Going Blind: Coming Out of the Dark About Vision Loss

Director Joseph Lovett, who has glaucoma, confesses that the prospect of going blind terrifies him. Fortunately, Lovett has access to an expert physician; he also takes medication, works with a low-vision therapist, and has had two surgeries to relieve retinal pressure (during the course of the documentary, he undergoes two more, but blindness remains a possibility). To prepare for the future, Lovett speaks with various visually-impaired individuals, learning about challenges and opportunities along the way. Jessica, an art instructor, lost her sight from diabetic retinopathy and uses a guide dog, while computer applications help her with e-mail and lesson plans. Ray, who has retinitis pigmentosa, teaches high school students how to use guide dogs, but it took him years to find this fulfilling career. Patricia, who works at New York's Veterans Administration Center, has cataracts and also underwent a long readjustment period; although she employs neither canine nor cane, she relies on her nephew for assistance on shopping trips. On the other hand, Steve, who lost his sight during the Iraq War, does use a cane and is learning to read Braille. Lovett also speaks with 8-year-old Emmett, who has strabismus, although he can see well enough to play soccer. The last interviewee, Peter, suffers from macular degeneration, but a new treatment has restored his sight, allowing him to continue working as an architect. With its clear explanations of conditions and procedures—related within the easily accessible framework of a personal journey—this informative documentary is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)