A 100-YEAR-OLD Second World War veteran from Port Seton has regained her independence with an audio scanner following the deterioration of her vision, allowing her to read the Bible once more.

Bea McMurray, a former tailor and child carer, has sight loss due to age-related macular degeneration – a condition which causes gradual deterioration of central vision.

Her vision loss means she now struggles to read and was “greatly missing being able to read from her Bible”.

Sight Scotland Veterans provided specialist support to Bea by providing her with a Smart Reader HD OCR, which is a device that scans text and reads it out loud in seconds.

Bea served with the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) during the Second World War and expressed her excitement about receiving the life-enhancing tool, which allowed her to enjoy her 100th birthday card from the Queen.

Bea said: “This machine is wonderful. I can’t read anything with my eyesight now, so to have something like this is great.

“It gives me some independence back and I do like having it. Sight Scotland Veterans do a lot for veterans like me. It’s wonderful to have their help.”

Sight Scotland Veterans has worked with Bea since 2018, with the charity’s expert rehabilitation team working closely with her to identify the most suitable specialist equipment to help her keep her independence.

Sharon McAllister, Sight Scotland Veterans rehabilitation officer, travels across Scotland to provide in-person assessments, training and support to veterans with sight loss.

She said: “We are able to work together with veterans with sight loss we support to establish the tasks they are finding challenging due to sight loss, and determine the best ways we can help them to carry on with the things they enjoy as independently as possible.

“It’s fantastic to know that Bea is getting along well with using the Smart Reader HD OCR in daily life.

“We have also worked with Bea’s befriender Ruth, who is also on hand to support Bea with the smart reader if and when required.”

Sight Scotland Veterans offers support to all veterans with sight loss based in Scotland.

For more information about Sight Scotland Veterans or to get in touch for support, call 0800 035 6409, email hello@sightscotlandveterans.org.uk or visit sightscotlandveterans.org.uk