SAULT STE. MARIE — The Sault’s Melissa Arnold loves to read.
She had that ability taken from her due to macular degeneration, an eye disease that severely blurs a person’s central vision.
Now, the 43-year-old mother of two has been given back that ability thanks to modern technology.
Arnold was recently gifted with a wearable vision enhancement system for central vision loss known as the eSight 4.
Manufactured by Toronto-based eSight and the gift to Arnold paid for by S.i. Systems, a Canadian information technology staffing firm that donates to good causes, the eSight 4 can be described as a hi-tech pair of goggles that enables visually impaired people to read, type on laptops and cell phones, go shopping, cook, play board games and perform many other everyday tasks.
Receiving the donated device has allowed Arnold to continue her studies as a third-year student in Algoma University's Bachelor of Social Work program.
“I can read in bed again,” Arnold told SooToday with a smile.
“Reading is one of the things I missed the most. I would have four books on the go at any given time before, so to suddenly lose that, aside from driving, was the worst.”
“I was shocked,” Arnold said of her reaction earlier this year, when she was first informed by eSight that she would receive the device.
An eSight 4 unit would normally cost $8,750 to purchase.
“There aren’t many things that leave me speechless but I didn’t know what to say,” Arnold said.
“It’s almost like magic. You look at it and it’s some plastic and buttons but it can change everything. I was blown away when I got it.”
“In 2009 I woke up one morning and I had no central vision in my left eye,” Arnold said, recalling the day that changed her life.
She waited a few hours that day, hoping her vision would clear.
She then visited several doctors and went through many tests.
“They said the progression was something they had never seen. They had seen it happen over years and years but they had never seen this happen overnight,” Arnold said.
In 2012, her central vision loss spread to her right eye and left her with only peripheral vision in both eyes.
That forced her to leave her job as a personal support worker.
Arnold said that was tough for her.
“I’ve always had a passion for elderly people. They have the best stories.”
No longer able to read or drive, Arnold began using a cane and relying on guide dogs.
She became a stay at home mom.
Eventually she decided to enrol in Algoma University’s Social Work program.
“I decided I can’t just be sad all the time anymore,” Arnold said, seated at Algoma University’s student lounge accompanied by Cherry, her four-year-old yellow Lab guide dog.
She still needs guide dogs but stated she is happy she no longer requires a cane to help her get around.
She takes public transit to the university and other destinations and has a friend who drives her around town when available.
The eSight 4 is a small, high-speed, high-definition camera that captures everything the wearer is looking at and relays it to them in real time, allowing the user to read.
It has features such as zoom-in and contrast.
Arnold is one of only four post-secondary students in Canada chosen by S.i. Systems this year to receive an eSight 4.
S.i. Systems has partnered with eSight each year for the past four years in providing eSight units for selected individuals.
“What’s incredible about this device is the profound impact it has on individuals not only because it allows them to see centrally again and do hobbies, go to school and do a job but it also can improve mental health,” said Roland Mattern, eSight sales and marketing director in a phone interview with SooToday.
“We’ve awarded them to adults who have gone back to school for a career change, we’ve awarded them to high school and university students who are eligible and teachers who are visually impaired.”
The gift units go to Canadian citizens going to school who have central vision loss, have peripheral vision and are good with technology.
They’re not difficult to use, Mattern said, stating that anyone who can use a cellphone can use the units.
The eSight 4 adapts to the progression of macular degeneration, which means that the user does not have to replace the unit unlike a person who has to upgrade his or her prescription glasses.
“I’m really glad Melissa is enjoying the device and I’m certainly grateful she’s able to pursue her academic dreams using this technology. We have some wonderful stories to share and Melissa is a great example,” Mattern said.
“I used to have my books read to me, using audio books. I don’t want to listen to a book, I want to read it. This is remarkable,” Arnold said.
She uses the eSight 4 primarily for reading and doing homework but also uses it at home to cook.
“I needed something good to happen and this goes above and beyond,” Arnold said.
