I started carrying a cane when I still had a lot of usable vision. The short answer is, the more you use it the easier it gets. The cane skills came on handy for me when I lost more vision, but even before that its good to have to let people know you have vision problems.

As a rehabilitation officer for V.I myself, who delivers O&M skills. Best thing uou can do is feed these concerns back to your rehabilitation specialist, if they are competent then they will discuss and try a different approach initially or maybe altogether. 2 point touch is tough to learn and often I don't start with this method, but often build up to it as it's the most elite way to travel in every aspect. 2 point touch should be used with a pencil tip not a marshmallow one, this is why you're likely finding it heavy. I sometimes start people off with a jumbo roller and build up to 2 point touch. The key is to help empower you and get you moving safely and independently. Once achieved then move on to the advanced stuff. Hang in there, the wrist movement is like learning an instrument, it will take a while to build muscle memory. It'll be worth it in the end. Many people I've helped train will testify to this. Good luck!

I have visual processing difficulties because of autism and I’m an occasional cane user. I’m self taught. It took me a couple months or so before I got the rhythm down and the cane started to feel like an extension of me and not like this unwieldy metal stick waving around. It took a lot of practice but it really just clicked for me one day.

I’ve only ever used a folding graphite cane from ambutech. I got it before the slim ones came out. I do find it a little heavy to do two point touch with a rolling marshmallow tip, but I’ve also wondered how much it’s an issue of my arm needing to gain strength. I prefer constant contact anyway because it helps orient me in space and I like the texture feedback. Over the summer I tried out a rolling ball tip and I was amazed at the difference over the rolling marshmallow with how it dealt with cracks and uneven terrain. I’ve also heard good things about this new tip called the omni sense for dealing with sidewalk cracks and such.

I was also really conflicted about using a cane, and I still struggle with that. But there are times when it’s really given me a lot of freedom and independence and helped prevent sensory overload meltdowns and getting stuck in public from visual overload. What helped me to finally buy a cane was when my mom was doing sighted guide for me yet again and I thought about my needing to continue receiving her help into the future. I wanted independence.

I was also torn because I’m an unusual case, though I’m not unique. I’m technically sighted, have 20/20 vision on an eye chart, and can drive short distances. But using my vision functionality when walking around is the issue. And going into visual overload causes me to not process my vision correctly and I get lost, walk into things, and my brain starts to shut down. I knew that the cane was a tool that I needed, but it was hard for me to use it before I’m not a usual cane user. It helped for me to get a blue cane instead of white but the biggest help was when my ophthalmologist agreed that a cane was a good idea for when my processing gets bad. But it’s still a struggle I’m working on. You’re really not alone in that struggle.

I hope you stay with it! The hard work is really worth it in my opinion!

I am in a similar situation where I have a lot of usable vision but still use a cane. Mine is more because of depth perception than anything though. I haven't been doing O&M for very long myself (Only about two months) so I am still getting used to using a cane but I do have a bit of advice.

As you use it more you will get used to it. I would talk to your instructor about possibly using a lighter tip that does better on sidewalks of that's where most of your travel is. Lastly, there are sunglasses that are meant for people with visual impairments. Maybe that will help with the migraines so your eyes aren't hit with so much light? As I said I am new to this myself but this is the best advice I have :).

Get a lighter cane. Carbon fiber or fiberglass.

People have said I should use a heavier cane. I am very rough on my canes and travel very often, and I am totally blind so must use a cane, no if ors or buts. I’ve not done badly with slimline or carbon fiber or fiberglass canes. My favorite is dcanes or the iowa commander tech cane and they are really feather light.

I would suggest switching to a straight fiberglass cane with a metal tip. You can get them for free by googling nfb free white cane program. Unlike the cane you're using, it is designed to to go up to either just below your nose. This allows you to extend the cane fully without bending over. out You You use what is called the open palm technique, in which the grip of the cane rests in your upturned open palm. The opening and closing of your hand allows it to arc back and forth, and relieves strain on your wrist.

I sought out a cane after I broke an ankle. My central and left peripheral vision is fine. I have no vision to my right.

I started with a straight fiberglass cane with a metal glide tip, and my wrist was sore fire a little bit. I jury rigged a rolling ball onto it. My wrist was sore for a little bit. I had my first O&M on 2/6/22. My instructor gave me an Ambutech Premium Graphite Mobility Cane - Standard Handle (56”) with standard rolling ball. Once again wrist was sore for a bit. On 1/28/22 I had my 2nd O&M and she was shocked at the cone shape of my ball. On 2/2/22 I got a high mileage ball.

You will get used to the weight.