AS MY VISION DETERIORATED, THE CLINICIANS, TECHNICAL STAFF AND SOCIAL WORKERS AT THE SCHOOL PROVIDED GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT ALL ALONG THE WAY.
IDA FISHER
AS MY VISION DETERIORATED, THE CLINICIANS, TECHNICAL STAFF AND SOCIAL WORKERS AT THE SCHOOL PROVIDED GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT ALL ALONG THE WAY.
IDA FISHER
LIVING WITH LOW VISION
BUT WITHOUT FEAR
In 1974, the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science launched its Low Vision Clinic, offering people with vision loss wraparound support through clinical assessments, technology and counselling. Ida Fisher was one of the clinic’s earliest clients.
Over the years, as eye disease gradually stole her sight, Ida has taken full advantage of the clinic’s services. She learned to accept vision loss and has used the skills she acquired to create a full life — including a satisfying teaching career, international travel, volunteer work and a long, happy marriage.
Now, the Ida Fisher Award for Clinical Excellence in Low Vision — established in her honour by her husband Wayne — will recognize and encourage future optometrists who want to provide the specialized care that made such a difference for Ida.
“As my vision deteriorated, the clinicians, technical staff and social workers at the School provided guidance and support all along the way,” Ida says. “They helped me learn new strategies that enabled me to continue teaching. They sent me home with assistive devices, like the machines that helped me mark my students’ work, and taught me the computer skills to use Zoom Text, a text-to-speech program. Counselling has been critical in helping me accept my vision loss.”
In turn, Ida has supported the School. As a member of the Patient Advisory Board, she has shared feedback and helped to raise awareness of the Low Vision Clinic and its services. She has allowed students, faculty and researchers to learn more about her condition as they examined her eyes over the years.
For many Waterloo optometry students, Ida became a living example of the impact of low vision care through what she affectionately called her “magic days.” Every year, Ida would meet with students over lunch. Like a conjurer pulling a rabbit from a hat, she would present an item that made her life easier. It could be her chequebook with raised dots, her sports glasses, or the business card of a support person — all provided to her over the years by the Low Vision Clinic. Then Ida would explain how each item had changed her life for the better.
Ida continues to inspire students through the award that bears her name — even as she faces an even bigger challenge than vision loss. She is currently undergoing treatment for advanced cancer. As Wayne explains, “The intent of the Ida Fisher Award for Clinical Excellence in Low Vision is to honour Ida during her lifetime. It is a living award that reflects Ida’s passion for the School and the work of the Low Vision Clinic.”
“Ida was able to find comprehensive care at the School,” Wayne says, “and that’s been invaluable to both of us. I felt this award was a fitting way to recognize the School’s support and to honour Ida.”
“I trust this award will encourage students to pursue low vision work,” Ida adds, “so that many others can benefit just as I have.”
LIVING WITH LOW VISION
BUT WITHOUT FEAR
In 1974, the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science launched its Low Vision Clinic, offering people with vision loss wraparound support through clinical assessments, technology and counselling. Ida Fisher was one of the clinic’s earliest clients.
Over the years, as eye disease gradually stole her sight, Ida has taken full advantage of the clinic’s services. She learned to accept vision loss and has used the skills she acquired to create a full life — including a satisfying teaching career, international travel, volunteer work and a long, happy marriage.
Now, the Ida Fisher Award for Clinical Excellence in Low Vision — established in her honour by her husband Wayne — will recognize and encourage future optometrists who want to provide the specialized care that made such a difference for Ida.
“As my vision deteriorated, the clinicians, technical staff and social workers at the School provided guidance and support all along the way,” Ida says. “They helped me learn new strategies that enabled me to continue teaching. They sent me home with assistive devices, like the machines that helped me mark my students’ work, and taught me the computer skills to use Zoom Text, a text-to-speech program. Counselling has been critical in helping me accept my vision loss.”
In turn, Ida has supported the School. As a member of the Patient Advisory Board, she has shared feedback and helped to raise awareness of the Low Vision Clinic and its services. She has allowed students, faculty and researchers to learn more about her condition as they examined her eyes over the years.
For many Waterloo optometry students, Ida became a living example of the impact of low vision care through what she affectionately called her “magic days.” Every year, Ida would meet with students over lunch. Like a conjurer pulling a rabbit from a hat, she would present an item that made her life easier. It could be her chequebook with raised dots, her sports glasses, or the business card of a support person — all provided to her over the years by the Low Vision Clinic. Then Ida would explain how each item had changed her life for the better.
Ida continues to inspire students through the award that bears her name — even as she faces an even bigger challenge than vision loss. She is currently undergoing treatment for advanced cancer. As Wayne explains, “The intent of the Ida Fisher Award for Clinical Excellence in Low Vision is to honour Ida during her lifetime. It is a living award that reflects Ida’s passion for the School and the work of the Low Vision Clinic.”
“Ida was able to find comprehensive care at the School,” Wayne says, “and that’s been invaluable to both of us. I felt this award was a fitting way to recognize the School’s support and to honour Ida.”
“I trust this award will encourage students to pursue low vision work,” Ida adds, “so that many others can benefit just as I have.”
