11/11/2024

Performing Arts Vision Care, A Home Visit - Guest blog by Pianist Norma Wilson

I was diagnosed with wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration 8 years ago. The biggest loss for me was that this condition changed the way I see and read music. I saw an advert in Sideview – the Macular Society newsletter about
Allegro Optical (now rebranded as Performing Arts Vision Care) a specialist optician for musicians, who were
offering help. I initially, travelled from Bristol to Meltham in West Yorkshire in 2019, met Optician Sheryl Doe, the founder and I have never looked back.

Sheryl and her team of opticians have enabled me to continue to play music and I regularly enjoy playing in a trio, accompanying my daughter playing cello sonatas and accompanied my granddaughter in her Grade exams and more recently helped her with her composition for GCSE music.

Home Visits
As I get older travelling to Meltham has become more of a challenge and I was thrilled when Sheryl informed me that she and her optician daughter were now providing a Home Visiting Service. This was perfect for me because it meant that they could observe and assess the setting for my music playing. The lighting in the room, the distance of my piano desk and music stand and the difficulty in turning from one source of light to another and viewing the music score – all of this could be taken into account when prescribing the right pair of music reading glasses for me.
I particularly valued their explanation about how I use my eyes. I experienced wearing a VR headset machine which tracked how I use my eyes as I followed an object across a screen. I don’t use my head at all! I use my
eyes –‘ musicians eyes’ as Sheryl described them. Abbie explained the ‘scattering effect' I sometimes get when looking at something and then looking away and back again. I felt reassured that I was in safe hands
with fellow musicians who understand the challenges of reading music with AMD.

Bespoke Care
The ‘personal’ care I receive is so valuable. I know I can contact them for advice or if my glasses need adjusting. Now they have seen the conditions that I play in, it helps them to diagnose the best prescription possible. I have had numerous compliments over the years about the stylish glasses frames that I have. If you are a musician I would recommend that you treat yourself to this bespoke service.

Norma Wilson 5.11.2024