For the past four years the Low Vision Support group has met each month at Summerset Retirement Village.

This is a support group for people with low vision, and people who have eye conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, who may in the future be living with reduced sight. Our group has come together through shared challenges and losses, and celebrated successes when someone has embraced new technology and found solutions which are very helpful.

Blind Low Vision New Zealand are moving away from their physical audio players to Alexa Smart Speakers, and several people now find these devices very useful on a daily basis. Smart phone apps are helpful to read mail aloud.

While some of this technology is hugely helpful, there are still many everyday challenges to overcome when you don’t see well. One recent shared frustration discussed was the three pin plug. Many in this group find doing this very tricky. This is an appeal to anyone out there with a problem solving bent; how can we design a solution for this?!

Three pin plug, can you solve the problem?

We meet the 3rd Monday of each month, 1.30pm. Please join us if you or someone in your family is struggling with low vision.

At our next meeting, Monday 19 Feburary, we are meeting at Summerset Falls. We will be joined by Helena Easton from Blind and Low Vision NZ. She is a great link to all the resources and support on offer. Please join us, all welcome.