Diagnosis and Initial Impact
In early 2018, Martin suffered an Ischaemic stroke during his sleep, affecting the Occipital Lobe, the vision controlling part of the brain. This sudden and unexpected loss of sight was a huge shock, as he had near perfect vision before this incident. He is now registered as severely sight impaired, with no expectation of improvement, and faces challenges that may increase with age.
His sight loss has impacted his mobility significantly. He had to relearn the geography of his home and how to navigate his surroundings, including facing the fear of simple tasks like walking to the shops. Losing the ability to drive was particularly difficult, but he became more aware of accessibility aids and adapted to the new world he found himself in.
It was like having to say bye to the world as you were used to, and learn to adapt to a new world you weren’t aware of before.
Martin standing and smiling in front of a tree
Life Before Sight Loss
Martin worked in sales and marketing, spending 20 years in academic publishing, where he was able to develop his love for reading. Though he can no longer read regular print books, he has adapted by using large print and screens, as he didn’t take to audiobooks.
You have to learn very quickly that things have changed and to adapt.
Challenges Faced
While he continued working for six years after the diagnosis, Martin’s visual restrictions made his job increasingly tiring, leading to him having to leave. Social challenges also arose when visiting unfamiliar places, but his stubborn determination kept him going out and staying connected. For Martin, the inability to drive remains one of the biggest frustrations.
Yes, it can be horribly frustrating and easy to think negatively, but often there are solutions you may not have even thought about before.
Martin racing on bumper cars
Finding and Joining MyVision
After feeling frustrated with his situation and sight loss, Martin discovered MyVision at an event in Abingdon, where discussions about assistive technology and large print resources inspired him. Impressed by our mission, services and community, he approached us for a possible role, wanting to help support others, and eventually leaving his old job, to make a positive impact with us.
Role at MyVision
As a part-time community fundraiser, he will be supporting your fundraising efforts, helping to organise events, raising funds, and building awareness. His extensive professional experience will help him to contribute meaningfully to MyVision’s goals.
Support and Perspective Gained from MyVision
MyVision has helped Martin view his sight loss differently, providing solutions to daily frustrations and proving that it doesn’t have to limit your enjoyment and success in life.
You find many frustrations day to day, but often there are solutions to those frustrations, and MyVision has helped me realise that.
Future Goals
Martin aims to help others feel more positive about their own sight loss, demonstrating that it doesn’t have to be life-limiting. He is also considering a firewalk as a personal challenge and remains committed to making a lasting contribution to MyVision and its community.
Martin smiling at the camera with sunglasses on
