Diane

At the age of 54, Diane was diagnosed with Geographic Atrophy after a routine eye examination. Initially reassured that the condition might not progress, she continued working, driving and enjoy her hobbies such as photography and writing. After a decade, Diane began to notice significant changes in her vision as the condition advanced.

Today, Geographic Atrophy affects nearly every aspect of her independence. She can no longer drive and struggles to read, use her phone and safely manage household tasks. While magnifiers, smartphone accessibility tools, and AIenabled glasses provide some assistance, they now offer only limited support.

At the age of 54, Diane was diagnosed with Geographic Atrophy after a routine eye examination. Initially reassured that the condition might not progress, she continued working, driving and enjoy her hobbies such as photography and writing. After a decade, Diane began to notice significant changes in her vision as the condition advanced. Today, Geographic Atrophy affects nearly every aspect of her independence. She can no longer drive and struggles to read, use her phone and safely manage household tasks. While magnifiers, smartphone accessibility tools, and AIenabled glasses provide some assistance, they now offer only limited support.

After her diagnosis, Diane wasn’t clearly informed of how progressive the condition could become and only gained a fuller understanding through her own research and engagement with patient communities. Although she received regular monitoring, she was not systematically guided toward low vision rehabilitation, assistive technologies, or emotional support services. “Geographic Atrophy is not simply a condition of vision loss, it affects every dimension of life... 

The emotional and psychological burden is as significant as the physical limitations.” Diane calls for earlier and more honest communication about the disease progression, better access to rehabilitation and practical support service, and stronger peer support systems to help patients navigate the emotional and daily challenges of vision loss.