of audiobooks. You are welcome even if you can see well. Bring your smart phone and library card, and Sarah will show us tips to make enjoying audio books easier.

Read more about using Alexa - here is a review from a 97 year old crime fiction fan.

Eyelash serum information

A recent item on NZ TV program Seven Sharp highlighted potential side effect of using eyelash serums.

These over the counter products have been developed using prostglandins, a medicine used in glaucoma treatment. One of the side effects of using prostaglandin eye drops is eyelashes grow longer, stronger and darker. So serums have evolved to be applied to the lashes only.

However it good to read the fine print as there can be other side effects associated with long term prostaglandin use. These include darkening of skins and pigmentation around the eyes, and eye can become more deep set.

For more information see the following Consumer information.

What we are wearing - Holly's newest glasses

Holly is working through her Optical Dispensing course, and taking the opportunity to experience optics first hand trying different lenses.

Lens: Hoya Sync III 5, 1.50 index material with Sensity Grey and Diamond Finish Anti-reflection Coating

Frame: Lightech 30200L colour NP09 matt black/gold 52 eye

What do you like about these glasses?

Holly: This is my first pair of glasses with nosepads, and I’m surprised how comfortable they are. They are light, and I am enjoying the different look with a metal frame.

The sync lenses have a boost in power at the bottom of the lens. What difference are your noticing?

Holly: Assembling glasses in the workshop is pretty detailed, that extra boost is helpful. I don’t notice a difference compared to my other lenses, which are one prescription over the entire lens - these are just as clear and comfortable for distance vision. The combination of the Sensity tint plus the diamond finish gives me good glare control for screen work - which I am doing more of with my course.

These Sensity lenses go dark in the sun, how do you find this?

Holly: Good for outdoors.

High Visibility for Low Vision

Collaboration between the occupational therapy (OT) community and the Visual Impairment Charitable Trust Aoteoroa (VICTA) is reaching out to people with low vision. Watch this short video describing vis bands and vis sticks. These tools are helpful identifiers for people who are visually impaired travelling in their communities.

Making it easier to book online

Month by month more people are choosing to book appointments online. Sometimes it is easier to consider the appointment time at your leisure. We have included different appointment types. We hope this will add to the convenience. From our website scroll down to see the full list of options.

Eye examination - this is your routine appointment to see us

Contact Lens Examination - your routine annual WOF for safe and healthy contact lens wear

Eye Pressure Check - this is a 10 minute appointment where we check your eye pressure.

Eyelash removal - 10 minute time to epilate eye lashes that rub and irritate the surface of the eye.

OrthoK Consultation - six-monthly-appointment for people wearing OrthoK contact lenses at night

CAA Civil Aviation Vision Assessment - if you are renewing or applying for a CAA licence you can book to see Sally Adams who will give you the full assessment and complete your paperwork.

Telephone Consultation - do you have a concern about your eye or vision? You can book a 10 minute optometrist tele-consultation with us.

Vision Therapy Assessment - these 50 minute appointments are with Sally Adams, who is experienced in behavioral optometry.

Book an Appointment Online

or call us on 09 425 9646