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Published on:

24th Jan 2026

Living with Vision Loss Podcast - Welcome & Introduction

Living with Vision Loss Podcast

Welcome & Introduction

Host: Dawn Ciccarone, MS OTR/L, CLVT

Episode Type: Welcome/Introduction

Duration: ~3 minutes

Episode Summary

In this debut episode of the Living with Vision Loss Podcast, certified low vision therapist and occupational therapist Dawn Ciccarone introduces her mission to help people with vision loss reclaim their independence. With over 20 years of experience working in low vision rehabilitation, Dawn shares her passion for providing practical solutions that enable everyday activities like reading, shopping, using technology, and enjoying leisure activities.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

  1. Who Dawn Ciccarone is and her background in low vision therapy
  2. The purpose and mission behind the Living with Vision Loss Podcast
  3. Common challenges faced by people with vision loss
  4. What types of vision conditions the podcast will address
  5. How the show will help listeners achieve their independence goals

Who Is This Podcast For?

  1. People living with low vision or vision loss
  2. Family members and caregivers supporting loved ones with visual impairments
  3. Friends who want to understand how to help
  4. Healthcare professionals seeking to better understand low vision
  5. Occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists

Vision Conditions Covered

Dawn will address various visual impairments throughout the podcast, including:

  1. Reduced visual acuity
  2. Visual field loss
  3. Reduced contrast sensitivity
  4. Glare sensitivity
  5. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
  6. Diabetic retinopathy
  7. Glaucoma
  8. And other eye conditions affecting daily function

Common Daily Challenges Addressed

  1. Reading books, mail, and medication labels
  2. Using smartphones and tablets
  3. Watching television
  4. Playing cards and games
  5. Shopping independently
  6. Navigating everyday tasks

What to Expect from Future Episodes

  1. Answers to common questions Dawn hears daily in the clinic
  2. Practical treatment interventions and adaptive techniques
  3. Real-life success stories from clients who have achieved their goals
  4. Guest appearances from people who have overcome vision loss challenges
  5. Simple solutions for regaining independence

About Your Host

Dawn Ciccarone, MS, OTR/L, CLVT is a Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) and licensed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping people with vision loss live independently. She works directly with patients in clinical settings, developing personalized strategies to help them accomplish the activities that matter most to them.

Connect & Subscribe

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to the Living with Vision Loss Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Keywords: low vision therapy, vision loss, visual impairment, occupational therapy, low vision rehabilitation, macular degeneration, glaucoma, adaptive living, independence with vision loss, low vision solutions, certified low vision therapist

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on the Living with Vision Loss Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Living with Vision Loss Podcast © 2025 | Become More Independent in Your Everyday Life

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About the Podcast

Living with Vision Loss
Helping people with low vision live more independently
I'm Dawn Ciccarone, a certified low vision therapist and occupational therapist, and I created Living with Vision Loss to share something that changed my life: hope.
For over 20 years, I've worked with patients who come to me after hearing nothing but "your vision won't get better." They've been struggling—some for 5 years, some for 20—not knowing that low vision therapy exists or that there are tools, apps, and techniques that can help them read again, regain independence, and live fuller lives.
What is low vision? It's vision that can't be corrected by glasses, surgery, or medication due to conditions affecting the retina—macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and many others. But here's what most people don't know: you can learn to function with the vision you have.
On this channel, I answer the questions my patients ask me every day:

How do I read a book if I'm blind or have low vision?
What devices and apps can help me?
How do I adapt my environment?
What professionals can help me?
How do I maintain independence?

Whether you're a person with vision loss, a family member or caregiver, or a healthcare professional looking to learn more about low vision rehabilitation, this channel is for you. I break down complex topics into practical, actionable information—because no one should struggle in isolation when help is available.
My credentials include certification as a Low Vision Therapist and years of experience as an occupational therapist specializing in vision rehabilitation. I teach at an optometry school, lead technology support groups, and work with patients of all ages—from young people with genetic conditions to older adults with age-related vision loss.
Let's learn how to live with vision loss together.