Living with Sigh lost

Kevin our reporter shares that since suffering a stroke, Kevin has faced many challenges. Here he tells us how he's coping with sight loss.

Any sight loss is a life changing thing. After a stroke left me with no left peripheral vision, the world looks different and everyday things are different too.

I've put my clothes on backwards, inside out, tried to get two legs into one trouser leg, put my arm through the neck hole and I've also tried to get my head through a sleeve! I've put my shoes on the wrong feet too.

The struggle is real but I just laugh and I've better things to worry about so others can do that for me. Ha ha.

Colours are an issue - like blues, greys and black. TK MAXX is a favourite shop of mine. Looking through the rails can be a problem but ... no worries if it takes longer. It could be worse.

Travelling by bus can be difficult as I'm often missing my stop, especially in the evening. Things take longer to do but I'm not on a timetable so, no worries.

I have a white stick (there are a few versions which show different impairments) and, by the way, a red and white stick doesn't show you're a Sunderland supporter (or any other team), it means you have a sight AND a hearing impairment.

Having a white stick brings lots of positives, and negatives too. People are generally helpful and considerate although some make assumptions and try to help without asking first. I put this down to lack of knowledge. Maybe a few posters could be placed about. Anyway, no worries.

Being partially sighted doesn't define you or what you can do. I guess my message is, don't worry, don't stress. Enjoy the things you can do and remember, speaking and listening is so valuable.

RNIB | Homepage of the Royal National Institute of Blind People