Coming to Terms with Sight Loss: A Journey of Acceptance

Life can take unexpected turns, and receiving a diagnosis of sight loss can be one of the most challenging. It's a journey that may feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. At Sight Research UK, we understand the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies such news. This page is dedicated to helping you navigate through the stages of acceptance, offering support and understanding as you come to terms with your condition.

Understanding Your Emotions

The initial wave of emotions can be intense and confusing. You may experience shock, denial, and disbelief. It's natural to question "Why me?" or to feel anger towards the situation. These emotions are part of a normal process, a response to the grief of losing a part of your identity. Recognising these feelings as a valid part of your journey is the first step towards healing.

Change is never easy, especially when it's not by choice. Adjusting to sight loss means adapting to a new way of living, which can be daunting. It's important to give yourself grace during this time. Allow yourself to mourn the loss, but also to discover new ways of doing things. Embracing change can lead to unexpected growth and resilience.

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Seeking Support

You don't have to face this alone. Seeking support from loved ones, support groups, or professional counselling can be incredibly beneficial. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can provide comfort and practical advice. At Sight Research UK, we offer resources and a community that empathises with your situation and can guide you through this transition.

Finding Acceptance

Acceptance may not come overnight. It's a gradual process that involves acknowledging your sight loss and understanding how it affects your life. It's about learning to adapt and finding new ways to enjoy your interests and passions. Acceptance is also recognising that while sight loss is part of your life, it doesn't define who you are.

Embracing a New Identity

As you come to terms with your sight loss, you may discover a new sense of self. This is an opportunity to explore new interests, develop new skills, and build new relationships. It's a chance to redefine what's important to you and to live a fulfilling life, with sight loss being just one aspect of your rich and complex identity.

Moving Forward

Moving forward with sight loss means setting new goals and celebrating every achievement, no matter how small. It's about looking ahead with hope and determination. Sight Research UK is committed to supporting you every step of the way, with research that's continually seeking better treatments and solutions for sight loss conditions.

Contributing to Research

Your experiences can contribute to a greater understanding of sight loss. By participating in research, sharing your story, or supporting Sight Research UK, you're not only helping yourself but also countless others. Together, we can work towards a future where sight loss is no longer a life-limiting condition.

Resources and Help

We've compiled a list of resources organisations who can give you practical tips on living with sight loss and personal stories of those who've walked this path before you.

Bedfordshire

Berkshire

  • Berkshire Vision - 5 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR. Tel: 0118 987 2803, Email: info@berkshirevision.org.uk

Bristol

Buckinghamshire

  • Buckvision - 143 Meadowcroft, Aylesbury HP19 9HH. Tel: 01296 487556, Email: reception@bucksvision.co.uk

Cambridgeshire

  • Cam Sight - 167 Green End Road, Cambridge CB4 1RW. Tel: 01223 420033

Cheshire

  • Vision Support - 2 The Ropeworks Whipchord Lane, Chester CH1 4DZ. Tel: 01244 381515, Email: Information@Visionsupport.Org.Uk
  • Vision Support - 126 Widnes Road, Widnes WA8 6AX. Tel: 0151 511 8801, Email: Information@Visionsupport.Org.Uk

City of London

  • London Vision - 3 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AR. Tel: 020 3761 3651, Email: info@londonvision.org
  • General Optical Council - 10 Old Bailey, London EC4M 7NG. Tel: 020 7580 3898, Email: registration@optical.org
  • Childhood Eye Cancer Trust - Royal London Hospital Whitechapel Road, London. Tel: 020 7377 5578, Email: info@chect.org.uk

Cornwall

  • Isightcornwall - Sight Centre Newham Road, Truro TR1 2DP. Tel: 01872 261110, Email: info@isightcornwall.org.uk

County Durham

Cumbria

Derbyshire

  • Sight Support Derbyshire - Second Floor Suite 2.2-2.10 Litchurch Plaza Litchurch Lane, Pride Park DE24 8AA. Tel: 01332 292262, Email: enquiries@sightsupportderbyshire.org.uk

Devon

  • Devon In Sight - Splatford House, Barton Rd, Exeter EX6 7. Tel: 01392 876666, Email: enquiries@devoninsight.org.uk

Dorset

East Riding of Yorkshire

  • HERIB - Beech Holme, Beverley Road, Hull HU5 1NF. Tel: 01482342297, Email: info@sightsupport.org

East Sussex

  • East Sussex Vision Support - 13 Vicarage Field, Hailsham BN27 1BD. Tel: 01323 822253, Email: info@eastsussexvisionsupport.org.uk

Essex

Gloucestershire

  • Insight Gloucestershire - 81 Albion Street, Cheltenham GL52 2RZ. Tel: 01242 221170, Email: info@insight-glos.org.uk

Greater London

Greater Manchester

  • Our Kids Eyes - Gardenfold Way, Droylsden, Manchester M43 7XU. Tel: 0161 342 5550

Hampshire

  • Open Sight - 25 Church Road Bishopstoke, Eastleigh SO50 6BL, 023 8064 1244, info@opensight.org.uk
  • Gift of Sight - University Of Southampton George Thomas Building University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, 023 8059 9073, info@giftofsight.org.uk
  • Macular Society - South St, Andover SP10 2BN, 01264 350551, info@macularsociety.org

Herefordshire

Isle of Wight

Kent

  • Kent Assocaition for the Blind - 72 College Road, Maidstone ME15 6SJ, 01622 691357, enquiry@kab.org.uk
  • Glaucoma UK - 15 Highpoint Business Village, Henwood, Ashford TN24 8DH, 01233 648170, helpline@glaucoma.uk

Conclusion

Coming to terms with sight loss is a deeply personal experience, and there's no right or wrong way to feel. At Sight Research UK, we're here to support you through every stage of this journey. Remember, you're not just coping with sight loss; you're learning to live with it, and in doing so, you're inspiring others with your courage and resilience.

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Bedfordshire

Berkshire

  • Berkshire Vision - 5 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR. Tel: 0118 987 2803, Email: info@berkshirevision.org.uk

Bristol