Will I ever become totally blind with macular degeneration?

No, macular degeneration alone does not cause total blindness.  If you have macular degeneration and no other eye disease you will always have your peripheral or side vision.  Therefore, individuals with macular degeneration will not be able to see a person's face, but he/she can still see the person's hair surrounding the face.

What is the definition of Legal Blindness?

Legal Blindness is defined as a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses.  A person is also considered Legally Blind if his/her widest diameter of visual field subtends and angular distance no greater than 20 degrees.

If I become Legally Blind, am I eligible for a tax exemption when I file my tax return?

Yes, legal blindness can be used as a tax exemption when filing a tax return.  However, a letter from an ophthalmologist or an optometrist stating the person's visual acuity and the fact that he/she is Legally Blind is required.

How can I remain in my own home when I am not able to read my own mail, set my own appliances, cook for myself, or write checks to pay my own bills?

Lilac Services For The Blind provides Independent Living training and low vision aids to assist a person with remaining Independent in his/her own home. The training is provided in the individual's  home, and it is free of charge.  Some low vision aids can also be provided free of charge when accompanied by training.

Do I need training if I am not totally blind?

Yes, many individuals find that the alternative techniques they have learned through independent living training to be as efficient, and in some cases more efficient than using the residual vision they possess. 

When I feel it is no longer safe for me to drive my car, what other forms of transportation can I use?

Lilac Services For The Blind provides training regarding utilizing the city bus system.  If a person suffers from other disabilities that would make it impossible for him/her to use the city bus, a person can apply for the Paratransit van through the Spokane Transit Authority.  There is also transportation services available for medical appointments only (ie. Care Cars).

I have a magnifier, but it is not strong enough for reading.  Where can I find a stronger magnifier?

Lilac Services For The Blind has a low vision department consisting of over 90 different types of magnifiers.  With a scheduled appointment, a person can receive a free low vision aids evaluation in order to determine which magnifier(s) will best meet their needs.

Can I get a strong magnifier that will cover a whole page?

It is the curvature of the magnifier lens that provides the magnification.  The larger the area of the magnifier, the less the surface is equally curved, and therefore the less magnification capacity.  In order to obtain a wide reading area with high magnification, a person would have to purchase a special reading device such as a Closed Circuit television or a video magnifier.

Can I get a magnifier for my television screen?

Yes, TV magnifiers  are available through various low vision catalogues.  However, in most cases a magnifier for distance vision tasks is more effective for TV viewing, and it is less costly.  The two types of magnifiers that Lilac Services For The Blind carries that are helpful for TV viewing are the Coil Binoculars and Sport Glasses.

Can I get a magnifier to enlarge the screen on my computer?

Yes, a computer screen magnifier is available through a low vision catalogue, but for most individuals, software for the vision impaired is more effective.  There are large print programs and voice programs that are available for the partially sighted.  Lilac Services For The Blind has a computer lab, and can provide free instruction regarding a variety of programs for the partially sighted.  A scheduled appointment is required.

How can I check my own blood sugar and measure my own Insulin when I cannot read the display on my glaucometer or the units on my syringe?

Large print and talking glaucometers are available for checking blood sugar levels.  Insulin magnifiers and special Insulin measuring devices are also available for measuring Insulin.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR THE BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED

1. When you are reaching for a glass of liquid on a table, it is best to run your hand as close to the table as possible. This will help you keep from spilling the liquid. The reason for this is that your hand will come into contact with the bottom of the glass.



2. An easy method of keeping your shoes together, which has laces, is to tie the laces of the shoes together after you remove them.



3. If you have trouble determining the difference in coins there is a way toidentify coins by touch. You can feel the outer edge of the coins. Dimes and quarters have ridges while nickels and pennies are smooth.



4. If you are having trouble putting toothpaste onto your tooth brush, an alternative way to do this is to squeeze the toothpaste directly onto your tongue. Our tongues are very sensitive so you are able to feel how much is being squeezed out of the tube. If you share a tube of toothpaste you can squeeze the paste onto your finger, then put the toothpaste onto the toothbrush. Also, you can hold the bristles of the toothbrush between your index finder and your thumb and then squeeze the toothpaste on the bristles.



5. The Federal Government has a pass that will allow you to enter most Federal campgrounds free of charge. This pass is called a Golden Eagle Pass.



6. If you are legally blind, the State of Washington will allow you to obtain a fishing license at a discounted rate ranging from $5.00 to $7.00. Documentation of your legal blindness is required.



7. A legally blind person is allowed to purchase a deer hunting permit. When purchasing this permit, a sighted person must assist the blind person and do the shooting for them. There are areas designated for handicapped hunters.



8. When using a hand against a wall as a guide while walking down hallways, a blind person should use the back of their hand and not the palm. This is to allow the fingers to bend and prevent the possibility of breaking fingers when approaching surfaces such as door frames.