Coming back to life
Vijaya Madhavi presents a pretty picture today, of an attractive and confident young woman, but this was not always so. Madhavi had trouble seeing in dim light since her childhood. Soon navigating unfamiliar spaces and negotiating staircases even in the day became difficult. She could not recognize faces or watch TV. She could not clear her BA final examinations and stayed home, withdrawn from the world for two years, not sure whom to turn to for help.
Madhavi first visited the GMR Varalakshmi campus at Visakhapatnam in 2004 when she was 22, urged by an uncle in the USA, who had read about LVPEI on the internet. A comprehensive retinal examination revealed retinitis pigmentosa, an irreversible progressive disease of the retina with difficulty in night vision and reduced visual fields. The visual acuity in her right eye was 20/100 and in the left eye 20/400, with advanced visual field loss. Madhavi was referred to the Bob Ohlson Centre for Sight Enhancement, where her visual capabilities and requirements were assessed. Extensive counseling at the centre included the use of a stand magnifier and other low vision devices, special screen reading software, training in mobility, self-protection and home management. She was also assisted in acquiring a medical certificate and railway concession pass.
Armed with renewed hope and constant encouragement from LVPEI and her family, Madhavi cleared her Bachelor's exams with the help of a scribe. She enrolled in a B Ed course for special education; her father accompanied her to the college, spending several hours a day commuting. Their efforts bore fruit - she scored 75% and cleared the District Selection Committee examination, securing the second position in the district among girls. Finally, she was appointed as a Secondary Grade Teacher. After a 2-year apprenticeship, she will become a permanent government employee.
Madhavi and her family are delighted and very grateful to LVPEI. She is an exciting example of how a little help can go a long way in seemingly hopeless situations where medical science has limitations.