Going Blind

In the UK, more than 2 million people are living with sight loss, around 340,000 of which are registered as blind (severely sight impaired)b or partially sighted. Globally this figure rises 40 million people who are blind, while another 250 million have some form of visual impairment according to the World Health Organization.

Being told you have a visual impairment in later life that can’t be rectified or treated can be difficult to come to terms with.

In these blogs I hope to set out the emotions felt, the lessons that had to be learned, and what advice I have picked up from others – both sighted and blind. I have put them down here in the hope that they help prepare you for the ordeals ahead and the adjustments that you are going to have to make. There is support out there from organizations and institutes and these should be sought, but the most important support is from your loved one, so don’t be a drama queen and isolate them in your anger and frustration. Life isn’t fair, but blindness isn’t the worst disability to have to adjust to. Just imagine a day in which you couldn’t scratch an itch or pick your nose (surreptitiously I hope!).

Many people go through a process similar to bereavement, in which you experience a spectrum of emotions including shock, anger, and denial, before eventually coming to accept your ‘new normal’. If these pages help you pass through those stages prepared and help you (and your companion) emerge through them retaining a zest for life, travel, and adventure then I am happy.

Just keep in mind that getting out there, retaining social contact and trying out new travel destinations will all be good for you regardless of what you do.