Dear Friends,

“Loss of vision doesn’t mean that you can’t continue living the life you’re used to. It means that you have to learn how to do the things that you’re used to in a different way.”

That's a quote--translated from Spanish--from Nelida 'Nellie' Torres, a customer care professional at Lighthouse Central Florida. Nellie is a #LowVisionLeader featured in the National Eye Institute's (NEI) #MoreThan2020 campaign for Low Vision Awareness Month.  

Like many people who lose their vision later in life, adjusting to their new reality can be incredibly difficult.  

"Five years ago I was diagnosed with macular degeneration and glaucoma--it was devastating.  I didn't know how to deal with it.  I felt like i was mourning the loss of my vision,"  Nellie recalls.

"I began classes at Lighthouse and soon learned that, through adaptation, I am able to do the same things I was doing in my daily life--just in a different manner."

"The best advice I received from the wonderful instructional staff at Lighthouse was, 'Do not allow your current circumstances define who you are!'"

"Lighthouse invested in me and never gave up on me.  Today I'm working at Lighthouse and helping others who are on the same journey better adjust to their new reality with grace and confidence."

Listen to a brief conversation I had with Nellie after she was selected as a #LowVisionLeader for the NEI's low-vision awareness campaign. 

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Your support of vision rehabilitation services at Lighthouse Central Florida helps us prepare teens and adults--like those with whom Elaine works--to enter or reenter the workforce. Gainful employment, despite vision loss, can be attained with the right training.

See what YOU can make possible with your donation to Lighthouse Central Florida!

Thank YOU!

 
Kyle Johnson
President & CEO
Lighthouse Central Florida