Clyde boy born with one eye receives vision aid from Sight Savers America

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Wade Roe, a 6-year-old from Clyde, was one of seven children who received sight assistive equipment from Sight Savers America (SSA) on Wednesday.

SSA is an Alabama-based Nonprofit that helps children and adults with visual impairments access eye care, screenings, and devices that make it easier for them to perform everyday tasks that a person with average visual acuity might take for granted.

“We come to Abilene once a year to provide an on-site clinic. But we help individuals throughout the year via remote Zoom trainings,” said SSA Chief Program Officer Jennifer Haddox.

Wade received a visual magnifier with high contrast and magnification capabilities. This device includes several features designed to make reading, completing paperwork, and other tasks that require visual enhancement more accessible for those in need.

“For children, these devices are essential for their academics. These video magnifiers are as necessary as books, paper, and pencils,” Haddox said.

Eleanor Roe, Wade’s grandmother, says that, due to drug use while he was still in the womb, Wade was born with one eye and has worked with specialists his whole life to now have 10% vision in that eye. While that 10% is a world of difference from where he started. Roe says technology like this is a huge leap forward for his ability to keep up with his peers and enjoy life to the fullest.

“Before, he would always question, ‘Why can’t I see like everybody else? Why can’t I do this?’ So they’ve opened up a whole new door of learning for him. With technologies like this, it gives him more of that independence in saying, ‘Hey, you know, I don’t always need my parent, my guardian, or my grandparent to hold my hand. I can do this on my own,’ said Eleanor.”

It is through their partnerships with educational organizations like Region 14 and other groups and non-profits that SSA is able to coordinate such a large network of operations. Offering multiple programs and making crucial equipment like the visual magnifier available to those who need them, regardless of the individual’s ability to afford it.

“Things that really increase someone’s independence, confidence, self-esteem, and the things that they can do on a day-to-day basis that you and I take for granted,” Haddox said.

Founded in Alabama in 1997, SSA now serves communities in 15 other states, including California, Arizona, Louisiana, Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina & South Carolina, Ohio, New York, Hawaii, and Texas. SSA has been coming to Abilene since 2021, holding sight clinics like this one.