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Funding raised for vision device

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By Kathy Thomson

Several of Sandi Conway’s family members and friends are raising funds to help her purchase a device that can assist those with vision loss to see the world around them.

According to her niece Shelly Bartee, Conway has lost most of her sight due to a combination of macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Conway has been involved in the Albany community in many ways since moving here a number of years ago.

“Aunt Sandi is blind in one eye and has under 15 percent vision in her other eye,” Bartee said. “Her eye doctor, Dr. David Izbrand, says that he thinks the device will help. We thought we had all the money we needed but we were still a little short so we are hoping to get enough donated to make up the difference.”

The eSight glasses cost $6,000 and use electronics to clarify images and project them on screens inside of the goggle-like device.

The product purportedly allows wearers to achieve greatly improved vision of everything from fine print to sewing, computer screens, TV, and even distant objects.

Although Conway still lacks $1,300 of the purchase price, she is currently using the glasses on a trial basis for one week, so she can see if they will work for her.

“It is so neat that they now have things that can help; it’s just a shame that they are so expensive,” said Conway earlier this week. “I haven’t used them yet. I have a video conference on Thursday where they will teach me how to use them.”

Donations can be made into an account set up at First National Bank, according to Bartee.