Losing sight on the job is a reality that many people are not prepared to face. When eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy begin to affect vision, the impact on one’s career can be alarming. Uncertainty sets in quickly. Can I still do my job? Will my employer fire me? What will happen next?
The numbers tell a real story. According to research in American Foundation for the Blind About 44% of working-age Americans with visual impairments are currently employed. Compared to about 79% of people without disabilities. However, the story does not have to end there. With the right tools, game plan, accommodations, and mindset, Continue to function through vision loss maybe. It’s something thousands of people do successfully every day. I am one of them.
My experience with vision loss while working
Years ago, I went from fully sighted to partially sighted to completely blind. All while working. I was working in a major company in human resources. I was young, optimistic, and energetic. I was also nervous but excited to begin this next phase of my life’s journey. But shortly after this started, I started losing my vision and it got worse.
I share my story for anyone navigating a similar path. You may be the employee who just received the diagnosis and is afraid. Or you may be a pro at calmly managing worsening vision and remaining silent. You can also be the worker who disclosed his or her disability but are afraid to ask for more accommodations because your vision is declining again. I can relate to and have experienced all three scenarios. I know personally that vision loss changes the way you work. However, it is not necessary to end your career.
Understand the specific changes in your vision
The first thing I did when I noticed the changes was to seek help. I went to an ophthalmologist and had an examination. I had no history of vision problems. I was concerned because it took a few visits to get a proper diagnosis. I was finally diagnosed UveitisIt is an eye disease that causes inflammation, retinal detachment, and nerve damage. At first, with the help of medications, my vision was stable but that would change.
First, I learned as much as I could about my eye condition. I read articles online. I got a second opinion. I have taken medications to slow the progression. I also learned how to navigate work and life with reduced vision.
Not all vision loss looks the same, and that’s important when it comes to your job. For example, a person loses his central vision, from Macular degenerationHe may have difficulty reading a computer screen or recognizing the face of a co-worker across the room. However, you can navigate the lobby easily. While someone with Glaucoma They may lose their peripheral vision first, making it difficult to notice objects at the edges of their visual field. This can cause challenges when crossing a crowded warehouse floor to discover a raised hand in a staff meeting.
When you experience gradual vision loss, you may have no remaining usable vision. But you can still experience great difficulty. I experienced bright glare from my office window and computer screen. Printed documents were difficult to read. It took me longer to adjust to the lighting differences when entering and exiting my office building.
The important point is before you can adapt, you must understand what you are facing. It’s not just the name of your diagnosis. But the special way it changes your daily experience at work.
Prepare before detection
At first, I didn’t need any housing. My vision did not directly affect my ability to do my job. But as time passed, my vision became worse, and I became a visually impaired person. I was having difficulty seeing my computer screen. I was worried it was slowing down my workflow. I knew that at some point I would have to disclose this to my employer.
But before I did that, I learned what I needed to keep working. I knew there were devices for visually impaired people. However, I did not know the details. I called my local Vision Rehabilitation Center For help and suggestions. They introduced me to assistive devices and devices for the visually impaired. They taught me about the protections I have under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They expressed their sympathy and understanding for someone like me.
Request workplace accommodations
After that, I went to my supervisor and told her that my vision had declined. I shared that there are devices that help me stay productive and keep working. I did the research and gave the information to the employer.
I did all this because employers are sometimes reluctant to provide accommodation because they are unaware of your disability. There is a fear of the unknown. Not understanding that people with disabilities can be successful at work. Part of my job was to educate the employer as much as possible. I wanted to meet them halfway so I could get what I needed to keep going.
These actions led to my success in obtaining workplace accommodation. The employer provided the following:
1. Handy magnifying glasses for reading printed materials.
2. Dark-lined note paper for taking notes during meetings.
3. 20/20 pens for high contrast writing.
4. Screen magnification software on my computer.
5. CCTV device for reading mail, faxes and other printed materials.
When your vision changes again
Unfortunately, these devices were only useful for a short time. Within a few months, I began to experience another decline in my vision. This time it was to the point where I needed more accommodations. Things that are more suitable for a blind person than a person with low vision.
I needed more reinforcement White cane travel training. I also needed screen reading software for my computer. This means taking time off work to attend vision rehabilitation training. This also means working with A Vocational rehabilitation consultant Who will advocate for me to stay in business?
Even though there was support, I wondered if my company would give me extra time off. I was anxious and stressed because my vision changed radically. I knew I had to tell my manager. I wasn’t sure she would support me because this time I would need extended leave to get vision rehabilitation training. He will be away from work for several months. The uncertainty was scary.
My supervisor saw my value
Once I told her about this new deterioration, she responded positively and gave me the vacation I needed. I think part of the reason this happened is because my employer recognized my value and contribution to the company. It wasn’t just a matter of legal obligation under the ADA. My manager said, “We need your brain in this department and we want you back.”
I took initiative and mastered my job duties. I was a team player and took on harder and more complex projects. I got to work early and came back on time from my breaks. I had strong verbal and written communication skills. I also received support from co-workers whom I trained in the department. All of these things contributed to a positive response from management.
The emotional toll of losing vision and work
Having an understanding supervisor and having work placements and vision rehabilitation training is great. However, I had not dealt with the emotional aspects of losing my sight. I focused on keeping my job. I enjoyed my work but I also had to earn a living. I told myself I would cry and be sad later.
I returned to work after a year of vision rehabilitation and continued to be successful. However, the emotional toll was difficult. My supervisor and coworkers were encouraging and supportive. However, that’s where I stopped. Interacting with people in the break room, in the elevator, and on public transportation while traveling to work was difficult.
The low expectations the public had of blind and visually impaired people was a difficult pill to swallow. People wrongly assumed I had few skills or talents. Even though I am an African American woman, I have never encountered this type of attitude or behavior before. Eventually, I sought counseling and therapy to deal with this dilemma.
I had to admit that this emotional reality was not a weakness. Rather, it was the real starting point Resilience. I learned about the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, and acceptance. I had to give myself permission to grieve and understand that I don’t have all the answers.
Find community and mentorship
In addition to therapy, I connected with other blind and visually impaired people. I specifically looked for professionals like myself who are blind and employed. I’ve found them in career readiness classes, blind consumer groups, and Guidance Through CareerConnect. From those conversations I was able to see that I was not alone. I received support to get through those difficult moments.
Practical steps to continue working
If my story resonates with you, don’t let a diagnosis end your career journey. Start with one of these steps.
1. Schedule a low vision evaluation.
2. Research your rights under the ADA.
3. Discover assistive technology.
4. Contact your state’s vocational rehabilitation agency.
5. Connect with at least one person who works successfully with vision loss.
Each of these individual actions can move you forward. It can lead to an ongoing career. He doesn’t pretend that nothing has changed. Everything has changed and may continue to change. The way forward goes directly through this reality, not around it.
I realized that in order to thrive, I had to acknowledge what was happening to me. It’s hard. But I encourage you to confront them early, and seek out the right tools and resources. I want you to understand that blindness and low vision change the way you work, but it doesn’t have to end your career.
