The Batavia Lions Club has purchased a device that helps people with severe eyesight problems see better -- well enough to read a book or continue with favorite hobbies.
The first person to get to use the device is Tamara Augello of Elba. Augello lost sight in her right eye due to complications from diabetes. While she relies on her left eye to see, that eye has been losing its vision.
The Lions Club has loaned her a $3,300 machine called a Topaz CCTV. It magnifies items, such as books, so that people using the machine can see to read.
Augello also enjoys needlepoint and the machine will help her complete some projects she's been working on.
“Not only can I read any book I choose, but also, my little grandson can sit on my lap while I read him all the books he loves," Augello told the club in a letter.
Half the cost of the machine was covered by a grant from the New York State and Bermuda Lions Foundation MD-20 Grant Program, and the remaining funds for the purchase were raised by local club members.
In a statement, the club said:
We wish Tamara many years of enjoyment as she uses this equipment to again do what she loves. We also encourage local people with special vision needs to contact the Batavia Lions Club. It is our goal to work hard to provide assistance to the visually impaired in our area.
