Dot Wilson contacted our Community team after her mother-in-law was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration.
Here is Dot’s experience, in her words…
Dot says:
“Two years ago, my mother-in-law started to have issues with her vision. Eventually, she got a diagnosis of Macular Degeneration [MD]: wet MD in one eye, and dry in the other.
“It was a dreadful experience for her, as she had to go into the consultation, and received the shocking outcome, alone," Dot says.
"She was then hurried out of the hospital before she could gather her thoughts. So distressing, especially in front of her grandchildren."
“As we were a bit in the dark about where to find help, I gave the Sight Scotland Support Line a call.
"Debbie, who is a Community Worker at Sight Scotland, was fantastic, giving me a few hints and tips on where to get help and what we could do."
"I gave the Sight Scotland Support Line a call.
"Debbie, who is a Community Worker at Sight Scotland, was fantastic, giving me a few hints and tips on where to get help and what we could do.”
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Dot says:
“As I have learned, it’s really important for the person affected to be in control, and to go at their pace, but also to allow family and friends to help in some way.
“The first issue was that my mother-in-law couldn’t see the weeds in the garden, so she called upon all the family, including the grandchildren, to help change it to an easy management garden. As many people know, you can always get someone to cut grass, but it’s a challenge to get someone to weed! Hard work and mucky, but quite fun!"
“I went online and bought some 'bump-ons', as I could see that they would be useful.
"A few weeks later, they appeared on the oven as she could no longer see the numbers."
- Dot, whose mother-in-law is experiencing sight loss.
Dot says: “My mother-in-law has also been upfront with friends and neighbours that she is not seeing so well, and they have been very supportive.
"I am very proud of her taking this action, as I know it was difficult, but has helped her feel less isolated."
Small changes are making a big difference.
Dot says: “I went online and bought some “bump-ons”, as I could see that they would be useful.
"I said I would pop them in her ‘bits and bobs’ drawer, until she felt it was time for them to be used. A few weeks later, they appeared on the oven as she could no longer see the numbers."
Explained: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Answering commonly asked questions about age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Find out more
Dot says:
"I’ve gone on to share some of the knowledge I've gained.
"At a recent event, I met with a lady, whose husband is losing his sight, and won’t ask for help. I carry a few of the small leaflets with the Sight Scotland Support Line number on them, just in case!
"She was relieved that there was someone she could speak to.”
We are delighted that Dot and her family are making so many fantastic adaptations to deal with the impacts of sight loss.
When someone calls our Sight Scotland Support Line, our team do not only talk about vision impairment. We speak with callers about what is important to them - or to their loved one if they are calling on behalf of someone else, like like Dot did.
Often it takes a lot of courage to call and ask for help, so no matter what the problem someone has is, if we can help, we will.
If someone you know is experiencing changes to their sight, you can call our Support Line for information and advice: 0800 024 8973.
You can also get help through our Support Line
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Explained: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Answering commonly asked questions about age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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If you're looking for support for yourself, a loved one or someone you support, our team can be there for you. Together we'll tackle vision loss, and find ways to regain confidence, live actively and restore independence.
Lee's story
Lee says that thanks to our Community Service’s support, he’s now able to get out of his house and live his life again.