Low-Vision Support: A Resource Guide

Millions of Americans and about 135 million people worldwide have low vision. Because it’s such a widespread problem, many resources and organizations are available to help. It’s often difficult, however, for people with low vision to understand how to access these resources. With this in mind, author Patrick J. Fischer created Low Vision Support as a reference guide to help you navigate the various organizations and contacts in every state in the US including Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Fischer has spent many years of his career helping people with low vision, the blind and other disabilities use the latest technology. He begins his new guide with a reiteration of some basic information about low vision. He explains the most common causes of the condition, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related macular degeneration.

Fischer goes on to explain how important it is to develop a good relationship with your community eye doctor and keep up with regular checkups. Eye doctors can help identify the causes of your low vision and even stop it before it worsens.

He also offers advice on low vision aids, and to make it easy to learn, he divides the most common visual aids into six categories and provides reference where to purchase these items. To close out this book, Fischer provides a state-by-state list of the most important organizations to contact if you need local assistance.

This book will help a person with low vision regain his or her self-confidence by providing ways to accomplish daily activities, and remain independent.

Patrick J. Fischer believes that technology is the best way to improve the lives of the deaf, blind, and other disabled individuals. When he first entered the computer industry as a technician, he began volunteering to help disabled individuals learn how to use technology.

As Fischer moved through several different jobs in the industry, he continued to help the disabled community. Through his company, eventually called Vision Helpers, he began dedicating his career to helping people with blindness or low vision. In 2002, he opened his first showroom in Omaha, Nebraska, which sold low-vision products. He expanded to another showroom in Des Moines, Iowa.

Fischer has since closed the showrooms and now works directly with individuals, businesses, and doctors to help those in need.