Low vision program offers support, resources at Eden Prairie Senior Center

Just one-third of people have 20/20 vision.

They see “perfectly” without the aid of glasses, contact lenses or any surgical procedure such as LASIK.

“Low vision,” according to Sue Bohnsack, “is a reference to anyone who does not have 20/20 vision.”

Bohnsack is the recreation supervisor for the Eden Prairie Senior Center. For the past three years, the center has offered its Low Vision Support Group – a resource that, technically, applies to the other two-thirds of the population.

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Most people with low vision solve their eye problems by simply getting glasses or maybe an updated corrective lens prescription. But for a significant number of people, low vision is caused by conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, injury, glaucoma and other issues.

“We host a monthly support group meeting for people with all types of low-vision conditions,” Bohnsack said. “We don’t discriminate on the basis of age, so it’s open to anyone, even kids.”

The Low Vision Support Group meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Eden Prairie Senior Center, 8950 Eden Prairie Road.

They are moderated by Vision Loss Resources. In addition, the program is affiliated with In-House Senior Services, which employs optometrists and vision restoration professionals.

To date, about 100 people have participated in the program.

“Since we meet on a weekday afternoon, we have very few kids participating, but they are welcome,” Bohnsack said.

The program is also affiliated with a retail operation from Little Canada that caters to people with low vision.

For information about upcoming events, registration or general program details, call 952-279-8050 or visit the Eden Prairie Senior Center website.