Glaucoma, a progressive eye condition, doesn’t signify the end of one’s productive work life anymore. With advancements in treatment, technology, and understanding of the disease, individuals with glaucoma can lead full and fulfilling lives. Navigating the workplace with vision loss, however, does require informed decision-making and effective communication with employers. Learn more about your options regarding glaucoma, vision loss, and work.*

Communication is key

Communicating with one’s employer(s) is key for individuals with glaucoma to continue successfully at their jobs. Adapting to vision loss in the workplace poses challenges, but it’s manageable with the right strategies.

Explain to your employer what your condition is and what you can, and can no longer, do as you used to. Analyze your job duties. Depending on what they entail, you could discuss potential accommodations such as using:

• Large-print materials,
• Low-vision devices like hand-held magnifiers or CCTV/video magnifiers,
• Special or additional lighting, and/or
• Workspace repositioning or rearrangement, to maximize light and minimize glare.

Allies in personalized work continuance plans

In order to develop personalized plans for staying productive at your place of work, you and your employer could collaborate with:

• Low-vision specialists,
• Orientation and mobility specialists, and
• Vocational rehabilitation counselors.

Look into resources for funding adaptive equipment through employer-sponsored programs or governmental assistance.

If your job requires driving, handling hazardous materials, or other activities that you can not perform safely, there may still be a position for you with the company or organization where the skills you still excel at would be welcomed.

Understanding your prognosis, as well as the resources available to you, and clearly explaining your specific visual needs can demonstrate your desire and intention to continue maintaining high standards in your current position, as well as empower you to be a significant contributor to the solution.  

Investigate all your options

Before making any decisions about employment, it’s important to explore all your options regarding not only income from your current work position, but also:

• Alternative work situations and income streams,
• Retirement,
• Disability, and
• Benefits.

This includes researching early retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as well as consulting with low-vision specialists to assess available aids and devices.

For more information, you can check out the BrightFocus Foundation’s Government Benefits page.

*BrightFocus Foundation. (2021, October 8). Glaucoma: Employment & Income. https://www.brightfocus.org/glaucoma/resources/employment-and-income