Image of Jo Anne sitting in a chair holding a smart phone and smiling

Mission Moment: It’s Never Too Late to Learn to Use Apps on a Phone

Jo Anne Cash is a senior living with neurotrophic keratitis and severe glaucoma. Her vision is near blindness. After a low vision evaluation from an optometrist and an occupational therapist at Alphapointe who both specialize in vision rehabilitation, goals were established to prepare for in-home training provided by an occupational therapy assistant. Jo Anne’s main…

Mission Moment: Low Vision Clinic Helps Regain Independence

Mission Moment: Low Vision Clinic Helps Regain Independence

Margaret was having difficulty reading, dialing phone numbers and navigating her home safely. In addition, she was unable to see her kitchen appliance settings and could not determine when to stop pouring liquids or identify food on her plate. Margaret came to Alphapointe’s Low Vision Clinic with a can-do attitude and was open to making…

Image of Pat using a PenFriend labeling system

Mission Moment: Overcoming Challenges with Optic Neuropathy

Pat is a senior living with a recent diagnosis of optic neuropathy, a condition which damages the optic nerve affecting all aspects of vision. Pat came to Alphapointe’s Low Vision Clinic where she was referred to an occupational therapist to assess her needs. She received follow-up in her home to improve her independence with desired…

Carla working on a sewing machine

Mission Moment: Macular Degeneration Can’t Stop Carla

Carla Rhines is a senior living with age-related macular degeneration, a condition affecting the central part of the retina (the macula) and resulting in distortion or loss of central vision. Carla was referred to Alphapointe’s Low Vision Clinic where she received an evaluation by the low vision optometrist and occupational therapist. She then received follow…

Dr. John Metzger administering a low vision examine to a patient

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month: More Than Just Glasses

From Dr. John Metzger, OD The first thing that comes to mind about kids’ eyes is normally, “Do they need glasses for school?” or, “Should they be wearing sports glasses for protection?” Yes… very important. As we think about August being Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, here are…

Image of Alphapointe volunteer Pat Wallace working at a desk

Volunteer Spotlight: Pat Wallace

As part of the ongoing Volunteer Spotlight series, we checked in with volunteer Pat Wallace on why she chooses to donate her time and energy to Alphapointe. Q&A with Pat Tell us about you… I came to Alphapointe in October of 2018. My husband passed in January and then my mother passed in April. The…

Low Vision Clinic patient Josie Azarro

Mission Moment: Senior Perseveres Despite Macular Degeneration

Like many with age-related vision loss, Josie Azarro simply wanted to do many of things she had always done during her life. A senior living with Macular Degeneration, Josie was referred to Alphapointe’s Low Vision Clinic in the fall of 2020. At that point, Josie received an occupational therapy evaluation and follow up training in…