Sergers are great (pretty well indispensible) if you sew a lot of stretch fabrics. But they are dreadful to thread and if you have macular degeneration I think you would struggle. I don't own a serger but since I've been using one at work I'm leaning towards getting one.

But I suspect I sew a lot more than you do. Frankly, I can't help but feel in the long run it would be more cost effective for you to take your alteration and mending jobs to someone who does alterations and mending, rather than purchase expensive machines you aren't comfortable with using.

http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/daylight+halo+table+magnifier+lamp.do.  Additional lights at the same site.

Lots of results if you just look on Google shopping for floor lamp with magnifier.

I have serger. I use it more than I expected. It was a gift from Mom. Great for finishing seams, and last week cut up towels to make washcloths and just serged the edges. I tie the new thread to the old and pull it through, I rarely have to re-thread entirely.

Sorry I'm late. I haven't used my serger in years, but I'm glad I didn't give it away. Many, many uses. My eyesight is definitely not what it use to be, but I have good lighting and buy the inexpensive magnifying reading glasses.

Madonna