Yesterday at our support group meeting, our guest speaker was a retired optometrist. Dr. Perry gave a very interesting presentation about macular degeneration. It was good to get the facts and anything relevant in the terms of latest research. We learned of the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration and what we might expect with each. Dr. Perry stressed the importance of preventative and stabilizing measures. I think that we all learned something from his presentation and it was surely more gripping hearing it all in person rather than reading the same information on a brochure.
After the presentation, of course we had refreshments. In some ways that is the most important part of a support group meeting. The coffee time gives us an opportunity to chat and share with each other.
While vision loss can be explained from a clinical point of view, the impact on the individual is very much emotional. Vision loss, whether it is sudden and dramatic or slow and gradual, can point the way to a different way of life. I believe that peer support groups can be an effective tool with this journey. Even though I lead our local support group, I gain as much from the other members as anyone else in the group.
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