Welcome !

Welcome to the website of Bright Eye-Deas. This is a positive group of people who are experiencing vision loss and are eager to learn from others. Members share friendship as well as areas of expertise, helping one another to learn to live independently. Our Mission is to enhance the quality of life by promoting independence, education, positive attitudes, friendship and an awareness of community. If you are having difficulty with reading books, sending emails, or even matching socks, we can help.

WHAT is Bright-Eye-Deas?

Bright-Eye-Deas is a community of people with vision challenges. We believe we are not defined by these challenges; rather how we respond to those challenges. We strive to raise our awareness of ways to help accommodate vision loss through both education and individual experience.

WHY would I join Bright-Eye-Deas?

Our members aim to maintain independence and to manage individual life tasks. Our organization thrives on members sharing their talents and personal experiences. We also learn from expert speakers who offer their knowledge in a wide array of areas; technological advances in equipment for the visually challenged, low vision specialists from the Savannah Center for the Blind and Low Vision, lighting specialists, ophthalmologists, etc. Woven into our learning opportunities is the opportunity for friendship and fun.

HOW do I become part of Bright-Eye-Deas?

Anyone is welcome at all our meetings.

Bright Eye-deas meets on the second Wednesday of the month, September – June at the Skidaway Island United Methodist Church from 10:00 –11:30.

Transportation can be provided.
Have a question; please contact
Kay Higby at 912-598-9634

PROGRAMS

A variety of guests are invited each month to share their expertise in the field of vision loss. Examples are:

Medical doctors specializing in eye diseases and care
Lighting specialists
Assistive Technologies
Low Vision equipment vendors
Exercise and physical therapists
Psychologists
Legal and insurance professionals
Communication experts, i.e. phone and computer
Librarians

Books, newspapers, magazines, mail, labels, etc.

Upon beginning to suffer loss of visual acuity one of the first reactions most people experience is how they will continue to read the newspaper, books and everyday paperwork. The good news today is the advancement of technology that aids you in making it easier to use your sight via optical or video magnification and using your hearing to its maximum via synthesized speech. The links below provide many solutions to your particular sight deficiency.

Visual

Large print books (purchase or obtain free through Live Oak Public Libraries (liveoakpl.org)
E-readers (Kindle, etc.)
Video magnifying CCTV’s (see Assistive Technology Vendors)
Video magnifying eye glasses

Audio

Scanner/Document Readers
Live Oak Public Libraries (liveoakpl.org) – free digital books/portable readers and downloadable audiobooks
Georgia Libraries for Accessible Statewide Services (GLASS) supports accessible library services in Georgia by promoting the use of assistive technology and by providing accessible reading materials to those who, due to a disability, are unable to read standard. This service provides free audio books with live readers. For a membership application go to http://georgialibraries.org/glass/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Application-for-Individuals.pdf
Bookshare (computer read audio books free with GLASS membership)
Audible.com (purchase audio books)
Devices for downloading audio books (Victor Reader, Smart phones)
KNFB Reader (an app that reads text)

Listed below are are low vision equipment and/or options that may improve the quality of life of those with diminished sight viewing electronic screens

- TVs
  - Binocular-style TV viewing glasses
    - Eschenbach’s MAXTV)
  - Bi-optic lenses
  - Descriptive TV/movies
  - Video magnifying eye glasses
    - eSight
    - NuEyes
- Computer Screens
  - Visual
    - Large text settings within computer
    - Micro Soft mouse with enlargement circle
    - Text enlargement software
      - Free web-based software
      - Purchased software
        
        Magic/ZoomText
      - Magnifying Lenses
  - Audio
    - - Screen Readers
        
        Internal (see device’s Settings)
        
        Some computers have text to audio capabilities
        
        Purchased software (ZoomText)
- Smart phones
  - Visual
    - “Zoom” setting (within smartphone Settings)
    - Larger/Bold text
  - Audio
    - screen readers (Settings in smartphone)
    - Most can send text, e-mail verbally

Savannah Center for the Blind and Low Vision – provides activities and training to continue and promote independence in the home.
Home safety
Lighting
Wellness
Travel

As vision decreases it becomes increasingly important that someone be available for assistance. Caregivers can assist with activities in daily living, improve safety in the home, provide socialization and travel options. The goal of the caregiver is to continue to support independence through resources, support meetings and interaction with others experiencing low vision. The ultimate goal is the dignity and self worth of the individual.

Savannah Center for the Blind and Low Vision (savannahcblv.org)

Our group has partnered with CBLV on several occasions and many of our members have used the services of SCBLV.

Pace Lighting (pacelighting.com/)

Pace understands the lighting needs for those with low vision and several of our members have used their service.

Enhanced Vision (electronic assistive technologies)

https://www.enhancedvision.com/

Freedom Scientific (electronic assitive technologies)

http://www.freedomscientific.com/

Optelec Optik (electrronic assitve technologies)

https://us.optelec.com/

Eschenbach (optical aids)

http://www.eschenbach.com/

eSight – Electronic magnafying glasses for Low vision

https://www.esighteyewear.com/

NuEyes – Electronic Magnifying Glasses for Low Vision

https://nueyes.com/

Maxiaids

https://www.maxiaids.com/

OrCam (reads text; identifies faces and products)

http://us.orcam.com/2/?utm_Campaign=GA_us_B2C&utm_Set=BlindGeneralreads

Lighthouse for the Blind

lighthouse-sf.org

Mag LightPro (uses smart phone as a video reader)
BARD Mobile (downloads and manages GLASS/National Library for the Blind Free audio books)
Audible (downloads and manages Audible.com audio books)
Others available to identify colors, money, etc.