Go to a capable optician, get a vision test for reading glasses. Glasses and good light are a must for sewing, if you need it don't hesitate. Some find needles with a gold eye easier to thread, for the smallest needle eyes I find it easier too. I always cut the end of the thread with sharp scissors, I don't even make an attempt with out doing it. I guess you don't mean to literally ditch grandmother's needles, they are probably more than good enough, just add a few of the sizes you miss. The large eye needles are not bad for top stitch thread or waxed thread for leather.