One Family’s Journey Raising Two Sons with Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis

When Marina and Cameron McCombs welcomed their second son, Reuben, they learned something unexpected: he was born blind with Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a rare genetic condition that causes severe vision loss. Until then, they were unaware they were both carriers of the same gene. They later learned that each pregnancy carried a 25% chance of having another child with LCA. Their third son, Alden, was also born blind.

Although the diagnosis came with plenty of unknowns, one thing never changed for Marina and Cameron: the way they wanted to raise their children. Today, they focus on helping all four boys experience life to the fullest.

 

Building Community Through Adaptive Recreation

Before moving to Nebraska when Reuben was two years old, the McCombs family lived in a small town in Texas. While some resources were available, opportunities to connect with other families raising blind children were limited. After settling in Nebraska, they learned about Outlook Enrichment through Reuben’s orientation and mobility counselor at school. Their introduction to the organization came through the annual Family Beep Baseball Clinic, which quickly became a family favorite.

“Reuben was so young when we first went to beep baseball,” said Marina. “Now, he is much older, and he can do so much more and participate fully in all the various stations. I think the most important thing he has taken from beep baseball is that we can join in different physical activities with adaptations. We love doing things as a family, and these events are a great way to grow closer together and have fun. It’s also great for our sighted children to see how to adapt activities for their blind brothers.”

 

Raising Blind and Sighted Children with Equal Expectations

Reuben has become a familiar face at Outlook events with staff, volunteers, and other clients. A true adventurer, he loves exploring and approaches every challenge without fear. Over the years, he has learned that he can run just as fast, climb just as high, and participate right alongside his sighted peers. More importantly, he has built the confidence to know that being blind should never keep him from participating in activities.

Reuben is a favorite at Outlook events with staff, volunteers, and other clients. A true adventurer who loves exploring and tackles every challenge with no fear. He has learned that he can run just as fast and climb just as high as his sighted peers. He’s built up the confidence to know he shouldn’t be excluded from activities just because he is blind. This is because he and his brothers, both blind and sighted, were all raised with the same expectations.

“We look at each of our kid’s personalities and what they prefer, especially their different temperaments. All of our kids have the same expectations, depending on their age or development level. We make adaptations for our blind kids, but they are still expected to participate in everything that we do as a family,” shared Marina.

Those adaptations are often simple. Reuben sweeps the kitchen floor toward a chair before collecting the crumbs underneath. When Alden helps with dishes, the family makes sure there are no knives in the sink, a precaution they would take for any child his age. Whether they are doing chores or spending time outdoors, the goal is the same: everyone participates.

 

Finding Strength Through Shared Experiences

Like many parents, Marina and Cameron faced plenty of questions and anxieties after Reuben’s diagnosis. One of the most valuable resources they found was other families who had already walked a similar path. Family events gave them the opportunity to watch, learn, and ask questions of people further along in the vision loss journey than they were.

Meeting other families with blind children and tapping into resources from various blindness organizations in Omaha has been central to Reuben’s growth. He has learned everyday life skills, Braille literacy, cane travel, and participates in adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures.

“Without all of these organizations that have helped Reuben and connected him with so many great people, we would definitely be in a much different place in our journey. Reuben looks forward to every activity and feels special to be able to participate. We’re looking forward to beep baseball. It is always super fun for our family! It’s just awesome to be able to come to events as a family where every one of us can feel included,” shared Marina.

 

"Amp Up Your Social Calendar - Browse Events." A young girl is rock climbing in the graphic.

 

Looking back, Marina and Cameron couldn’t have imagined how much their family would grow through this journey. They’ve watched Reuben and Alden develop confidence, independence, and a love for trying new things. And as all four boys continue to grow, one thing remains the same: every child is encouraged to participate, explore, and enjoy life to the fullest.

For families navigating blindness or vision loss, no one should have to walk the journey alone. Whether you’re looking for support, adaptive recreation, or ways to connect with other families, Outlook Enrichment is here to help.

Stacy Cervenka on Roxie in Color and Blind Parenting

In this episode of Outlook On‑Air, we’re joined by Stacy Cervenka, Director of the Iowa Department for the Blind and coauthor of the new middle‑grade novel Roxie in Color.

Stacy, who has low vision due to optic nerve hypoplasia, shares how her experiences as a blind parent inspired the story, which follows a girl adjusting to a new school while striving to be seen as more than “the girl with blind parents.” We also explore common misconceptions about blindness, the realities of parenting with vision loss, and the importance of representation for the blind and low-vision community.

Jane’s Journey with LHON

On this episode of Outlook On-Air, we wrap up a few loose ends before welcoming Jane, an Outlook Enrichment client, to the conversation. She shares her experience of losing her vision rapidly in 2022 due to Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a genetic condition passed through the maternal line.

Jane walks us through what her vision looks like today and how she got connected with Outlook Enrichment for support and resources along the way. She also reflects on how her vision loss temporarily put her hobbies on hold, and how she’s since found new ways to adapt and regain independence, from using her cane and smartphone to exploring tools like Meta glasses and navigating grocery shopping.

Choosing a Low Vision Magnifier That Fits Your Needs

Adaptive technology continues to advance, with popular software like ZoomText and devices like CCTVs. Yet, handheld magnifiers haven’t kept pace. Though often pictured as classic Sherlock Holmes glasses, today’s diverse magnifiers suit many lifestyles. With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide focuses on what matters and helps you find the magnifier that fits your needs.

 

Understanding the Basics of Magnification

Magnification is the process of making an object appear larger than it is. Power refers to the amount of magnification and is usually represented by an ‘X.’ For instance, 3X means the object appears three times its original size. Even though this may sound straightforward, selecting the right magnification level is not just about choosing the highest number.

Lens curvature is another important factor. A greater curvature results in a shorter focal length (the distance from the lens’s center to the point where the object comes into focus), yielding a higher-power lens. Inversely, a lens several inches wide generally has less curvature, providing a larger viewing area but relatively low power. The main takeaway: lens size and magnification level are not directly related. Even broad-coverage magnifiers may only offer limited magnification (1X to 3X), so choose your tool based on clarity and your reading needs.

While an option may initially seem convenient, it may no longer meet your needs as your vision changes. Many individuals begin with a page magnifier, believing it will eliminate the need to move the device. However, as vision evolves, such lower-powered options may no longer provide enough clarity. You may also find that features such as color and lighting contrast become increasingly valuable.

 

Common Types of Magnifiers for Low Vision

Now that you have a better understanding of how magnification works, the next step is exploring the different types of magnifiers available. Numerous low vision aids are designed for specific tasks and preferences, and selecting the right one depends on your intended use. Magnifiers typically range from 2X to 10X, are offered in a variety of formats, and are generally handheld or mounted on a stand.

 

Reading Glasses

Often, the first solution people try is over-the-counter reading glasses (“cheaters”), which are relatively affordable and easy to find. These lenses are in the lower-power range, with magnifications from 1x to 3x. Cheaters help bring small text into focus by magnifying it, making it appear larger.

The catch is that cheaters magnify everything you see through them, not just the text. They’re fine for close-up tasks, but distant objects can look distorted, and using them too much might cause headaches or eye strain. If you’re reaching for cheaters all the time, it’s a good idea to check in with your eye care professional. Bifocal glasses have the advantage of only changing part of your field of view. If you view something through the base of the lens, the text will appear larger or clearer, but if you look through the top of your glasses, objects appear as they would normally.

 

Handheld, Electronic, and Stand Magnifiers

For more flexibility, handheld magnifiers are great for quick tasks like reading a menu, price tag, or directions on packaging. They are portable and versatile, and often include built-in lighting. If you require additional support, electronic magnifiers use a camera and a screen to magnify, letting you adjust settings like contrast and background color. We often cover these features in adaptive technology training sessions.

When longer periods of reading are needed, stand magnifiers can provide more comfort and stability. They rest directly on the page, keeping the lens at the optimal distance for clearer viewing. Some models are also designed for reading and writing tasks, such as writing checks, signing documents, or taking notes. Often, stand magnifiers include a swing arm, allowing hands-free use and making them perfect for hobbies or longer tasks where comfort and positioning matter.

 

Monoculars and Binoculars

For distance viewing, monoculars and binoculars function as small handheld telescopes. Both devices help users see objects at distances of 15–30 feet. They allow users to see items such as street signs, menus, and performers more easily. Because they have a smaller field of view, they often require practice and scanning techniques to use effectively.

 

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Magnifier

With so many options, start by understanding your specific needs. The right magnifier is about how it fits into your daily life, not just the device itself.

To help guide your decision, start by asking yourself:

Your answers, combined with guidance from a low vision specialist, can help you find the right mix of tools for your needs. In many cases, using a variety of devices for different tasks is the most effective approach, and insurance may help cover the cost of an evaluation.

 

Outlook trainer, Isaac, works with a male client on computer typing skills.

 

Choosing a magnifier can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking better tools, our team can help you find what works and ensure you know how to use it.  Contact us today to connect with a trainer and take the next step toward greater independence.

Getting a Guide Dog with Alex France


In this episode, Alex France shares his journey with retinitis pigmentosa and how he’s adapted as his vision has changed, including his decision to apply for a “running guide dog.”

Now partnered with Marina, Alex shares how she’s become an important part of his day-to-day life. He also discusses the responsibilities of being a guide dog handler, the application process, and how guide dogs differ from using a white cane.

Plus, Janis Compton returns to answer a listener’s question.

Living Life on Her Own Terms: Julie Lintzman’s Story

Julie Lintzman is no stranger to vision loss or to Outlook Enrichment’s programs, but lately, she’s been smiling ear to ear and feeling lighter, with a renewed sense of possibility. We are so grateful to be part of this chapter in her journey. After facing vision loss and a season of overwhelming hardship, Julie made a choice: she would live on her own terms. What followed was a journey of courage, community, and newfound confidence.

 

Balancing Work, Family, and Vision Loss

Healthcare has always been a part of Julie’s life; she graduated from Immanuel School of Nursing in 1976 and began her career as a rehabilitation nurse. With a rewarding job, a husband, and a son, her life felt full and typical until, at 37, she began to notice changes in her vision.

Years later, Julie would connect with Outlook Enrichment at a health fair at Baxter Arena, but at that time, she was just beginning to understand how much her life was about to change. A visit to the eye doctor led to a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a chronic eye condition with no cure that can eventually lead to total blindness. RP progresses gradually, and as Julie’s vision declined, the demands of clinical nursing became harder to manage.

For the last 15 years of her career, Julie transitioned into the insurance field, reviewing fraud claims. She admits that coping with these changes was not easy. As her vision continued to decline, her family’s needs only grew. Having spent much of her life as a caretaker, Julie found herself losing touch with her own well-being while supporting her husband through chronic health challenges and her son through mental health struggles.

 

Finding Community During Life’s Hardest Season

To fill her own cup, Julie became a regular participant in Outlook Enrichment’s art workshops, finding both creativity and connection. But another obstacle soon appeared. Living outside public transportation routes meant she relied on her husband for rides, and as his health worsened, her options for transportation became increasingly limited.

She adapted by finding ways to escape without leaving her home, such as doing yardwork and reading books. During the height of COVID-19, Julie also became a familiar face in our virtual programming. She joined the Audiobook Club and virtual game nights, often the first to log on and the last to leave. Even through a screen, she found community.

As her husband’s health declined and he began requiring full-time care, the weight Julie was carrying grew heavier. Without reliable transportation or support, daily life became increasingly difficult to navigate as her vision loss progressed. When her husband entered hospice care, Julie made the difficult decision to relocate to an assisted living facility.

In a short span of time, her son was incarcerated, her husband passed away, and she was diagnosed with cancer, requiring radiation treatments. It was a year filled with grief and challenges. Yet Julie has survived the storm, and in the aftermath, she has made space for something new: joy.

 

At 71, Julie Embraces a New Chapter

Today, Julie is 71 years old, and she wears it as a badge of honor. Last summer, she stepped far outside her comfort zone. A recent party patio ride was, in her words, “the best time I can remember having in a long time.” Axe throwing? “A hoot.” She even pedaled 10 miles on a tandem bike ride. Her perspective has shifted in a powerful way, “I’m going to live my life the way I want to now, and I’m not looking back. My only regret is not starting to do this earlier.“

Through Outlook Enrichment’s peer support groups and recreational activities, Julie has begun to recognize just how capable she is. She enjoys asking questions about adaptive technology, working through issues with her smartphone, meeting new people, and receiving encouragement to try public transportation.

“My favorite activity is riding MOBY. I don’t know what I was always so scared of. I tend to overthink things and focus too much on the pros and cons. Turns out there really are no cons besides maybe having to wait a little while, but I’ve got nothing but time. I don’t even mind being the last one dropped off, I’d like to ride around all day,” she shared.

 

A male client practicing cane travel with a male trainer. "Be Supported on Your Journey - Contact Us."

 

With the support of the Outlook team and the community she has built, Julie has come to an empowering realization: if others who are blind or visually impaired are out doing things, she can do them too. Here’s to the beginning of many new adventures, bigger smiles, and lasting memories. Julie, we are so proud of you.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Outlook Enrichment’s programs and services, we would love to connect and explore how we can help support your goals.