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Name
Carrollyn McCollum
Born
12/27/76
Diagnosis
Stargardt disease
Eyes Affected
Both
Eye Color
Brown
Age at Diagnosis
19
Acuity
20/200 with correction
Impact on My Life
Driving is difficult being that I am legally blind at this time. I have to take defensive driving classes and wear my low vision device as I am driving. I have to have special permission from my state to drive. I understand the concern for my safety as well as others, therefore I don't mind all of the red tape involved in my permission to operate a motor vehicle.
Positive Effects
Not having "perfect" or "normal" vision really halps me to appreciate the little things in life. I am thankful to God for the vision that I do have and the impact that I can make on not only my own family, but others as well by overcoming my handicap. I always have to remember that God doesn't make mistakes and there's a reason for everything.
Adaptations
Everything I read has to be enlarged. and if it isn't I usually have my reading glasses or magnifying lens to assist me.
Employment
I am a certified teacher k-8, however, I now concentrate more on my art work. I am an abstract artist. I believe that people with low vision see things differently, not just because they don't see as clearly, but because they learn to appreciate life and what it brings. Therefore, it isn't surprising to me that I have taken this path in my life.
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