LAST LOOK

Visionary at 92

barbara Knickerbocker Beskind has defied the laws of both aging and AMD to pursue her passion for helping others with AMD to see and improve their quality of life. The nonagenarian conceptual tech designer has helped develop several products, including a magnifying device for reading the newspaper and a pair of glasses with facial recognition. Beskind has also partnered with Bausch + Lomb and Prevent Blindness to raise AMD awareness via the #WhyEyeFight program. Learn more at JoyofSight.com.

Photo courtesy of IDEO

On passion:
“Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been a problem-solver and an inventor. This is why I’m fighting to preserve my remaining sight, so that I can continue to design products that can improve the quality of life of older individuals.”

On staying young at heart (and mind):
“Stay upright and moving forward; Never stop learning and surround yourself with creative people that encourage you to keep thinking.”

On favorite products developed:
“I have adapted ski poles to help preserve my good balance and gait. I’ve designed a UV lining for my hats to protect my eyes from unnecessary damage to the retina when outside.”

On the new glasses for those with AMD:
“I’m developing an idea for eyeglasses with a micro camera, earpiece, and facial recognition software to allow the wearer to record names and faces, and then be prompted later when the glasses ‘see’ that individual again.”