Tara DeBerry, a schoolteacher, noticed her vision was worsening when she struggled with daily tasks like driving at night and seeing the classroom whiteboard. After extensive testing, eye specialists diagnosed her with Retinis Pigmentosa, a disorder that leads to progressive vision loss. DeBerry said she delayed seeking help until it began affecting her job.
DeBerry was referred to Occupational Therapy at Carle Foundation Hospital, where she worked with Teresa Scott, an occupational therapist and certified low vision therapist. Together they explored new tools and resources for managing vision loss. “We used a comprehensive approach and addressed the physical, cognitive and emotional aspects of vision loss together,” Scott said.
Scott introduced DeBerry to devices such as a portable handheld Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) that magnifies objects onto a monitor. “It allows me to read my mail again – I couldn’t see print on paper anymore,” DeBerry said. She also found it helpful for reading menus in restaurants.
To manage glare sensitivity, Scott helped DeBerry try different tinted lenses to improve contrast in various lighting conditions. “We found that she managed glare better using a reddish-orange pair of sunglasses in the sun, and yellow tinted lenses to improve contrast as it became darker,” Scott said.
At home, adaptations included large-font labels for appliances, organizational strategies for clothing storage, and using an address stamp for mail. In addition to these tools, DeBerry connected with other resources such as vocational rehabilitation specialists and orientation trainers. She now practices Braille regularly and uses specialized computer programs.
DeBerry described the experience as life-changing: “Without Teresa, I wouldn’t have known who to contact or where to go.” She encourages others facing low vision not to hesitate in seeking assistance: “I should’ve done this a long time ago but was stubborn – it is absolute freedom.” Scott added: “Low vision is a big life change, and we are here to navigate it with our patients, together.”
