Retired Mokena Eye Doctor Hopes To Help Others Struggling With Vision

MOKENA, IL — A Mokena resident and former professor of optometry is hoping to bring awareness to area residents who may be struggling with their eyesight through a series of free informational workshops.

Derrald Taylor, a retired optometrist and professor at the Illinois College of Optometry, now serves as a board member for Oasis For People With Vision Loss, a not-for-profit organization geared at helping residents who may be experiencing vision loss continue to live full, independent lives.

The group meets on the second Thursday of every month at the Founders Center in Frankfort. The meetings run from 12:30-2 p.m. and seeks to provide information about vision issues resources, adaptive devices, and social outings for persons who are visually impaired or blind.

There is no cost for the workshops and while resources for the group are limited, the not-for-profit hopes to offer transportation to anyone in need. The not-for-profit is partially supported by the Lions Club of Mokena and Frankfort.

The meetings provide information about new technology that allows residents struggling with vision issues to maintain their maximum personal independence as well as conventional devices and adaptive techniques, Taylor said.

“Macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are increasing every year, especially with our aging population but even diabetics among younger people,” Taylor wrote in an email.

“Once permanent vision loss occurs the person can lose a variety of independent functions such as driving, reading their mail or even a restaurant menu much less with more severe loss even their ability to travel safely outside their home. These are not medical problems. They are rehabilitation problems and medical eye doctors should refer for appropriate services but few do and do not offer information about adaptive services and devices that will help the person maintain as much personal independence as possible.”

Taylor said that as vision problems worsen, he anticipates the number of people needing assistance will only grow.

“There are hundreds of tasks we do every day guided by our vision and if lost to different degrees can greatly limit our personal independence,” Taylor said. “There is an adjustment period to vision loss and some people will resign vision loss to age or hope for a cure.

“In addition, vision loss can be very isolating, and our group offers some social interaction. Often one member will solve a functional problem for another. People feel less isolated.”

More information about Oasis Vision’s services can be found by calling (779) 324-2025 or by visiting the Oasis Vision website.