My Friend Who Has Macular Degeneration

Last week, while on vacation, I unexpectedly, ran into a man I've known for years but have not seen for quite a while.  He is 93 years old and has had macular degeneration for a long time.  I was impressed at how well he functioned in a relatively difficult area.  We worshiped together and attended several lectures in a large outdoor amphitheater.  My friend did not seem to have any trouble getting around the amphitheater and the surrounding area.  He's obviously learned to make good use of his peripheral vision.  He used microscopic glasses for reading the hymnbook and sang right along with the rest of us.  For seeing the speakers better he had a small telescope to help.  He might have found bioptic telescopic glasses more convenient but seemed to be doing okay with the telescope.

My friend is a real inspiration.  He's living a full life in spite of his vision impairment.  He's adapted well and has the devices that assist him.  I was very happy to see him getting along so well.