Atypical Vision Problem *update* Back!

[Independence1776]

I have corrected normal vision, but I'm also severely light sensitive. I currently use a long black cane so I can walk safely outside with my eyes closed. (My current sunglasses do not help, even with a hat on.) By the time of my family's trip to Disney World the first week in June, I'm planning on having sunglasses that do work. However, I'm also packing my cane just in case something happens to them. This last is what I have concerns about.

I have only been using my cane since September, and recieved no formal training with it. I've taught myself to use it with information online and just plain daily use. But I have never had to use it in a crowded environment like Disney (my college is tiny). Futhermore, my parents do not approve of my use of the cane because they feel I am "misrepresenting" myself. They do not know I am planning on packing it.

My main concern is how people are going to treat me if I do end up having to use it. I only use my cane outside, never inside. I'm considering taping a vertical peice of paper that says "light sensitive" to the section of my cane below the grip. I'm also thinking about making up some small cards that explain my problem. Other than that, I have no idea about what to do or what I should be aware of. I'm hoping I won't need the cane, but I'm preparing just in case. I'd greatly appreciate any advice you guys have.

[OneLittleSpark]

To begin with, if you need the cane, use it. The sun in Florida is extremely bright, even for those without sensitivity to it, so don't over-do things and risk damaging yourself. You have a visual problem which is aided by using a cane, so therefore you are not misrepresenting yourself by using one. Not everyone who uses a cane is blind, they can benefit people with a range of visual impairments. If you'd feel happier taping the piece of paper on your cane then go for it, but if not, don't worry.

A couple of questions:

What time of year are you going? That will affect the brightness of the sunshine (though it will be fairly bright whenever you go) and the crowdedness of the parks.

Secondly, is it only bright lights that you have a problem with, or would you benefit from sitting closer to the front in shows? If this would benefit you, you might want to consider getting a Guest Assistance Card (GAC), information about which can be found in the FAQ near the top of the disABILITIES board.

Good luck getting the sunglasses :cool2: and have a wonderful trip:goodvibes !

[Cheshire Figment]

You might want to consider also bring along a set of clip-on sunglasses to wear on the top of your regular sunglasses. This will give additional protection from the sunlight and may make it unnecessary to close your eyes when in the sun.

[Independence1776]

To begin with, if you need the cane, use it. The sun in Florida is extremely bright, even for those without sensitivity to it, so don't over-do things and risk damaging yourself. You have a visual problem which is aided by using a cane, so therefore you are not misrepresenting yourself by using one. Not everyone who uses a cane is blind, they can benefit people with a range of visual impairments. If you'd feel happier taping the piece of paper on your cane then go for it, but if not, don't worry.

A couple of questions:

What time of year are you going? That will affect the brightness of the sunshine (though it will be fairly bright whenever you go) and the crowdedness of the parks.

Secondly, is it only bright lights that you have a problem with, or would you benefit from sitting closer to the front in shows? If this would benefit you, you might want to consider getting a Guest Assistance Card (GAC), information about which can be found in the FAQ near the top of the disABILITIES board.

Good luck getting the sunglasses :cool2: and have a wonderful trip:goodvibes !

I know I have a problem. My parents don't get how severe it is. It's really annoying. An example: Dad had his eyes dilated several months ago over Christmas break. He opened the back door to go outside, looked out, and closed it to get his sunglasses. I told him, "That's a lot what it's like for me." His response: "It can't be that bad." :headache:

I'm going the first week in June. Given that I'm from northwest FL, I know how bright the summer sun is, and I'm guessing it's worse in central FL. It's the crowds I'm worried about.

It's mainly bright, intense lights I have problems with, though I also have issues with flourescant and strobe lights as well.

As for clip-ons, those are my current sunglasses. (I don't wear contacts.) The sunglasses I'm planning on buying can fit over my glasses. But I'm still going to bring the clipons for late in the day when it'll be too dark to wear my new sunglasses, but still bright enough to bother me.

Thanks for the advice. I was actually a little afraid to post this because it isn't something most would consider to be a problem. I know better now. :rolleyes:

[OneLittleSpark]

Unfortunately June is a fairly bad time for crowds, but that's not to say it isn't do-able. You might benefit from a tour book with crowd-busting tips, such as Tour Guide Mike, to help you avoid the worst of the crowds, but I've never used any, so can't give you a personal recommendation.

I've looked for a list of attractions with strobe lighting, but can't seem to find one. Maybe someone else here can help?

Have you considered getting adaptive lenses for your glasses?

If your parents push you to do something you don't feel comfortable doing, such as leaving the cane behind, you might have to get firm with them. I know that your parents are sometimes the hardest people to put your foot down to, but it'll be worth it to stop you putting yourself in a position you're not happy with. The first time my joints flared up at Disney it took a long time for me to persuade my folks to rent a wheelchair for me, but once we had, the holiday was so much better. We could all go more quickly and happily as I wasn't slowing them down, hobbling along in pain (different scenario, but you get my point). You do whatever you need to do to make your holiday the best it can be.

Hope you have a great time, and please post up any questions you have, there's likely to be someone here who knows the answer :thumbsup2 !

[SueM in MN]

A problem I can see with the black cane if you are using it to 'feel' like a blind person would use a white cane is that the black cane will be much harder for people to see and therefore people might trip on it or walk into it while you are using it. You might want to put something on it to make it more evident to people - like a stripe of some kind of bright colored tape.

Another thing - wearing a hat with a brim will shade your eyes and cut down on the light even more. Something styles like a baseball hat or a they have more stylish kinds like this newsboy cap (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=1-20/qid=1175139610/ref=sr_1_20/601-1926237-9226510?ie=UTF8&asin=B000JIHGY6) or these from a search on Target for hats. (http://www.target.com/gp/search.html/ref=sr_ln_4/601-1926237-9226510?ie=UTF8&index=target&field-browse=1041790&field-keywords=hat) You just want the brim to come out fairly far so it actually shades you. With the new glasses and a hat it might be enough.

I'd also suggest talking to an opthamologist, Internal Medical or Family Practice doctor (not an optometrist) about your problem if you haven't already. Extreme light sensitivity is usually a symptom of a problem. Rather than treating the symptom with darker glasses, figuring out what the problem is and treating that might eliminate or lessen your photo sensitivity a great deal.

There is information about strobe lights in this thread about strobe lights and epilepsy (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1073101&highlight=strobe) (there is a link to it in the disABILITIES FAQs thread).

[SueM in MN]

Have you considered getting adaptive lenses for your glasses?
Darkening lenses would not get dark enough for you to use alone outside in the sun, (http://www.wonderquest.com/SunglassesPhotogrey.htm)but they may make it so that with your extra dark sunglasses on top of them, you feel like you can open your eyes.
They would very likely be enough to use where it is light and (right now) you are planning on using clip ons over your glasses.
If you haven't already, you should look into getting antiglare coatings and UV coatings put onto your regular glasses. Those can help a lot with the amount of UV light hitting your eyes (and UV light is the main problem with photsensitivity).

[Independence1776]

They would very likely be enough to use where it is light and (right now) you are planning on using clip ons over your glasses.

I already use clip-ons. They don't work. That's why I need new sunglasses. :)

And, yes, that is how I use my cane. (It is a blind person's cane, only black.) Visibilty is the other reason I was considering putting a sign on it. But I also use constant contact techinique, so there is the constant scraping sound the tip makes on the pavement to help as well.

I already have a hat with a wide brim that I use on a daily basis. It does help to some degree (if I don't wear a hat, sunlight hurts even with my eyes closed). I also have antiglare and UV coating on my glasses as well.

The other problem with transition lenses is that they can take several minutes to darken fully. During that time, if sunglasses are used, they won't fully darken given the lesser amount of UV coming through. I've looked into using it, but decided it wasn't right for me.

Thanks for the link about strobe lights. I think the main reason they bother me is that they flash bright and turn off rapidly. My eyes can't adjust at all to them. Fluorescants just seem to be too bright and too white, if that makes any sense at all.

I truly do thank you for all the suggestions you've given me. I think what I'm going to do is write a letter to my parents explaining exactly what my problem is and how the cane helps me (I'm much better explaining things on paper than out loud). But I'm still concerned about how to use the cane safely in a crowd since I haven't had any experiance. I know I won't be able to avoid one, given I'll be at Star Wars Weekends.

[taximomfor4]

You didn't mention this....sorry if I come across as a worried parent, lol. Have you consulted a dr or opthalmologist about this? They have different aids to give, for specific problems. I would worry that sunglasses just cover the problem a little, while allowing further harm to occur. I would definitely see a professional ASAP about this, rather than just depending on sunglasses and a cane.

Beth

[Independence1776]

Yeah, I'm planning on seeing a doctor about it. But I'm at college now, so it won't be for at least another couple of months. It doesn't help that I don't have much faith with the medical profession in general- I asked my optometrist and she said, "Some people are more light sensitive than others." Just like I had found out from my research about it online... :rolleyes:

And you're allowed to be a worried mother! I've actually been light sensitive my entire life- I started wearing sunglasses in the third or fourth grade- but it's gotten worse over the past couple of years.

[leanan]

I have some excessive light sensativity issues as well. Yes it is a problem. Yes if you are severe enough that you close your eyes a lot then using a cane is what you need to do. You are not a wuss and I am pretty sure you are not exagerating your problem. It is annoying as heck.

You know what makes me crazy? Getting my picture taken. The flash blinds me badly. It takes 5 shots to get one decent picture where I am only squinting my eyes. It makes me sad. I torment the poor defenseless photo pass photographers because I am always running back for retakes or asking for them to do extras. If my eyes are open I am not smiling because I had to fight so hard to keep my eyes open.

[SueM in MN]

Yeah, I'm planning on seeing a doctor about it. But I'm at college now, so it won't be for at least another couple of months. It doesn't help that I don't have much faith with the medical profession in general- I asked my optometrist and she said, "Some people are more light sensitive than others." Just like I had found out from my research about it online... :rolleyes:
Optometrists are not medical doctors. They specialize in 'measuring' the eye and doing screening for problems. They are very good at what they do, but they are not the right kind of doctor to see for this.
Some people are more light sensitive than others, but what you are describing is way off of the range of normal and needs to be evaluated by a medical doctor. Especially as you mention that it has gotten worse.

There should be some type of health care available at your college. There may be a student health department if it's large enough or someplace they can refer you to. And you would be either still under your parents insurance or would have student insurance.
The increased photosensitivity might be caused by something that needs to be taken care of in order to prevent worse things from happening. And waiting a few months might make a difference.
I am speaking not only as a worried mom, but as an RN. Do yourself a favor and get it checked out. At least if you do that, you have something to tell your parents besides "my eyes are sensitive" which they already know and don't believe is as bad as you say.

[LWQuestie]

Independence1776: People generally don't associate black canes with visual impairment, so I would strongly urge you to try to obtain a white cane if at all possible. I would also recommend the use of a collapsible cane, as a long straight cane could be difficult to manage getting on and off of most attractions.

You can try this website: Independent Living Aids (http://www.independentliving.com/products.asp?dept=395&deptname=Folding). The canes range from $19-$40.

My mom is totally blind, but was partially sighted for most of her life, and we have gone to Walt Disney World many times. If you need any more specific advise for specific attractions or anything like that, feel free to contact me!

And have a great time!!

[Independence1776]

I don't generally like my pictures taken, but the flash does make it worse! And I'm glad there's someone out there who has a similar problem. I actually had someone ask me what light sensitive meant.

Optometrists are not medical doctors. They specialize in 'measuring' the eye and doing screening for problems. They are very good at what they do, but they are not the right kind of doctor to see for this.
Some people are more light sensitive than others, but what you are describing is way off of the range of normal and needs to be evaluated by a medical doctor. Especially as you mention that it has gotten worse.

There should be some type of health care available at your college. There may be a student health department if it's large enough or someplace they can refer you to. And you would be either still under your parents insurance or would have student insurance.
The increased photosensitivity might be caused by something that needs to be taken care of in order to prevent worse things from happening. And waiting a few months might make a difference.
I am speaking not only as a worried mom, but as an RN. Do yourself a favor and get it checked out. At least if you do that, you have something to tell your parents besides "my eyes are sensitive" which they already know and don't believe is as bad as you say.

The optometrist was only one example. I know they're not doctors.

Unfortunately, I go to a tiny private college. There is no health department, only a nurse. They tell you to go off campus if you need to see a doctor- and I don't have a car. As for insurance, I'm not sure they'll pay. I'm a Navy brat, and can only see someone about my eyes once every two years (which wouldn't be until December). The only way I'd be able to see an opthamologist is by going to my regular doctor who will then authorize that appointment. (Given that it's a form of socialized medicine, there's no guarantee I'd be able to get a speedy appointment for either one.) It's also complicated by the fact that I'm graduating in May and will lose insurance coverage if I don't get into grad school. I truly do plan on getting it checked out as soon as possible, but I can't do it right now.


LWQuestie, the reason I use a black cane instead of a white one is that I don't want to break the law. Since I'm not legally blind, I would be if I used one. And my cane is collapsable. Since I only use it outside, I wanted the ease of storage inside. As for people not recognizing the black cane for visual impairment, when I started using it, people kept stopping and asking me if I had gone blind (one accused me of faking and walked off before I could respond). I don't think the color matters so much to some people than as to how I use it and what it looks like than compared to other canes. I'll contact you via PM once I get enough posts to do so. :)

[Independence1776]

Well, I managed to get a doctor's appointment for this afternoon (I'm on spring break right now). He had no idea what is causing my light sensitivity, but he did authorize a consult to an opthamologist. I just don't know when that will happen, probably in May.

My current question: how bright are Le Cellier, Tony's, and 50's Prime Time Cafe? It's been about seven years since my last visit to Disney World (not counting Grad Night), and I can't remember, and plus I've never been to Le Cellier.

[SueM in MN]

Well, I managed to get a doctor's appointment for this afternoon (I'm on spring break right now). He had no idea what is causing my light sensitivity, but he did authorize a consult to an opthamologist. I just don't know when that will happen, probably in May.

My current question: how bright are Le Cellier, Tony's, and 50's Prime Time Cafe? It's been about seven years since my last visit to Disney World (not counting Grad Night), and I can't remember, and plus I've never been to Le Cellier.
:thumbsup2

Tony's has some tables outside, so you want to make sure you don't get one of those. Other than that, it's kind of average. Not really, really light, but not dim either.
It's been a very long time since I've been in the 50s Prime Time Cafe, but I think I remember it being pretty light.

One I know that is dim and quite a bit of fun is the Sci-Fi Drive in. It is themed to be a drive in movie theater at night, so is pretty dark. There is light from the movie screen in front of you, but it's otherwise pretty dim.

This thread might be helpful to you. (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1377129) The person in that thread was asking for restaurants that would be bright because one of their party has low vision. People answered that and also suggested some that would be too dim for someone with low vision. So, between that thread and what people answer here, you might fet some good ideas.

[Independence1776]

Thanks for the link. It did help. But those three resturants are the ones we have ADRs for, so no changing them. I just want to be prepared. (I can just imagine the comments I'll get from the people at Prime Time if I end up wearing sunglasses inside! :rotfl: ) Now I'm just curious about counter service, but we're doing those on the fly since my family is going to split up for the most part (my twin and I, and my parents).

[Independence1776]

Well, I had my opthomology appointment this morning. There is apparently nothing wrong with my eyes. The doctor wasn't able to give me any advice except to wear sunglasses (which he knew I already do). So, I guess I'm just a medical anomaly. :confused3

Now, I just have to convince my parents that I won't trip anyone with my cane while we're at Disney (if my sunglasses don't arrive in time). They think there will be too many people for me to use it. While I agree that it will be crowded, with the rolling ball tip, I can hold it so it's practically vertical, and thus still warn me about stuff and warn others that I have a problem. I'll also use sighted guide as needed. (I'm going to order my fitover sunglasses tommorow, so here's hoping they'll get here before we leave on June 1.)

So, any further advice for me before we leave?

[FSUDisneyGirl]

hey independence!

just wanted to say that i'm sure you'll have a great time at disney! i understand how it can be when things are too bright. for me it's not as severe, but there are times when i walk outside and want to close my eyes because the sun just hurts. i wear sunglasses all the time...my boyfriend makes fun of me and says my eyes hurt because i'm so used to sungalsses, when i take them off everything just seems brighter! but this started before i began wearing sunglasses.

i also feel like, if i don't have glasses on all the time, that i have to squint soooo much! here's a question- are your eyes a light color? mine are a light blue-green, and some people have told me that i'm probably light sensitive b/c my eyes are a light color.

sorry that wasn't much help...just wanted to say that i sort of know how you feel! good luck with the sunglasses...and i'm sure you'll have a great time at disney!!:banana:

[Independence1776]

My parents say the same thing as your boyfriend. I read that about light-colored eyes as well, but mine are brown!

As for the sunglasses, the pair I ordered last week were too big and too light, so I have a new pair arriving tommorow. (The worse ones are fine for driving, but not for walking around because of how big they are.) Here's hoping the new ones work better!

And I will have a good time!

[hematite153]

I've often been told that I have very light sensitive eyes--although nothing like you--and they are brown as well. I don't think that eye-colour affects sensitivity...but I don't really know enough to say.

I have been reading this thread for awhile but didn't really have anything to contribute that hadn't already been said. But I have been thinking that I do have one suggestion nobody's mentioned.

Especially in light of your comment that the new sunglasses didn't work...

I find that regular sunglasses actually make my eyes more sensitive and my pupils increase so that the light entering them doesn't really change. However, polarized sunglasses are great! I used to have a pair (finally replaced them after 12 years) that were a light yellow colour such that I could wear them easily indoors. But, by polarizing the light they were also sufficient for outdoors as well.

My newer pair is fancier and therefore even better (I never knew this was possible) for outdoor use but causes problems if I try to use them indoors. (Note: don't try reading resort CS screens with polarized lenses on--it won't work unless you are standing in the perfect spot.)

Also, have you spoken to your optometrist about an astigmatism? My eye doctor told me years ago that I had a "slight astigmatism and it wasn't worth correcting". After getting increasing numbers of headaches, I finally decided to go to another optometrists and get glasses. Yes, one of the lenses is plano (the other is -.25) but it has an astigmatism correction. I can pass a 20/20 vision test without my glasses but I wear them almost all the time. (I will take them off in heavy rain or in any rain at night.) No only do I get fewer headaches, but, I have also found that correcting the astigmatism decreases my light sensitivity. (Something about the way my eyeball was bending the light?)

My new sunglasses are both polarized and prescription so that might be why they work so well.

One other question to ask...have you ever been evaluated by an Irlen Diagnostician? They look for colour processing difficulties that can have all kinds of effects on people. (You mostly hear about Irlen in terms of reading disabilities but it's not really that focused.) Irlen lenses are very expensive but would be specially tinted to change the colour spectrum to whatever it is that your brain processes best. (Yes, it's your eyes that feel the pain from the sun but only because your brain sends back messages in response to the visual stimuli.)


Have a good trip whatever happens!

[lisabelll]

I have a problem with photo sensitivity, although not to the degree you have. You said you are ordering sunglasses that fit over your regular glasses. I have never ordered any but I HAVE to use sunglasses that fit over my glasses. I can't wear contacts and clips ons are useless because all of the light that gets in from the sides. I wear "Solar Shields" (here is a link from amazon http://www.amazon.com/Maxi-Aids-Solar-Shields-Amber/dp/B00011R4F2/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_img_b/104-3809430-2049530 ) I buy them at Wal-mart or Walgreen's. They are MUCH MUCH MUCH better then clip-ons. They run around $20 a pair. Maybe you could grab a pair for back up??? If they are not dark enough, perhaps bring your clip-ons and wear those over your glasses and the Solar Shields over them???

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

[Independence1776]

I have a slight astigmatism in one eye that doesn't need to be corrected (at least that's what I was told a couple years ago). I'm not worried, because I've had them before and it's gone away before. Secondly, I was light sensitive before the optomotrist said anything. Polarization would be wonderful, but the coloration of the filter is gray, and would thus mess up the tint I chose.

I've heard of the Irlen filters, but decided it wasn't worth it. The company I went with (NoIR) has numerous colors tints, and I picked the one that's the closest to my regular clip-ons (I love the color, it just isn't tinted dark enough). Solar Shields didn't have the right color (for some reason, amber and the other colors shown don't work for me).

The new sunglasses I ordered I need to return. The lady who took my order apparently misheard me and sent a lighter tint than I ordered (though she was correct about the size). So, looks like I'm wearing the bigger ones at Disney. :rolleyes: (And if I need to use my cane, so be it, no matter what my parents say.)

Thanks for all your help! I really appreciate it. I'll update about the trip after we get back (leaving tommorow!). :goodvibes

[bopper]

You should try sunglasses they use for climbing Mount Everest as they are designed to be darker and also protect from the sides. From a site about gear to bring to Mount Everest.

" Glacier glasses with Side Covers. 100% UV, IR, high quality optical lenses designed for mountain use, must have side covers, leashes, and a nose guard is particularly helpful (Chums MelaNoNo is a good brand). No more than 8% light transmission. Suggested: Bolle, Bucci, Julbo Round "Arc"or Cebe. If you wear contact lenses we recommend packing a spare pair of glasses-it is a good idea to have these with "photo-gray" or equivalent light-sensitive material so they can double as emergency sunglasses. If you wear glasses we recommend prescription glacier glasses (gray or amber). Talk to your eye care professional to find out where prescription glacier glasses are available. Regular sunglasses are not dark enough and do not provide any side protection from the sun. For prescription Glacier Glasses, contact Black Diamond (801) 278-5533 or Opticus

[hematite153]

I have a slight astigmatism in one eye that doesn't need to be corrected (at least that's what I was told a couple years ago). I'm not worried, because I've had them before and it's gone away before.

This is exactly what I was told. However, I really do believe that there is something about how my eyeball is bending the light that makes it more intense.
Having glasses with an astigmatism correction makes a HUGE difference.

I have seen polarized lenses in many tints (mine aren't gray) although most places have limited options.

Whatever you do, good luck with finding better options and have a great disney trip.

[SueM in MN]

Good luck on your trip.

[Independence1776]

Thanks for all your wishes! I had a lot of fun. I haven't been on the Internet much, so this is a little late.

Saturday at MGM was the best, simply because of the tropical storm that came through north of Orlando. It was mostly cloudy and coolish all day. (In a costume with a hot robe, the clouds were a lifesaver just from the heat.) I did end up wearing my hat and clip-on sunglasses because it was too bright without them, no matter my Jedi costume. I did get weird looks because of that, though. :lmao:

Sunday at MK was fine. I wore my clip-ons, fitovers, and hat constantly. The sun from about 11- 4 bothered me enough that I went sighted guide a few times. (I didn't have my cane because it was in the backpack, which my parents had and we were split up.) But it could have been a lot worse.

Monday at Epcot was the worst, and not because of my photophobia. That bothered me more than usual, but it was caused by other things. Namely, getting swimmer's ear in both ears, catching my sister's cold, and getting dehydrated on top of it all. Mom and I eventually agreed to drop me off at First Aid so I could rest in the AC. I ended up taking about an hour and a half nap (4:30 to 6) and was thus able to stay until after Illuminations (my favorite show). I was also able to point out to my parents that if I had needed to use my cane, it wouldn't have bothered the crowd- I saw a blind man using a cane around Soarin', which was the most crowded area of the park that day.

The cane was in the backpack all three days just in case. I would have liked to use it at MK for just a few hours, even just holding it while guided to let people know something was up and I wasn't just hanging onto my sister's arm for fun. My sister ended up not renting an ECV because her knee brace worked fine. She did say that if we would have been there one more day that she would have rented one.

All in all, it wasn't the best trip I've had there, but it was fun. :)

[leanan]

I am glad that it all went well for you. Do not worry what people thought of you hanging onto your sister's arm. The heat has been intense this year. I am glad first aid had space for you to hang out. I never thought of going there when overheated.

[SueM in MN]

thanks for the report. I had wondered how your trip went. It sounds like it was a success despite some glitches.

[Independence1776]

I am glad that it all went well for you. Do not worry what people thought of you hanging onto your sister's arm. The heat has been intense this year. I am glad first aid had space for you to hang out. I never thought of going there when overheated.

I don't care what people thought about sighted guide. It was more of the fact that because they had no idea my eyes were closed, they didn't know that I couldn't see them and move out of their way. The cane would have helped with that.

As for going to First Aid, I actually read something here or on AllEars about someone else using the place to cool down and take a nap. I'm lucky I remembered that, else I would have probably ended up going back to the hotel and might not have returned to the park.

It was a success- I'm thinking about doing a solo trip a few years from now. :)

[leanan]

I never thought about it that way but then I would have thought your sister would warn you when you need to move. Of course with that said I let my Dad walk right into a wall during the week he was legally blind. I am such a bad daughter.

[Independence1776]

She did, but she's not used to sighted guide techniques (neither am I, but I know the very basics), so it would have been easier all around if I had my cane. :)