In September 2005, I lost my central vision and was registered as severely sight impaired. This life-changing experience became the catalyst for a new direction – one rooted in resilience and a commitment to supporting others living with visual impairment.
Determined to turn adversity into purpose, I trained in community counselling, life coaching, and facilitation, equipping me to support people navigating the emotional and practical challenges of sight loss. I went on to volunteer with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), contributing in their resource centre and delivering the Living Well with Sight Loss course. I dedicated nine years to supporting and uplifting the visually impaired community.
I later volunteered alongside the Eye Care Liaison Officer at the Royal Free Hospital, where I founded Eye Matter. What began as a local initiative to deliver peer-led support has grown into a thriving, inclusive community.
Today, I lead Eye Matter full-time. Our mission is to create a supportive and empowering environment where people with visual impairment can connect, access resources, and thrive. I am immensely proud of the dedicated team we have built – most of whom are visually impaired themselves – whose insight, commitment and hard work have helped grow Eye Matter into a welcoming and vibrant organisation, bringing purpose, connection, and joy to all we do.
I remain deeply grateful to my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout this journey. It is an honour to serve as Founder and Coordinator of Eye Matter, and together we continue to build a community where every member is seen, heard, valued, and supported towards a new beginning.