Have you tried using a cane? I use one. I have Retinitis Pigmentosa (21f here) and still have remaining vision. When I go to the mall it's super crowded and I'm always running into people. The cane identifies that I'm low vision and people part like the red sea to give me space and THEY apologize if I run into them.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with so much stress. You're in the right place.

One thing that will really help is counseling with a therapist who specializes in vision loss.

It's called Adjustment Counseling.

Here's the write-up from someone in my local area, so you can see if this sounds helpful:

### WHAT IS ADJUSTMENT to Vision Loss COUNSELING?

Counseling that helps individuals and their families learn how to cope and accept vision loss. It often consists of:

* Understanding and accepting your condition
* Grief Counseling
* Learning what to expect
* Moving beyond false limitations
* Job/career transition
* Advocating and educating others
* Consulting with schools, employers, and others regarding accommodations and best practices
* Adaptive skills and devices
* Resources

There are many topics covered during adjustment counseling, and I will modify it to each person’s unique needs. The primary goal is to help you not only survive this transition, but thrive. You will walk away realizing that, if you choose, you can still be independent and have a life you love.

### WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

There is a grieving process that is healthy for people to go through during this transition. After all, it is a significant loss and is often unexpected. There will be a wide range of feelings including sadness, anger, stress, shame, confusion, and uncertainty. However, this grief and accompanying feelings can often transition into something unhealthy. If you or your loved one experience any of the things below, it may be time to reach out:

* Hopelessness
* Isolating from friends or family
* Significant changes in mood
* Frequent anxiety
* Difficulty sleeping
* Limiting activities
* Fear of others knowing about the vision condition
* Avoidance of things associated with blindness (refusal to use cane or participate in training)

All of the above are very common for people with visual impairments to experience, but should not be considered normal or ignored. These are symptoms of someone who is struggling with the adjustment to their condition and it should be addressed.

​

### REACH OUT

Adjustment to vision loss counseling can be extremely beneficial. Sometimes it takes some guidance to get from a place of loss to a place of hope. I can tell you from experience that there is hope, and there is life after vision loss.

I am a certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist with more than 10 years experience working with people with visual impairments. I also have my own $1 with vision loss that led me to this field of work. I am passionate about helping others realize that there is life after blindness, and live their best possible life.

### ARE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE EXPERIENCING VISION LOSS?

You don’t have to navigate it alone. This can be a devastating experience, and no matter what stage of this process you are in, I am here to help you along the way.

You may be grieving. You may be feeling completely overwhelmed. Maybe you are experiencing anxiety or depression. All of these are extremely common for people who have developed a visual impairment, and you can learn to manage it.

### WHAT IS VISION REHABILITATION?

Vision Rehabilitation is a term used that encompasses all areas of training, adaptive equipment, adjustment counseling, job/career transition, low vision evaluations, and much more. In short, it is everything that will help you to live the life you want after experiencing vision loss. I will help you to get to a place of acceptance and make sure you find your way through the various resources and options for assistance in the other areas of your vision rehabilitation process.

### WHAT IF I CAN’T COME IN FOR COUNSELING?

If you do not live in the Indianapolis area, or don’t have convenient transportation options, distance counseling may work for you. This involves doing the same work we would do in person by phone or video conferencing. It is extremely effective and provides extra convenience. Make sure to ask about this if you think it may be the right fit for you.

You don’t need to do this alone. Contact me to find out about counseling, support groups, or other helpful resources.

$1

I can't speak personally but some one I know is going through this, probably losing their remaining vision this year. Worried and frightened about how they will cope with work and life, and saddened they may no longer see the faces of their loved ones.

They are worrying and mourning their future loss (this is normal) but also planning ahead about how they might cope by getting a guide dog (they are a bit if a germophobe) and changing their work arrangements (they love their job and the money it brings in).

Like the old saying goes "improvise, adapt, overcome."

If you are tripping, falling, bumping, or missing important details like stairs you need a cane and training. I would strongly recommend going to a rehab center, where you can train yourself in 6 to 9 months. Trying to do this from home will take years, and you won’t get far.