Diane Grasso, Certified Nurse Practitioner with vision loss

 "At the age of four, I was hit in the left eye with a stick and from that day on I grew up with vision in one eye. I have never let my visual limitations dictate what I can do.

I was diagnosed with glaucoma in my right eye 15 years ago. I was so overwhelmed. I was determined it would not get my vision. I did everything the eye doctors told me to, but the eye drops were not enough. At one follow up appointment I was told I had retinal hemorrhaging. That was a devastating blow. I have had multiple surgeries attempting to lower the pressure and slow the progress of the disease, but the glaucoma continued to slowly take my vision. I always followed the treatment plan of the doctors, but the disease just would not relent. By 2021 I was told I should not drive. That was a depressing day for me. I tried to be positive, but I was getting more and more depressed. The eye doctor gave me a referral to a therapist for short term therapy which was very helpful.  

I am a nurse practitioner and because of my limited vision, I could not continue seeing my patients. My employer has been exceptionally accommodating and I moved into a triage nurse position. The office manager has always made it possible to get any of the adaptive equipment I need to continue working.

I have been a nurse for over 30 years. Caring for others has been my life. My new position is good for me, but I want to get back to taking care of patients. I just could not sit idlily by and let my vision change take my career away from me. I decided I needed to go back to school. I want to continue providing care to others."

Read more about Diane Grasso at:

Vocational Rehabilitation Consumer Spotlight: Diane Grasso, Certified Nurse Practitioner | Mass.gov

Cheers!

Donna