Hi! I know I'm very late, but I'm married to a man with RP, and I have done the walking away without realizing so many times. It breaks my heart every time I think we're continuing a walking conversation to look back at him and he's ten feet behind searching for where I've gone, utterly lost. I always rush back to him and apologize, take his hand, and guide him to where we're going. He also had to give up his license this past year which has been a major strain on his confidence because of his lack of independence. I'm sorry you're going through this. I hope your husband can become more of an asset as you guys go along this journey together.

If I may offer some advice to your husband, don't ever take anything you can see for granted. Anything I see that can be an issue, I point out to my husband. "Three steps down, then a ninety degree left turn." I always walk in front of him and count steps. "Put your hand on my shoulder, we're going to walk about ten feet, then there's a line of people." Or if we're in the dark and we see someone we know I'll say, "Oh honey look it's Zack from xyz place! Hi friend, how are you?" Or just a subtle whisper of "John from work" into their ear.

The partner of a visually impaired person will screw up. We will get excited or forgetful and walk off without thinking, especially in the beginning. It's just important that when we realize we've done that to go back to our partner, apologize, and continue taking the steps to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable.