Image of conceptualization of floating influenza virus cells on a microscopic level.
Making Adjustments

Hindsight is 2020

Dec 11, 2020

Hindsight is 2020

As we get ready to say “good riddance” to 2020, it is worth taking a moment to review how very different this year turned out from the one we were expecting.  It has been a difficult year in many ways for everyone, while it imposed much greater pain on some than on others. We learned that living in a pandemic, like living with vision loss, requires a willingness to adapt, adjust and accept that life is going to be different. 2020 is a year we will remember vividly and with the clarity its number represents. So before waving so long and farewell, let’s take a look at some of the titles on OE Patients that recall why hindsight is 2020.

If you’d prefer to have the text of pages on OE read to you, just click the button marked “Listen” on the upper right menu.

Image of social distance line markers. of social distance line markers.

Image of social distance line markers.

The New, New Normal

Until recently the concept of social distancing, or self isolating, was generally discouraged, especially for people with vision loss. Now it’s a necessity for our ongoing health and well-being. Just a few weeks ago, seeing someone veer off course, to avoid getting too close, or refusing to ride an elevator with you, would have felt very strange. Now we are raising a hand to show appreciation for the consideration of the expanded need for personal space. The wave has supplanted the smile, which is no longer detectable under our masks. And with nose and mouth coverings mandated, many more people are finding their ability to recognize faces is temporarily impaired. Read More

 

Image of Cats Production on Broadway.

Image of Cats Production on Broadway.

Accessing the Arts in Place

Online, it is also possible to continue enjoying culture and the arts through virtual tour and live-stream video. For people with vision loss, streaming live events can assure a seat front and center. Here are just a few of the options, although a Google search will reveal an abundance to choose from. Some opportunities are for a limited period while live gatherings are discouraged. Read More

 

Closeup Image of Doctor's Eyes in a Surgical Mask

Closeup Image of Doctor’s Eyes in a Surgical Mask

Ophthalmology in a Time of Corona

As ophthalmologists move from the urgent care-only phase, to scheduling routine eye exams again, it is important to know how patient safety is being protected. By now, all practices should be posting updated pandemic policies prominently on the homepage of their website, and including the update in the recorded messaging for patients contacting the office by phone. Being aware of the changes you will encounter during your next office visit will elevate your comfort and trust in the process. Read More

 

Colorful cleaning supplies on a light pink background.

Colorful cleaning supplies on a light pink background.

Spring 2020: Get Clean and Sanitized

The first day of Spring 2020 arrived with very little fanfare. Our focus instead turned to copious cleansing, social distancing and sheltering in place. It can be difficult not to dwell on the devastating COVID-19 news of the day. Staying healthy and safe is everyone’s priority.  We suggested a spring cleaning project as a needed boost to mental health and overall well-being, although these tips apply all year long. Read More

 

OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

Dr. Allen Ho Talks Pandemic Safety & Eye Care

Listen to our insightful conversation with internationally recognized retina specialist, Allen. C. Ho, MD on the risks of deferring eye exams, the implementation of safety measures and how the lessons of the pandemic can improve options of convenience for patients longterm. Listen Here

 

OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

OE Patients Podcast in white text with magenta and white OE Patients logo.

WFH – Work From Home

Making work from home work for you, with Dorrie Rush, Jane Breheney and Jaydan Mitchell. Listen Here

 

Image shows: Hands holding envelope with “VOTE” printed on it.

Image shows: Hands holding envelope with “VOTE” printed on it.

Voting with Vision Loss 2020

To be sure, the United States election of 2020 was an historic day inside a record-breaking year. Because we voted in a pandemic, more accessible voting options were extended to all eligible voters. The expansion of early voting, and voting by absentee ballot, provides every voter with the opportunity to vote safely while minimizing the potential for crowding at polling venues. Read More

 

Image shows financial documents for estate planning.

Image shows financial documents for estate planning.

Putting Your Affairs in Order

There is no denying, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to ask ourselves some important questions. Have I prioritized my health and well-being? Do I have enough saved for an emergency? Do I want the ventilator or not? Who gets my property should I die? Suddenly we faced the cold realization, there is no guarantee of tomorrow. As social activities deferred to a later date, the idea of creating a will began moving to the top of many a to-do list. Read More

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About the Author: Dorrie Rush

Dorrie Rush is the Chief Content Officer and Visual Accessibility Expert at Ophthalmic Edge Patients (OE Patients), an online resource, presented by the Association for Macular Diseases, providing practical information and empowering advice for living a full and successful life with vision loss.

She is the former Director of the Grunwald Technology Center and Information Resource Service at Lighthouse International 2001 to 2016. Dorrie is known to have an eccentric view, which is particularly useful in compensating for her central vision loss from Stargardt Disease.

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