CRAO

[droy6496]

Hello, How come i don't see anyone talking about CRAO in any of the posts? I was just diagnosed last week, and trying to find ways to cope with no central vision any more and how it will affect my profession of 18 yrs driving a commercial vehicle .

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Hi droy, what's the condition? I'm guessing Central Retinal Artery Occlusion?

My hubby has brao. He still has good enough sight in other eye for HGV.

I suggest you contact the Macular Society who will have lots of expert practical and emotional support for you. They know about the government rules stuff too.

I'm guessing people with a condition like my hubby often don't come on here as there's no treatment and its not going to get better and worse wouldn't actually make any difference so they've just dealt with it and moved on (also he's not good at asking for help lol).

I think the Mac Soc have info on a way to see around the central blindness which might help you a bit.

There are things we all have in common though. Sight loss is akin to a bereavement so expect it to take a while before you feel ok.

Keep posting your specific queries on dealing with partial sight loss - there's bound to be someone here who can help x

Eg - my hubby has changed to transition lens in his specs which he says helps with the glare when driving.

Hope that helps!

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear droy6496,

I am sorry to read of your recent diagnosis.

As mentioned below, the impact of the diagnosis of any eye condition and indeed any stage in the process is generally compared to experiencing bereavement. Individuals frequently go through very similar feelings and responses and in no set order. We do have a free telephone counselling service. Please contact us for further details if this is of interest. We need the individual’s verbal consent in order to be able to refer them. It takes the lead counsellor a maximum of a week to make the initial call. Our counsellors are fully trained and the majority have sight loss themselves. Sessions consist of approximately 6 of around 45-50 minutes each. Please contact us if this is of interest.

Please contact us on the Macular Society helpline for further information.

This is the link to our Driving booklet:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

Just to make you aware, we are currently offering free 6 month membership. This is a good way to keep up with current developments. Please ring us if you would like to benefit from this, or join via the following link:

macularsociety.org/6months

The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,