When Grandma Sees a Whirlpool

Book Review

By Sharon Siddique 

President, MDS Singapore 

May 2013 

When Grandma Sees a Whirlpool by Denise Au Eong, is a newly published children’s book about AMD (age-related macular degeneration) written from a unique perspective. The narrator is a young boy who accompanies his mother and grandma on a visit to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor). 

Grandmas are special people. From them we learn about life, and living, and also about the natural process of ageing. Grandmas slow down, have trouble running and remembering. They complain about aches and pains. To a child, even a spritely 50-year-old grandma is “old”. 

One of the most difficult illnesses of old age to explain is deteriorating eyesight. There are often no outward signs of failing vision. Eyes “look” normal. So children can be oblivious of grandma’s eyesight problems. 

And this non-communication is often compounded by grandma’s unwillingness to seek help. Older people often tend to resign themselves to such conditions. They accept that many infirmities are inevitable, and stoically sit rather than actively intervene. 

The author is to be congratulated for promoting the magical ingredient of inter-generational communication – grandma, mother, and Julian band together to tackle grandma’s “whirlpool”. This book is a must-read for all children who love their grandmas because it not only informs about AMD, but also reinforces the importance of cultivating loving relationships. Love, trust, concern, reassurance, are all provided in abundant supply. 

The last section of the book is a great bonus. Well-known ophthalmologist, Dr Au Eong Kah Guan presents a clear and informative introduction to AMD for adults. 

The book is well-illustrated and designed, making it a very professional read indeed. The illustrator, Eliz Ong, has created an extremely attractive and colourful child-friendly layout, and Spring Publishers have excelled in the technical aspects of editing and printing. 

As AMD is a life sentence, Dr Au Eong also profiles two organisations which can extend support to AMD patients and caregivers. Information on the AMD Alliance International can be found on its website: www.amdalliance.org. 

Closer to home, the Macular Degeneration Society (MDS) Singapore can be approached through its website,  this blog and on Facebook. 

Dr Au Eong has kindly donated 200 copies of this book to MDS. All members will be given a free copy during our events. The book is also available for sale at $12 at our events and at All For Eyes (Tanglin Shopping Centre #05-23).