New gadgets!

Today I had my second work place assessment to see if I need any more help since my vision has deteriorated. Once again I applied through Job Access, an Australian government reimbursement program. Originally I received my ZoomText software, a large screen and a hand held magnifier.

This time round I didn't really know what exactly I wanted or needed and really just wanted to see what technology was available that would help me. I learnt all about "eye fatigue" and ways to minimise this. Since my job is predominantly computer based, it is important to ensure I sit correctly, which is something I never considered. Usually I sit cross legged on my chair, swing around and use thousands of fluoro post-its. Luckily I am hopefully receiving a foot rest to stop me from sitting like a yogi and an arm for my screen which will help on the days where I am a little more tired and can bring it closer to my face without straining my neck.

I was also shown an array of magnifiers, from hand held to huge star trek looking things and I have been recommended for a few different magnifiers to help with reading long documents. 

I must admit at first the experience was slightly confronting, especially since it is in the work place and sometimes I do worry what people will think, but usually once I show them all the cool gadgets and software they get jealous. It's also hard to accept that I need more help to do my everyday activities and sometimes it takes more effort but the quicker I get over that feeling the better. It's a fact of my life and it's fine. I still manage to work well (I'm quite an exceptional worker if I don't mind saying myself). I am still reluctant to try more speech based applications but I am a very visual person so I am trying to find ways to maintain this.

It was a great shopping experience! Once my application is approved and I purchase my new toys I will share more!

For those that haven't contacted Job Access yet here is the link. It's a great scheme and is not only for vision impairment but any disability. 

Job Access Australia

Study study and more study

Whoever said you can't complete university degrees and be vision impaired? Or legally blind? Yes you definitely can. 

My unfortunate absence is due to the fact I am studying two degrees at present, a masters and also psychology, and have been swamped in uni work. It has been a constant battle working and studying whilst being vision impaired but I am one determined cookie. 

I has been quite a challenge finding ways to read my textbooks, do assignments and keep up to speed with all the work. Once I found the tools to help me study I got into a rhythm and it wasn't so hard. I had to get my textbooks in PDF format and load it onto my iPad so I could read them, and the uni would send me any document in a larger font.

I also completed my first exams being vision impaired, as I was diagnosed at the end of my last degree, so I was unsure of how I would cope and even what adaptations I would need. I was given extra time but I'm happy to say I finished way before the allocated time (such a nerd). The only problem I had was colouring in the little circles on the multiple choice answer sheet and had to get someone to do it for me. 

It has been a really rewarding experience and I must say oh so satisfying to have completed four subjects whilst working. 

If you have ever had a dream or a goal to study and have a certain profession, GO FOR IT. There is always a way. 

Stay determined!!

Update on ACT trial

ACT recently announced treatment of a Stargardt's patient with 'better vision', as compared to the previous patients treated. It is very exciting following the trial progress and I can not wait to see the results.

The second patient treated had visual acuity of 20/100 (6/30) which is exciting as the trial is not only looking at the end vision stages but also the earlier stages, which is probably what I would be.

Here's ACT's press release:

Advanced Cell Technology

Looking forward to the results!

Fighting Youth Blindness Charity Dinner

I'm very excited to share that Retina Australia is holding a Fighting Youth Blindness Charity Dinner!

It will be held Saturday 20th July at Castle Hill RSL in Sydney.

We are aiming to raise money to fund research for retinal diseases including Stargardt's Disease and Retinitis Pigmentosa, for support for those suffering from the diseases and also to raise awareness of the conditions.

It's going to be a great night out supporting a cause that is still quite unknown amongst the community.

Get your tickets here:

Buy Tickets Now!


You can also join the Facebook page to keep updated on the event including special guests!

Fighting Youth Blindness Facebook Page

My new little friend

Before Christmas I was a bit depressed. So what did I do? I went to my local dogs and cats home. I had been considering getting another cat as I already had one furry friend (not to mention three dogs) but knew my parents would probably kick us all out.

There were so many little critters looking for a home and I couldn't resist and decided I would adopt one. There was one little bugger that caught my eye from the moment I walked in, he kept climbing the netted side of the cage and licking my finger. He was also blind in his left eye. It was instant love. I knew nobody would look twice at him because he was different, but he was like a cat version of me! Oh and the opposite sex!

So I took my little friend home and named him Billy Bob. He has such an adorable personality and sometimes acts more like a dog than a kitten. Even though he can only see from one eye he is confident and runs around the house, climbing furniture and playing with peacock feathers. He has little stumbles and if something is in his left field of vision he doesn't see it, but that doesn't stop him sneaking out the front door!

Just a little more inspiration in life - human or animal, vision impairment affects all life. Just think of little Billy without a care in the world!

I'm still here!

I have been so preoccupied the past months with my grandma but I have not forgotten about this! I've actually learnt a lot from her recently.

The more time I've spent with her the more I appreciate my life. She was taken down overnight, lost all her independence and freedom, and I've been sooking for years over my issues. But I've come to realise how it's not the condition or situation you're faced with, it's the way you react to it and you have the choice of how you want to react and then how you want to feel. She might not be able to walk anymore, stand, get in a car, go out, but she continues to have a smile and laugh. Sure she has some down days but they are few compared to the time we spend laughing (well she mostly laughs at me!).

In all the drama of the past 6 months I've stopped focusing on my issues and my down falls and gotten on with life, and I've found that in doing that my eyes haven't deteriorated, I'm doing everything I've always done and most importantly it doesn't stress me. I've realised, so what I see like crap but it's ok, it's just my tiny flaw and everybody in the world has flaws. And then I look at my nanna while she's teasing me about not having a boyfriend or sitting on her lap and squashing her, and I realise how lucky I am and how you never know when life will be taken from you so there's no use stressing over the insignificant things but to just do what you love.

I no longer think about my eyes all the time. I've decided to keep doing what I want, I'm going to keep studying and working. And most importantly I'll never let anybody tell me I can't do something because of my eyes.

Bionic eye update

Bionic Vision Australia has had vast media coverage in the past week with there bionic eye prototype. They have inserted the device into the first totally blind patient and she has been able to see flashing lights.

Check out their facebook page for links to articles:

Bionic Vision Australia Facebook Page

And here is their website:

Bionic Vision Australia