I was recently diagnosed with macular degeneration, a common eye condition that can occur with age, as my doctor told me. The doctor also said that this condition is irreversible and that glasses would no longer help. The good news is that you don’t lose your sight; you don’t go blind. The only solution might be a magnifying glass.

The condition had significantly affected my ability to read and perform daily tasks, such as reading ingredients on food labels at the supermarket or reading the numbers on a receipt.

I felt despair as I could no longer read my favorite books or do my shopping. I had to rely on my family’s help for basic things. This made me feel isolated and alienated.

I let a lot of time pass like this. One day, my children suggested that we look for a magnifying glass beyond the reading glasses, which by themselves were no longer doing anything. With my niece’s help, we began searching online for solutions that would assist my low vision.

We discovered “The Optical Center” and scheduled an appointment to try out low-vision aids and magnifying glasses they offered. They said it was an optical store in downtown Athens specializing in conditions like macular degeneration and had a wide range of products that could help me.

Magnifying Glass at “The Optical Center”

We went to the store in Ampelokipi, where young, polite staff attended to me and immediately made me feel comfortable, showing they understood what was happening to me. We discussed my condition and my difficulty with reading. After doing an eye exam, they suggested some products for me to try.

They told me that if I wanted, I could bring something to read to see practically how I could be helped, so I brought a phone bill with me. They dedicated a lot of time to me, and we explored several aids recommended for people with macular degeneration.

We focused mainly on magnifying glasses (both tabletop and handheld) due to my need for reading. Some even had lights to enhance my vision further, which helped a lot in combination with my reading glasses.

This significantly boosted my confidence. I could now see even the smallest text, and it would be easy to carry the magnifying glass in my bag. So I bought a handheld one with LED light, looking forward to going home to practice with my book.

My Life with the Magnifying Glass

That evening, as soon as I returned home, the magnifying glass helped me start reading a book that I had set aside for a long time. I was amazed by the quality of vision the new magnifying glass provided.

The text was now legible, and I could discern every word and line. I certainly needed a bit more time than before, but with a little practice, everything would be just fine.

Over time, I discovered how many joys I had missed due to the vision problems I had been facing for so long.

I can read my books again and perform daily tasks like grocery shopping or turning on the stove without any issues. And the magnifying glass can come with me anywhere.

Even though it may sound grandiose, I felt like I had found life again. My new magnifying glass allowed me to enjoy beautiful moments once more. I began to realize how much I had been slowly losing due to my vision problems.

Now I feel more autonomous and independent. I no longer have to rely on others to read to me or cook for me.

I can do everything myself, feeling freer. I realized that the magnifying glass is not just a tool for reading but something that gave me the strength and desire to live a fuller life. And all this came from the encouragement of my children and the excellent help and service from the staff at “The Optical Center.”

There I found a valuable aid for macular degeneration, and it changed my daily life for the better. And I know that there are always many other aids available for whatever I may need.

Thank you very much,

Maria T.