Blindness doesn’t put an end to your life

In reading the article (“Like a kid again”) on Christmas Eve, about the restoration of sight to a Cedar Rapids flood survivor, I had mixed feelings. I celebrate with Larry Benters in the restoration of his eyesight, and that the Community Health Free Clinic and Dr. David Muller were there to make this possible.

What bothers me is the negative portrayal of blindness. If one didn't know better, it could be deduced from the article that those who are blind must be led everywhere, cannot manage personal hygiene independently and cannot eat without the assistance of others. That would be a tragic existence if it were inevitable, but it isn't.

By learning to use the remaining intact senses, blind people can live rich, fulfilling lives, hold jobs and be positive contributors to society. The Iowa Department for the Blind, 1-(800) 362-2587, is a great resource to gain these skills and positive attitudes. There are groups of blind people in most larger communities that allow us to learn from each other and act collectively.

Most conditions that cause blindness are largely irreversible, and I hate to give people with those conditions the notion that life is not worth living unless they can be “fixed.” Take it from a lifelong blind guy: Life still is good.

Jonathan Ice

Cedar Rapids