Dining Out with Low Vision or Vision Impairment

If eyesight is so poor that corrective lenses aren’t adequate, it is known as visual impairment. It might be frustrating whether you've had vision impairment your entire life or it’s something new for you. It is true that going out to attend a social gathering at someone’s home or restaurants can be challenging for people with low vision, as the world isn’t set up for vision-impaired people. Dining out with low vision or vision impairment is a challenge as the menu is inaccessible; there are problems with lighting or space navigation, or even insecurity when eating in front of others. Let’s look into some practical tips to help people dining out with vision impairment.

What is Vision Impairment or Low Vision?

Vision impairment is the term used to describe when a person's eyesight is so poor that it cannot be adjusted to fall within a normal range even after corrective measures. Hence, vision remains poor even with remedial measures like contacts, glasses, or surgery. In most countries, 20/20 vision is the criterion for the visual acuity test. This indicate that, on average, both eyes can clearly see objects 20 feet distant with clarity and no problems.

While, low vision is defined as having eyesight between 20/70 that cannot be corrected even with glasses or contact lenses. This means to viewing objects 20 feet away with the same level of detail as someone with normal vision seeing them from 70 feet away. Following the usage of adjustment options, these measurements are made. Anything below 20/400 or worse in the better-seeing eye with the best correction (using glasses or contact lenses) is considered blindness.

Eating Tips for the Vision Impaired

Let us understand the tips for dining out if visually impaired:

1)      Clock Reference System:  Using the clock reference system is a pivotal method of determining what food is on the plate. Consider the plate to be a clock face that has:

 

·         12:00 on the uppermost edge (the furthest from the diner)

·         6:00 on the lowermost edge (the one nearest the diner)

·         3:00 on the right side

·         9:00 on the left side

 

This reference system can assist in creating an image in mind of where each meal item is situated on the plate. E.g., for example, a piece of chicken was at the edge of the plate closest to you.

 

2)      Learning plate and placement techniques

To assist in maintaining orientation to the place setting, learn the following techniques:

·         For people with limited vision, use high-contrast place settings to distinguish between food and tableware. Serve meals with a darker color on a lighter-colored platter e.g., pair a light plate and cup with a dark placemat.

 

·         Maintain orientation to the place setting by using a tray or placemat.

·         Check the location and arrangement of the food on the platter with the fork and the knife tip. If food seems to be gravitating outward towards the edges of the dish, push it back towards the centre.

 

·         Utilize food bumpers to support in maintaining food on plates.

·         To locate the position of the beverage on the table, run your palm over the tabletop to locate the glass, then pick it up from the bottom to prevent it from overturning.

3)      Cutting food properly

 

• In order to cut food properly, it is important to identify the knife edge. One can rock it back and forth on the tabletop. This will allow you to make the cutting edge of the knife.
  
  
• If you have to cut meat, position it at the 6:00 position. Cutting can be made easier by not reaching over other foods.
  
  
• When cutting the meat, find one edge of the meat with the knife and hold it there. After that, insert a fork into the meat about half an inch from the edge. Then, beginning at the edge, cut a tiny semicircle around the fork with your knife to create a bite-sized piece.
  
  

4)      Seasoning techniques

·         Distinguish between salt and pepper by weight or feel; salt is typically heavier and has a looser, more granular consistency when poured.

·         Shake the salt and pepper into your palm before taking a pinch rather than sprinkling it straight onto the food.

·         Use this method of tasting to move condiments, such as mustard and ketchup, to one side of the plate as opposed to right onto the meal.

 

5)      Pay the bill: Ask someone if the bill has arrived and how much it is when it is time to make the payment. When paying by credit card or cheque, you might get assistance with signing the receipt and leaving a tip. For this kind of situation, you might wish to carry a signature guide with you.

Don't let low vision stop you. Don't isolate yourself and avoid eating outside. By following the dining tips we have discussed above, one can eat out, maintain outside interests, employment, or social circle. You might require extra assistance, like a magnifier, a driver to get you to events, or a large print to read the menu. Seek the assistance or a helper you require. Being independent does not mean staying home and not asking for help. If one is suspecting visual problems or sudden loss in vision, consult an ophthalmologist who specializes in diagnosing, and treating eye conditions.

If you have any questions regarding assistance with visual impairment or vision loss, you can check with our ophthalmologist at Ask a doctor, 24x7.