Laurie’s Story

Laurie is an 83-year-old licensed psychoanalyst, art historian, and author who loves snorkeling and going to the Opera. She holds a PhD in Art History and began her career as a Professor and Director of Graduate Art Therapy at New York University (NYU) in 1976. She became a member of the Psychoanalytic Association of New York faculty, associated with NYU Medical Center in 1985. Laurie remained in both positions until her retirement in 2000. Since her retirement, she has continued working as a clinician, seeing patients online and writing books. Over the years, Laurie has written several books, with the working title of her current book project being The Image of the Female Body in Western Art. Laurie was living happily with her husband of thirty years when he passed away two years ago. Around the same time, she lost her vision. Laurie describes both experiences as being “devastating.”

Adapting to Vision Loss

Since living in Westchester with her condition was challenging, Laurie moved back to Manhattan for its convenience and the pleasure of nearby musical performances and friends. In a matter of several months, she had to empty her home, move to Manhattan, sell her house, sell the apartment where her office was downtown, find a new apartment, and move in. During all these activities, Laurie managed to continue with her online practice. She shares that although she has managed to keep going, what she did not have time to do in the past couple of years was to grieve either of her losses.

Laurie was unaware she had Macular Degeneration when she began losing her vision. She first noticed a gradual difference in her vision four to five years ago. It had progressed in recent years and seemed to worsen when stressed. To slow the progression, she receives injections every six weeks. 

Getting to Know Lighthouse Guild

Other than assigning NYU art therapy students for work projects, Laurie had no personal experience with Lighthouse Guild as a client until after losing her vision. During that time, her ophthalmologist suggested that she schedule an appointment with Dr. Bruce Rosenthal, who, prior to his retirement, had served as the Chief of Low Vision Services at Lighthouse Guild. Since his retirement, Laurie has been under the care of low vision specialist Dr. Andrea Zimmerman.

Low Vision Services 

After connecting with Lighthouse Guild, Laurie said, “They keep providing me with new and different things. Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Lily Harris provided me with all kinds of supplies, including a talking scale and other devices that make my life easier. Orientation and Mobility Instructor Diane Formosa provided me with a cane and the tips I would need when using it with my rollator. Since losing my vision, I feel more cautious when walking outdoors, and these devices give me more confidence. They provide additional balance and stability when I’m crossing the street and walking on the sidewalks. They alert others that I have a vision impairment.” Laurie also shared that her cane greatly assisted her when moving around on the cruise ship during a recent vacation. 

Technology: A Tremendous Help

Laurie’s work involves a major visual element; getting Macular Degeneration has been a disaster for her. Once Dr. Zimmerman connected Laurie with Occupational Therapist Inna Babaeva, Laurie was introduced to different technology devices on display in Lighthouse Guild’s Technology Center that were available for purchase via the manufacturers. After sampling several devices, Laurie decided to purchase two that she feels will be a tremendous help with her work projects. 

After completing a couple of vision assessment exercises on the computer and iPad, Social Services Assistant Domingo Pascual determined Laurie qualifies for technology training. This training will provide her with helpful tips and apps for using her phone and computer.

Laurie has always been a huge fan of the Opera. She loves watching the performers on stage while at the same time reading the libretto. Once she lost her vision, reading the libretto was no longer possible. After meeting with the technology team at Lighthouse Guild, they suggested a device that would allow her to place the device on her glasses or head and read the libretto simultaneously. Laurie said, “It was amazing that they tried to come up with a device for me to use and that they loaned them to me so I could try them out at the Opera to see if they would work.”

Enhancing Her Caribbean Vacation 

After planning a vacation in the Caribbean, Laurie shared with Dr. Andrea Zimmerman her disappointment in how her loss of vision has hindered her hobby of snorkeling. She could no longer see the fish and coral when underwater. Dr. Zimmerman met with one of the opticians, and a pair of prescription snorkeling goggles were made for Laurie to use. Laurie said, “I tested them while on vacation, and I was able to see all the fish swimming around me as well as the beautiful coral. The goggles worked magnificently.” Since the goggles were so successful, Laurie is planning a future vacation to Belize for snorkeling.

Laurie Looks to the Future

Laurie is looking forward to working with other experts in the Technology Center to learn how to use different apps and devices. Laurie said, “I think the people who work at Lighthouse Guild are astonishing. I think it’s fantastic — the work they do and how they always try to come up with different things. I’m enthusiastic about Lighthouse Guild even though I have to fight despair while alternating with optimism.”

Laurie is looking forward to a future meeting with Social Worker Tamara Greely, who is offering a group therapy program for clients with difficulties managing their vision loss. In addition, social workers are working to assist her in applying for access-a-ride services. Laurie said, “With all the services available to me at Lighthouse Guild, I realize I’m not alone with my disability.”

About Lighthouse Guild

Laurie credits and is grateful to The New York State Commission for Blind for being instrumental in connecting her with the Lighthouse Guild. Laurie said, “I’m incredibly impressed by the services Lighthouse Guild provides. I think what they do is astonishing, and it’s been amazing for me. They are so unbelievably accommodating, and they keep coming up with new and different ways to help people with vision loss. When I feel desolate or despairing, I know there is a resource out there that is continuously helping lots of people. Because of Lighthouse Guild’s assistance, I now know that I will be able to get my book written.”