“But you don’t look blind!”

If you’re blind or partially sighted you’ve probably heard this comment before.

However, on the surface I agree with you. I can’t possibly be blind if I look at you, use my phone or look into the camera for a picture. On the other hand, I can be registered blind and do all of those things.

The misconceptions

Despite previously being registered as partially sighted, I can’t help but hold onto the misconceptions of being blind. The word blind holds the connotations of no sight at all or sight which has no function. Yet I know this is so far from the truth.

I believe the RNIB campaign, #BlindPeopleUsePhones, just shows how things need to change and highlights the misconceptions that exist. Technology has a whole host of accessibility settings, like enlarged text or VoiceOver, which can allow people with low vision to use their phone just like everyone else. This also can be extended to all types of technology.

Chloe wants people to know blind people use mobiles too. pic.twitter.com/GdUeEJUIUm

— BBC Radio Leeds (@BBCLeeds) February 7, 2019

Stereotypically a blind person will wear dark sunglasses all of the time or their eyes will look different. I’ve also heard that we’re meant to dress in clothes that don’t match, have no sight at all and bump into everything. Despite often wearing sunglasses when outside, I’d say the misconceptions are wrong. Typically these have been formed through media representation and the views of society.

The facts

There’s a lot we can learn about sightloss, myself included. The charity, RNIB, have done various campaigns around public attitudes which has helped to raise awareness.

Everyone sees differently. This ranges from people with perfect sight (or so-called ‘20/20 vision’) to those who see darkness or nothing at all. That said, 93 per cent of registered blind or partially sighted people can see something, which can come as a surprise to the general public.

RNIB: How I See campaign

If you’re registered as severely sight impaired (blind) then it’s highly likely that you’ll have some remaining vision. However, your sight will significantly impact every aspect of your life. I believe this is often misjudged as an inability to do anything. When in reality, the advances in assistive technology and an ability to adapt mean that visually impaired people are more capable than ever.

By talking about – and attempting to visually represent the spectrum of sight – we’re hoping to raise awareness that just because someone is blind, it doesn’t mean they see nothing. Equally if someone is partially sighted, it doesn’t mean they can see fine.

RNIB: How I See campaign

It was amazing to be part of RNIB’s How I See campaign back in 2017. I had the chance to talk about level of sight, but also the impact of deteriorating vision while at university.

The reality check

I guess this is my (not so subtle) way of sharing that my sight now meets the criteria to be registered as severely sight impaired. I’m still waiting for a hospital appointment to get it finalised, but it certainly was a reality check.

I’m aware that registering my visual impairment won’t impact my level of sight, yet I can’t help feeling that societal views will change. By not conforming to the outdated stereotypes I’m obviously not blind enough. But what on earth does that mean? Initially I didn’t feel blind enough to warrant the label of severely sight impaired. Even though my sight significantly impacts my daily life.

The bottom line

If I’m being honest, I am reliant on my long cane to get around, I use some form of assistive technology every single day and technology has supported the decline in my vision. For example, objects need to be pretty close for me to see them enough. I think this is often only apparent when I’m out of the house or somewhere I don’t know very well. It’s very easy to fool yourself when at home as you know the area like the back of your hand. Similarly, eye strain and pain isn’t something others don’t class as normal. They don’t have to worry about decrease levels of sight throughout the day or if it’s too sunny.

I have adapted without realising.

If I take away large print and audio my remaining sight isn’t very useful in the conventional sense. However, let’s not downplay my ability to view colour, shapes and little details which are more useful than I ever thought possible. Who cares if you have hold things close to your face.

Being registered as blind is daunting and will take some getting used to. But I also hold onto the validation that my vision has reduced over recent years. I’m not going to apologise for using my remaining sight, registered blind or not. Stereotypes are there to be broken.

~ Chloe x