Case study 1: Richard.
“The empathy of all the facilitators and course participants in Eye Matter has (and continues to be) incredibly supportive. I’ve been followed by such a dark cloud for so long which finally feels like its being lifted and I’m so grateful for everyone who has enabled this.”
Richard (in his late 30’s) felt isolated and unable to engage in regular opportunities. He has a dual disability of sight-loss and brain trauma which affects his confidence and has often left him feeling excluded, admitting to ‘burying himself away’
This resulted in depression, Richard explained, “I was in my early teens when I was diagnosed with a brain tumour which ultimately affected not only my sight but my ability to work. After suffering a severe seizure, it became clear that my life would never be the same again.”
Eye Matter is the only sight-loss organisation he has reached out to. His first introduction was during our in-person Turning Surviving into Thriving’ session (September 2024) held at Kings Cross and facilitated by therapist Joanna (Jo) Williams. Despite his initial apprehensions about joining a new group, Richard felt very welcomed into the small circle of members. He appreciated the importance of maintaining clear dynamics and structure within the group.
Following this experience Richard became a frequent participant in our twice monthly on-line ‘Turning Surviving into Thriving’ sessions which are also facilitated by Jo. He appreciated the consistency of both the in-person and on-line sessions where members are encouraged to contribute but can remain silent if they choose just to listen. It was as a result of being able to access these regular sessions, listening to others and gaining confidence, that he began accepting his own sight-loss and its impact as a shadow covering his whole life.
Whilst participating in Eye Matter’s therapy group Richard also attended our, “Living Well with Sight-loss’ course facilitated by Steve Reed (now in its 13th series). For the first time Richard was able to discuss the practical state of his sight-loss and its barriers. During these six-week Steve introduces various organisations and information to participants.
Richard confessed that as a result of information received from a TFL representative and confidence gained from regular therapy sessions, he was able to travel independently on public transport for the first time.
Another step forward was through both these sessions he was able to differentiate between his sight-loss and brain fauna enabling him to reach out to organisations supporting both conditions.
His wish:
Prior to his first seizure Richard was interested in music production and would love to once again become involved within this industry. Another dream, which he can now see as a possible reality, is using the knowledge and confidence gained from these courses to access assistive travel services to experience the thrills of roller coasters in France and America. In the meantime, he has suggested that Eye Matter may wish to make a visit to Thorpe Park to encourage other members to enjoy this experience!
“The Eye Matter effect!” A personal testimonial from Eye Matter member, Natalie.
December 2025
Natalie attended one of Eye Matter’s very first “Living Well With Sight Loss” courses in 2018.
The course, facilitated by Steve Reed, gave Natalie The space she needed to acknowledge her own limitations and the perceptions of people who may never have engaged with someone living with sight-loss. Natalie said, “The course was instrumental in giving me the knowledge and confidence I needed to start claiming what was my right and also to find out who I was.” Eye Matter encouraged me to reach out to support services such as my local Rehabilitation Officer for Visual Impairment (ROVI).”
For Natalie, “The Eye Matter Effect” started shortly after participating in the course and seven years later, Natalie was determined to overcome her anxieties to attend her first EVER in-person drama workshop. Natalie credits attending Eye Matter’s various online drama improvisation sessions in helping to grow her confidence, “I often used humour to cope with my disability which I was able to express in the many online Eye Matter improv drama sessions.
As a result, I felt confident to travel independently for the hour’s journey to the workshop. Despite it being nearly 30 years since I had first visited the town I felt utterly exhilarated at my sense of achievement.” Natalie continued, “I was always nervous and often bullied because of my eyesight and had found it difficult to join in with groups. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would have the confidence to attend a new group all on my own.”
Natalie was born with Marfan’s syndrome, a congenital disorder affecting connective tissue. Her father carried the gene. Natalie was diagnosed at 18 months old with congenital cataracts and dislocated lenses. Throughout her life she simply accepted that she had “bad eyes”. Her family never referred to the condition as it was accepted that there was treatment but no cure. When she was in her 30s, Natalie experienced a detached retina and the first of three cardia-related aneurysms. As a consequence of a stroke received from one of the surgeries, Natalie’s Vision was further impacted. By 2018, sight-loss had made Natalie housebound. “Eye Matter has been literally life transforming for me. I was more or less housebound when I heard about Eye Matter on the radio.” I was feeling imprisoned and wasn’t aware of any local support or services before attending ‘The “Living Well With Sight-Loss’” course.”
Today Natalie says, “I cannot believe the life that I am now living due to the activities and friendships I’ve made within Eye Matter”. Adding, “Eye Matter has given me a hunger to try new things and jump over my shadows”. Natalie observed how she felt safe and respected within the various online sessions which further boosted her independence. More recently, Natalie has participated in Eye Matter’s monthly cathartic creative writing programme led by therapist Jo Williams. These sessions are kindly funded by The Ronson Foundation.
As a result of taking advantage of Eye Matter opportunities Natalie recognises that she feels more confident and perceives that others view her as more capable and competent. Supported by Suzie, and her local sight-loss organisation Natalie hopes to support other people in her local area to accept their sight-loss and share in “The Eye Matter Effect!”
If you would like to contribute your own story or contact Natalie who lives in the South West of England please email: info@eyematter.org.uk