Driving equals Independence equals Life

Over the years of helping people with macular degeneration and other conditions that impair their vision I have come to understand how important driving is to people.  If they lose their driving privilege, they lose their independence.  It's that simple.

Like many states, Virginia issues a special driver's permit which allows people to pass the vision test and drive while wearing bioptic telescopic glasses.  I have helped many people do that and they are very appreciative.  They've got their life back.

Yesterday a lady called to schedule her annual vision test to satisfy the DMV requirements so she can continue driving.  She has macular degeneration and has been driving with the bioptic glasses for about 6 years.  Driving is very important to her.  She told me that if the day comes when she's unable to continue driving she'll take her own life.  How sad.  Without driving she'd be alone at home and have to ask someone to drive any time she wanted to go out.

She told me that she hasn't noticed any changes in her vision.  I hope she's right.  I want her to continue driving and enjoying life.