February is Low Vision Awareness Month!

Losing vision can be a traumatic experience for most who suffer from any condition causing vision loss. Many patients can be assisted by computer programs that magnify the computer screen, including CCTV’s and handheld magnifiers and equipment with speech technology capabilities. 

The Optometry school Dr. Friberg attended, SCCO, annually presents a juried art exhibit that features artwork from blind and visually impaired artists from around the world. 

Below is a painting from Susan Gustafson, who has been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at age 35. 

Here is a beautiful catalog featuring visually impaired, blind and legally blind artists. Click here to see all of their amazing artwork: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/cd23c6ee#/cd23c6ee/

Low Vision Community Resources - Portland, OR 

Transportation

• TriMet Lift Paratransit Program (503) 962-8200
• Ride Connection (503) 226-0700
• C-VAN Paratransit-Vancouver (360) 695-8918
• Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles Driver Safety Unit: (503) 945-5083
• Washington Department of Licensing: www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense
• On the Road Driver Evaluation:
  • Jeff Lango OTR/L, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (503)249-3220 
  • Great Northwest Drivers (503)628-6306

Meals/Grocery Shopping

• Meals-On-Wheels
  • Multnomah and Washington County 503-736-6325
  • Clark County 1-866-788-6325 
  • Apply on line at: https://feedseniors.org/programs/meals-on-wheels/ 

• Store to Door Grocery Delivery (503) 200-3333 
  • Phone in order and receive delivery once a week for prescriptions/groceries
• Online Grocery shopping
  • Safeway   www.safeway.com 
  • New Season’s   www.newseasonsmarket.com 
  • Albertson’s   www.albertsons.com

Telephone Services

• Direct Dial Assistance (888) 586-3100 to request application
  • Provides free operator assistance eliminating need to dial/access phone book.
• Free internet-like phone searches for weather/businesses
  • Tell Me (800) 555-8355
  • Google Voice Search (800) 466-4411

Low Vision Support Groups
              http://www.macular.org/sgroups/orsg.html

Low Vision Equipment Resources

• MaxiAids  www.maxiaids.com (631) 752-0689
• LS&S  www.lssproducts.com  (800) 468-4789
• ShopLowVision  www.shoplowvision.com (866) 999-9188