How Technology, Training, and Determination Keep Cooking Possible
When vision loss changes how you experience the world, everyday activities can suddenly feel out of reach. But for Anne Hatton Ogden, cooking has remained a constant source of comfort, creativity, and independence.
Anne, a Technology Training Specialist at the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast & Okeechobee, was recently featured in EatingWell for her inspiring approach to life — and the kitchen — after losing her vision.
👉 Read the full EatingWell feature here
A Closer Look at the EatingWell Feature
In the EatingWell article, Anne shares how she continues to cook independently despite being legally blind due to retinitis pigmentosa. Rather than stepping away from the kitchen, she adapted.
With the help of assistive technology, practical cooking strategies, and her guide dog Angelo, Anne shops for groceries, prepares meals, and enjoys nutritious food with confidence. She favors simple, wholesome dishes — including sheet-pan meals — and describes chopping vegetables as both calming and therapeutic.
The feature highlights an important truth: independence is not about doing everything the same way, but about finding the right tools and support.
Anne’s Role at the Lighthouse
At the Lighthouse for the Blind, Anne works directly with clients as a Technology Training Specialist, helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired learn how to use accessible tools that support daily living, communication, and independence.
In a previously shared Lighthouse video, Anne talks about how technology can reduce barriers and open doors — from smartphones and apps to wearable devices — empowering people to manage tasks that once felt overwhelming. Her professional experience and lived perspective make her training especially impactful.
Featured on Cooking Without Looking
Anne was also featured on the YouTube channel Cooking Without Looking, a platform that showcases how people who are blind or visually impaired navigate the kitchen safely and confidently.
In her episode, Anne demonstrates how she uses organization, tactile cues, and accessible technology to prepare meals — reinforcing that cooking is still possible, enjoyable, and meaningful with the right approach.
Meet Angelo: A Guide Dog from Dogs Inc.
Anne’s independence is also supported by her guide dog, Angelo, who was trained by Dogs Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides guide and service dogs at no cost to recipients.
Dogs Inc. supports individuals with vision loss by:
- Providing expertly trained guide and service dogs
- Offering lifetime follow-up support and training
- Helping people navigate public spaces safely and confidently
Angelo assists Anne both in daily routines and while grocery shopping — guiding her through aisles, around obstacles, and to checkout counters.
Learn more about their mission at DogsInc.org.
Technology That Supports Independence
Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision users with sighted volunteers or AI assistance through live video or photos. Anne uses it to:
- Identify items
- Read labels
- Get visual confirmation while cooking
The app adds an extra layer of confidence when tackling unfamiliar tasks.
Anne also uses Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which allow for hands-free assistance. When paired with Be My Eyes, the glasses let users receive spoken feedback about what’s in view — especially helpful while cooking, seasoning, or organizing ingredients.
This type of wearable technology reduces the need to stop, hold a phone, or reposition tools, making tasks feel more fluid and natural.
Independence Looks Different for Everyone
Anne’s story — from her EatingWell feature to her work at the Lighthouse — is a powerful reminder that vision loss doesn’t mean giving up what you love. With training, technology, and support, independence is still very much within reach.
To learn more about technology training and independent living resources, contact the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Treasure Coast & Okeechobee.
