depending on where you are in Canada the CNIB actually plays host to a lot of social groups for people with low vision or vision loss. There are also a lot of local CCB chapters across Canada (Canadian Council For The Blind) and they're quite social as well. if your dad feels stuck at home you can try to schedule some appointments with a mobility expert who can teach him how to more safely navigate his surroundings or perhaps an assistive technology expert who can help him find some new tech or navigate old tech to help him feel more connected to the world. if you are Ontario feel free to PM me and I can give you some more specific suggestions ! hope that helps a little.

I second Luna. I'm in the states and went to a center that helps people with disabilities find jobs, obtain degrees, and retain their independence. Your dad could probably benefit from something like Zoomtext software, which is keeping me in work as I wouldn't be able to use a computer otherwise.

1 - vitamin D may help. Or as others said, UV beds/lamps like they used to use in the UK.

2 - focus on ways to make hobbies accessible. Find ones that are "fun in winter". Outdoor sports in winter can be tricky (but not impossible), so maybe try accessible board game nights (monopoly/uno/connect4/chess/cards... They all have accessible versions. For more indie games there's 64oz Games packs to convert them).

3 - exercise (along with a good diet) can help combat seasonal depression somewhat. Try going on a weekly or daily walk with him. Keep to the same route so familiarity helps bolster his confidence & ability. This especially helps if his eyesight deterioirates further.

4 -Talk to him. Be open and honest (although possibly do this slowly if neither of you is used to such talk). Find out where he feels life is lacking & help fill those areas in. (More to do, more people, less people, more independent activities, group stuff etc.)

Have you considered building him a light box.... Honesty if long sunny days help then a light box may also.... Google it... a tanning bed helped me as well.... The 10-15 mins under uv lights worked wonders....I lathered up in sunscreen and enjoyed the "sun" for a few.... It worked wonders for me that year I lived in hell......

I'd say there is a lot more than free movie tickets with that Membership card. I'd give the CNIB a call. Explain your dad's vision loss and that he loves Sports/Outdoor Activities what can they recommend?

Almost all of the sports for the blind can be played by anyone as well. In my country we play blind cricket. The ball has a bell in it and all of the 'Partials' - people with some vision left like your dad, have to wear a blind fold over their eyes. Anyone else who is joining in has to wear one too. And they all play.

I understand there are a lot of other sports too.

Find some activities to do. And then organize to meet up with one of these groups and go with him. Get him meeting other people with similar issues, but the focus is enjoying an activity or sport, not that everyone cannot see.

Does he like to read? Audiobooks are great. You can use various asitive technology with the Computer, like ZoomText Magnifications or JAWS Screen Reader as example.

Apple smart phones have some pretty great built in accessibility as well. Losing your vision is a huge hit to your independance but it doesn't have to stay that way.

As I said above, try get him involved in things. As for approaching him about his depression and getting help, I'm afraid I don't have a lot of advice there. Have you tried talking to him about it?

Have you thought about getting him into a winter sport? There are various organizations for blind skiing, blind hockey, and blind skating. Perhaps getting him into something like that would get him out of the house, and get him a group of friends who enjoy athletics as much as he seems to.

Edit to ad: you might want to check out:
http://blindsportpodcast.com/

for interesting information and interviews. He's got way more options than just the occasional summer run, if sports is what he's into.

I have RP and most people I've met with it have used anti-depressants from time to time.

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