Chris has had glaucoma for over fifty years. It did not have a significant effect on her until about 2014, shortly after the death of her husband. In a short span of time, she went from being partially sighted to being severely sight impaired, with her sight continuing to get worse to this day.
“The thing I miss most is being able to read a book. Reading has always been a big part of my life,” she said. “What Jamie (our Technology and Equipment Officer) has taught me has given me a new lease on life. I can use my iPad to read, and it has been a godsend.”
Chris moved to Oxford in December of 2022 and MyVision was recommended to her by an employee of John Radcliffe Hospital. She then picked up our leaflet from our Sight Desk in the hospital and got in touch with us about our services.
“I said that it was very difficult to use my Kindle to read and the people at MyVision suggested that I come in and try out some of the equipment, the iPad in particular. Jamie is one of the most patient, kind, and helpful young men I have met in my life. I do not know how he does it. He is always so helpful and positive.”
“You lose confidence when your vision is impaired, and my confidence was rock bottom. Jamie helped me up with his encouragement and knowledge.”
Before getting involved with our Get Connected project and receiving technology training, Chris had very little experience with technology. “My husband loved computers and he often handled most technology related tasks. I was quite happy to let him do that,” she said.
“When I moved to Oxford, apart from being able to operate some aspects of my Kindle, I didn’t have much knowledge of technology.”
“Since starting my training sessions, Jamie showed me the iPad and how it’s a much better fit for me. What I can do now is photograph documents (which I cannot read at all) and the iPad will read them to me. He also taught me how to use a function called CoPilot. I can input any question and I receive an answer in great detail. Now Jamie will be putting books from the RNIB onto my iPad.”
“I like learning about history and now that I’m in Oxford, I would like to know more about the place where I’m living. The way Jamie is teaching me, I’ll be able to do that.”
Chris feels like her technology training and involvement with the Get Connected project has helped her to adjust to sight loss. “I am more confident about technology, and I don’t feel rushed. Jamie makes sure that I understand everything and learn at my own pace.”
“I feel so much better because I’m always thinking about what I want to learn about, and now I can go onto my iPad, type in my questions, and get an answer. I have recently learned a lot about local history and local churches.”
Chris has also recently been paired with a Befriending volunteer through MyVision. Together they have been able to go into Oxford and explore the places Chris has been learning about on her iPad in person.
“I can’t fault MyVision. Everything I felt I needed: advice, befriending, technology support, a sympathetic ear; it’s all there!”
If you are interested in finding out more about our Get Connected project, contact info@MyVision.org.uk or 01865 725595.
