Vision: Impossible

The biggest barrier that is faced by many people living with sight loss is finding a way to travel confidently and independently after diagnosis. This often feels like one of the most overwhelming adjustments to make. Whether travelling with a cane, guide dog or no mobility aid at all, independent travel can look quite different depending on comfort levels and route confidence. For some, it is about slowly rebuilding trust in familiar routes, while for others it may involve learning new techniques or relying on different forms of support to feel safe and in control.   What can help Sunflower lanyard Although not the first thing many would think of when being diagnosed with a visual impairment (it definitely wasn’t for me), it can be a great way to easily signify to people that you may need extra support or understanding (which is something I have come to really appreciate). I have found that wearing a sunflower lanyard adds a layer of reassurance, knowing that I do not have...

Since this week marks National Volunteer Week, I thought I would take the time to take a minute and explain what Volunteering for Retina UK means to me. Just to start off, volunteering isn't something that just has a one way return. I find that when I spend time helping others in the community  Now let's move onto what volunteering means to me...  The reason that I decided to volunteer for Retina UK is that I am passionate about supporting others and contributing positively to my community.  I believe volunteering is an important way to make a difference, whether that is through offering practical help, emotional support, or simply giving my time to people who may need it. I find it incredibly rewarding to know that my efforts can have a positive impact on someone’s day or help contribute towards a larger cause. Volunteering has also helped me grow personally by building my confidence, communication skills, and ability to work with a wide range of people. It has given me ...

Building confidence with a hidden disability can feel especially challenging because so much of the struggle is internal and unseen. Confidence here isn’t about “fixing” yourself; it’s about learning to trust your own experience, even when others don’t fully understand it. Here are some practical, compassionate ways to start building that confidence:   1. Redefine What Confidence Means for You Confidence doesn’t have to mean being fearless or outspoken all the time. It can look like: Asking for what you need without apology Using accessibility tools without guilt Trusting your limits instead of pushing past them Confidence with a hidden disability is often quiet, steady self-trust—not loud certainty.   2. Challenge the “I’m Not Disabled Enough” Thought That thought is incredibly common—and incredibly misleading. Try reframing it: Do not tell yourself – “ I ’ m not struggling enough to need help ” Instead you should try – “ If something makes my life...

There’s a quiet, complicated feeling that doesn’t get talked about enough in the disability community: Imposter syndrome. It’s that nagging voice that whispers, “You’re not disabled enough.”  Particularly, when you live with a visual impairment, that isn’t immediately obvious to others, the tension that this brings can become a constant companion. Living in Two Worlds Visual impairment often exists in a grey area that other people struggle to understand. You might not be completely blind, yet your vision doesn’t function in the way society assumes it should. You might read – but only with screen magnification or enlarged font.  You might navigate independently – but not without careful planning, fatigue, or risk. From the outside, people fill in the gaps with assumptions… “You seem fine.” “Can’t you just wear stronger glasses?” “ You managed yesterday – why not today?” And slowly, those external doubts begin to echo internally. You start to question your own experience...