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Name
Jim Rowland
Born
10-14-46
Home
Delta, Colorado
Diagnosis
Myopic Macular Degeneration
Eyes Affected
Both
Eye Color
Blue
Age at Diagnosis
42
Visual Acuity
2 fingers at 3 feet
Treatment
I am not now, nor have I been under any treatment. I went in for check ups every 6 months for several years and now go in once a year.
Prognosis or Current State of
Vision
I see nothing in my right eye and have a little vision left in my left eye. I still wear a contact in my left eye that has the same correction I had in 1988 when I first experienced the loss. They have not been able to make the correction better, even though they have tried many times.
Family History
None that I am aware of. I have a sister with myopia almost as severe as mine.
Impact on My Life
Have not driven since 1988. Was able to continue working in a former customer representative position for seven years. Took full disability in 1995.
Positive Effects
I now entertain in the Senior Community (Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Senior meal sites,etc.) and many other venues all over Western Colorado. I was appointed by our Governor to represent the disability of MD on the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) in 1999 and have served as Chair for the past 1.5 years. Have been privileged to preside over a major reorganization of this Council, making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities in Colorado. My life is good today (probably better than if I could see well)
Adaptations
I have used many high-tech tools to help me function.
I have a network of drivers that take me all over the country (mainly all over Western Colorado)
Working
Retired on disability.
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