Opinions and Letters
Page 21
A Visual Challenge
"Is there a history of eye disease in your family?"
It was one of those pivotal moments in life, when I envisaged the dramatic onset of instant blindness.
An astute optometrist explained that I had a condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa. RP, as it is known, (or RIP as I call it!) is usually hereditary, affecting the light receptor rods in the retina at the back of the eye. Areas of black pigmentation deposits build up as the photoreceptors gradually break down reducing night vision and causing loss of peripheral visual fields, sometimes spreading as far as the central vision, severely limiting all or most of the person's eyesight.
All of this was news to me - no known history in my family, but I had noticed classic symptoms of night blindness from adolescence onwards.
Once the shock subsided, I was pleased to understand the cause of my poor night vision because it had plagued me for years.
Throughout my 30's, my peripheral vision continued to gradually deteriorate. Because it was a subtle process, I didn't really notice a dramatic difference. However, my eye specialist did roar at me on one famous occasion, when he heard that I was still driving.
In time, I have acquired a regular driver who, for a petrol donation, takes me into Nelson city each weekday. The Foundation of the Blind can provide volunteer drivers too for short trips around town.
I do not use a white cane but have one for night-time use which I will soon begin to use, along with the mandatory torch.
A guide dog is not necessary at this point and apparently would intelligently sense my available sight and declare his/herself redundant!
Throughout the world, there are apparently about one million RP sufferers and here in Nelson about a dozen, at varying stages of the condition. A recreational support group is now being formed.
Coping with my visual disability on a day-to-day basis is not as difficult as you might imagine, especially as I still have central vision, aided by prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses.
I am grateful to have the sight that I have and life gets busy and challenging enough anyway without dwelling on what will or will not be. But should you see someone inadvertently tripping up or taking a tumble, spare a thought - it could be me!
Andrea Ann Kepes, Nelson
Page 22
Dare, Dream, Discover
As a 23 year old vision-impaired girl who hadn't had any involvement with the blind community, the Vodafone Dare Dream and Discover camp changed all that. As part of the Vodafone graduate programme, 12 cadets raised $32,057 and took twelve members from across New Zealand to camp Adair for a night where we were challenged to outdoor activities. But it didn't stop there! We had a make up artist do our make up and give us tips before our big catered dinner, went behind the scenes at Auckland Zoo and had a career expert speak to us amongst other things. Foundation member Minnie Baragwanath also spoke to us and it was so inspiring and encouraging and made me think - yes I can do it! Everyone says I can't but I can! The Vodafone cadets that came with us were amazing and supportive and Vodafone even gave us all a mobile phone complete with Talks software which means it reads everything aloud! The best thing though was being around other vision-impaired people like me and feeling normal for once! It was the best week ever as I was also matched with my first guide dog. I just wish I'd got involved in Foundation activities like this sooner! I feel like a whole new person.
Nadia Clark, Auckland.