Name: Fred van Zon
Age: 69
City: Beneden-Leeuwen
Condition: Eye infarction in both eyes
Who are you?
My name is Fred van Zon, and I live in Beneden-Leeuwen in the Land van Maas en Waal. I am married, have two children who live away from home, and have been retired for two years. I used to work as an auto mechanic, and after that I worked with people who face barriers to the job market.
What caused your eye problems?
More than 20 years ago, I had a stroke in my right eye. It’s close to my nose, so it doesn’t bother me much. Six months ago, I had a stroke in the center of my left eye. As a result, my vision is now blurry. After the most recent stroke, my vision was also darker, as if I were wearing sunglasses. The ophthalmologists have no explanation for this. Fortunately, this “sunglasses effect” has become significantly less pronounced.
How did the treatment process go?
In both cases, the ophthalmologist diagnosed it as a stroke. I got the real information about what’s going on with my eyes from my optometrist. After my second stroke, he used a scan to explain the situation to me in detail. That way, he can also keep an eye out for any changes in my eyes.
How are you doing now?
There are a few things on my mind right now. For example, how to judge distance accurately, but also how to do “fiddly work,” and I still need to find the right lighting so I can read properly. I’m waiting for a call from Bartiméus. They’re going to help me figure out which lighting works best for me. Figuring out how to handle judging distance and doing fiddly work is just a matter of time. I’m learning that now. Maybe I’ll just have to accept that some things aren’t possible anymore.
Fortunately, even with my vision impairment, I can still do the things I enjoy. With a slightly larger screen and slightly larger text, I can write this piece right here at the computer. I’m also able to continue my volunteer work for the Lauwse Klompenpad (inspection and maintenance) and the Hoogstambrigade (pruning standard fruit trees) just as I have been doing for the past few years. I spend much of my free time serving on the board of the foundation that manages the MFA De Rosmolen (village hall). My responsibilities there include technical management and safety.
We regularly take our vintage camper out on trips to small campgrounds both here and abroad. Hiking is always part of the experience, and we always bring our dog (a Golden Retriever) along.
What are your expectations for the future?
I see that future as a bit “blurrier,” but that’s mainly because of my eyes. For years, I’ve advised people with much more severe disabilities to just live their lives and focus on the things they can do. It’s no different for me, and that’s how I look at it.
Why did you join the OOG in OOG Association?
I joined the OOG in OOG Association to get more information and advice on how to cope with the ocular infarction I suffered in my left eye six months ago.
