Seeing Life in a New Way

Hi, my name is Saundra, and I really appreciate you taking the time to read my

story. I am a health care worker, Occupational therapist. I have enjoyed serving children, adults, and seniors with helping them to live their most fulfilling life after injury, illness, and or disability.

Today I find myself in need. I have Glaucoma and for years my vision has been stable with eye drops, and my eye pressures were pretty good. With glaucoma your optic nerve is damaged, your eye pressure increases to dangerous levels for your vision,

and/or your eyes natural drainage system does not work properly. I have all three, and I began losing more vision in the fall of 2021. Throughout the year of 2022, I had four eye surgeries (1 retinal, 3 glaucoma) to try to stop further vision loss. I

was only able to work part time (thus no insurance) due to surgeries and recovery

time. I have some permanent vision loss in my left eye, tunnel vision in my right eye, and loss of peripheral (side) vision in both eyes.

My life has drastically changed in a short time. The career I loved I now had to

leave at the end of last year. Daily activities are challenging. I was an avid reader -could read a 300-page book over a weekend, and now reading 3 pages is a chore. And, I recently found out this month when I saw my doctor that the smaller stents in my eyes are not working as efficiently as they should, and my eye pressure has

risen greatly - so I'm losing more vision. I now must have a larger draining tube

placed in my eye, so this year will also be one of surgeries to try to save the vision I have. I am legally blind now.

I am asking for your support for adaptive/accessible equipment to increase my

independence; and unplanned housing and medical expenses. My husband has been great throughout all this taking me to my appointments and being present for surgeries. But, he has also had some health issues and has had to take time off to be with me for my appointments and surgeries. Anything that you can give is more than greatly appreciated; and if you are not able to contribute, I do

understand- please share with others in your community.

I also want to share some Glaucoma vision information. Glaucoma is called the “sneak thief of sight” because you do not know that you are losing your vision until it is lost. I've always been on top of my health - seeing my doctors regularly, and this happened quite suddenly. Your peripheral (side) vision leaves first, causing blind spots. If you notice that you have any type of changes in your vision, please see your eye doctor (optometrist) or eye specialist (ophthalmologist), as

soon as possible. Get annual vision checks. Once your vision is lost, you cannot get

it back. You are your best Advocate. Thank You! Be well!