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THE MACULAR
DEGENERATION COMMUNITY

Sandy


 

Name
Sandy George

Born
July 18, 1951

Home
Fayetteville TN

Diagnosis
Stargardts

Eyes Affected
Both

Eye Color
Blue

Age at Diagnosis
mid 30s

Visual Acuity
about 20/100 left and 20/200 right (corrected).

Treatment
None, but I have yearly visits with the low vision doctor who keeps me abreast of new developments.

Prognosis or Current State of Vision
No idea how fast or how far it will progress.

Family History
Neither parent even wore glasses until adulthood. (I began wearing lenses at age 4.) One grandfather and one grandmother (opposite branches of the family tree) had very poor vision.

Impact on My Life
I was very sad when first diagnosed. I had to deal with a lot of emotions. I still do basically whatever I want to do.

Positive Effects
Recently (partially thanks to the list, but even more thanks to an understanding husband) have reached life goals that I once wondered if I could. I have finished a novel, gone back to public speaking for folks I don't even know, and am using the computer like crazy.

Adaptations
I wear contact lenses, +8 reading glasses, and drive with a bioptic telescope. I also use various magnifiers.

Working
I'm a certified elementary and secondary school teacher, but am not teaching at present. Yes, vision is part of the reason, but I know that I can make adjustments and go back to the classroom if and when I decide to do so.

More About Me
I am a wife and mother of three (25,21, and 15). I love people and creative things. I teach a diet and nutrition class, Sunday school, and Wednesday night classes, and love to speak to church and civic groups.



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