The many professionals in our area who share their time and talents with our monthly Family Caregivers and Adult Children Support Group at Pittman Grove Baptist Church in Raeford are one of the rewarding aspects of facilitating a support group.
In February, Tonya Harris, a social worker with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Hoke County was our February speaker and presented “Age-Related Eye Disease.”
Presented by Tonya Harris
Harris, who works with blind clients, shared information on eye problems that become more common among people as they age. The North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) has provided services to the blind and visually impaired since 1935. Their services are funded through cooperative efforts from federal, state and county resources. DHHS has programs in place to provide support and assistance to cope with vision changes and blindness.
Through the Medical Eye Care Program, DSB offers many services to assist those coping with the challenges of vision loss and learning to live independently and safely at home and in the community. Mini centers provide group classes for counseling, information sharing, instruction in adaptive techniques of daily living, use of low vision assistive aids and devices, safe travel training and more. Many of these services are free of cost!
The Medical Eye Care Program also provides preventive and corrective services, which include sponsorship of eye exams, glasses, treatment, surgery, eye medications, low-vision evaluations and eye care education. Eligibility for services is based on economic income.
If you are experiencing changes in vision, contact your local department of social services to schedule an appointment with a county social worker for the blind: www.ncdhhs.gov/dsb. Additionally, the department has programs for the deaf and blind.
The next Family Caregivers and Adult Children Support Group meets on Tuesday, March 29 with Ken Laws of Orthotics & Prosthetics of Pinehurst presents on the value of good foot care as we age. This group meeting is free and open to the public with a goal of providing information and resources.
For more information on support groups in the area, click here, call 910-692-0683 or email donnab@aosnc.com.
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