Insights Acquired from Conquering Visual Impairment

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“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen… they must be felt with the heart.” ~Helen Keller

I didn’t want to acknowledge it—not to myself, nor to anyone else. Yet I am gradually losing my vision.

This reality is hard to articulate, and even harder to endure. At seventy years old, I’ve navigated wars, sickness, caregiving, and artistic endeavors. I’ve been a documentary filmmaker, educator, and guide. However, this gradual loss of sight—this silent battle—feels like the most isolating challenge of all.

I suffer from moderate to advanced macular degeneration in both eyes. My right eye is nearly lost, and my left is diminishing. Every two weeks, I get injections aimed at conserving what little vision I have left. This is my new normal—and it’s a prospect I fear.

Existing in a Sight-Dominated Society

We inhabit a society that elevates vision above all other senses.

From advertisements to smartphones, from vibrant designs to social interactions, vision is the prevailing sense in American culture. If your sight is impaired, you lag behind. You’re neglected. The world ceases to accommodate you.

Is one sense genuinely superior to another? Philosophically, no. But socially, yes. In this environment, blindness is dreaded, mourned, or ignored—not comprehended. This is also true for many disabilities.

Accessibility is frequently treated as an afterthought. Accommodation feels like a burden. To navigate the world in a disabled body is to be constantly reminded that your needs are a hassle.

I contemplate people in other nations—millions lacking access to treatment or even diagnosis. I express gratitude to deities, ancestors, and compassionate forces that my situation isn’t worse. And I remind myself: despite the pain, I am fortunate.

Yet it remains desolate and painful to coexist in a physical world that no longer perceives you vividly—and when your own perception fades.

A Filmmaker Confronts Blindness

As my vision diminishes, a haunting question persists: How can I continue as a filmmaker, writer, and educator without the eyesight I once relied upon?

I often think of Beethoven. He slowly lost his hearing, just as I am losing my sight. A composer who could no longer hear—but still created. Still conveyed music. Still discovered beauty in silence.

I relate to his anguish—and his commitment. No, I’m not Beethoven. But I am someone whose existence has been molded by visual storytelling. Now, I must learn to narrate through touch, memory, and faith.

I depend on accessibility tools. I listen to every word I compose. I utilize audio alerts, screen readers, and my internal voice. I still strive to write fluidly when possible—but at a slower pace, one word at a time. I edit by sound. I reconstruct from sensation. I compose proprioceptively—sensing the form of a sentence in my fingers and breath before it appears on the screen.

It’s not efficient. But it is alive. And in certain ways, it is more authentic than before.

Try ordering groceries with limited vision. Tiny gray text against a white backdrop. Menus lacking labels. Buttons that are elusive. After ten minutes, I give up—not only on the site, but also on dinner, and on the day itself.

This is what disability entails in the digital era: Not darkness, but exclusion. Not silence, but apathy.

Even with tools, even with technology, it is draining. The internet—a domain with immense potential to empower—often morphs into a labyrinth for those unable to see clearly. It is bleak to exist in a world that proposes solutions in theory but fails in practice.

I continue to teach. I still mentor. Yet, my teaching approach has evolved.

I no longer depend on visual cues. I urge students to articulate their work aloud. I listen intently—for meaning, for emotion, for clarity of intent. I guide not by sight, but by intuition.

This isn’t lesser—it’s just different. Occasionally richer. Teaching has become more relational and intentional. Not about being the authority, but about being engaged.

Still, I miss what I once possessed. Every task requires more time. Every email feels monumental. However, I press on—not out of obstinacy, but because this is my essence. A teacher. A creator. A witness.

Buddhism, Impermanence, and Grief

So where do I channel this anguish?

Buddhism offers guidance. It teaches that all forms are transient. Sight diminishes. Bodies evolve. Clinging results in suffering. But surrendering—softly, mindfully—can lead to tranquility.

This doesn’t imply I bypass grief. I coexist with it. I breathe alongside it.

There’s a Zen tale of a man who lost an arm. When asked how he was managing, he replied, “It is as if I lost a jewel. But the moon still shines.”

I reflect on that often.

I have lost a jewel. Yet I still perceive the moon. Sometimes not through sight, but through memory, feeling, and breath.

The Value of Slowness

My writing is slower now. Not due to a loss of voice, but because I must attune to it differently.

I still encounter flow—but not in the previous manner. I write word by word. Then I listen. Then I revise. I move like someone traversing a dimly lit room, hands extended—not fearful, but observant.

This is how I create now. Intentionally. Tenderly. With awareness.

In this slow, challenging journey, I’ve discovered something unanticipated: a more profound connection to my own language. A deeper yearning to make others feel something authentic.

Even as I diminish from the visual realm, I am discovering a new way to perceive.

What I Still Contribute

If there’s one thing I can impart—through blindness, grief, and slowness—it’s this: We don’t lose our essence when we lose abilities or identities. We’re not vanishing. We’re still present. Just approaching things differently—more slowly, more thoughtfully, and perhaps with a richer sense of purpose.

One day, I may no longer be able to see the screen. However, I will still be a writer. Still a teacher. Still someone who sees, in the ways that truly matter.

Even if the light fades from my eyes, it doesn’t have to extinguish in my voice.

And if you’re reading this, then the effort was indeed worthwhile.

**Insights Gained from Navigating Visual Impairment**

Visual impairment can present considerable hurdles, yet many individuals who encounter it also acquire profound insights that influence their lives meaningfully. These insights typically arise from adapting to new realities, building resilience, and discovering alternative methods of interacting with the world. Here are several key insights from overcoming visual impairment:

1. **Heightened Sensory Awareness**: Individuals with visual impairments often cultivate a stronger awareness of their other senses. Relying on auditory, tactile, and olfactory signals can lead to a richer comprehension of the environment. This enhanced sensory awareness can deepen experiences, such as enjoying music, identifying fragrances, and experiencing textures that may be missed by those with full sight.

2. **Resilience and Flexibility**: Overcoming the challenges linked with visual impairment nurtures resilience. Individuals learn to adjust to new situations, unearth creative solutions to problems, and navigate daily challenges. This flexibility can extend to various aspects of their lives, empowering them to tackle different life obstacles with optimism.

3. **Empathy and Insight**: Experiencing visual impairment can amplify empathy for others facing difficulties, whether they are physical, emotional, or social. This enhanced understanding can foster stronger relationships with others and inspire a commitment to advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in society.

4. **Problem-Solving Abilities**: Navigating a world primarily designed for sighted individuals often necessitates innovative problem-solving. Individuals with visual impairments frequently devise unique strategies for accomplishing tasks, which can boost critical thinking and creativity.

5. **Importance of Community and Support**: The journey of overcoming visual impairment often underscores the significance of community and support networks. Many individuals discover strength in connecting with others sharing similar experiences, promoting a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement. This can inspire collaboration and advocacy for improved resources and accessibility.

6. **Reappraisal of Values**: Living with visual impairment can encourage individuals to reassess what truly matters in life. Many find a newfound appreciation for relationships, experiences, and personal growth, prioritizing them over material possessions or societal expectations.

7. **Advocacy and Awareness Efforts**: Overcoming visual impairment often motivates individuals to advocate for themselves and others. This advocacy can manifest in many ways, from raising awareness regarding accessibility challenges to engaging in organizations that support individuals with disabilities. Such initiatives support societal change and promote a more inclusive atmosphere.

8. **Personal Development and Self-Discovery**: The experience of navigating visual impairment can yield significant personal growth. Individuals frequently uncover strengths and capabilities previously unrecognized, fostering confidence and self-acceptance. This journey may also encourage the pursuit of new interests and passions aligned with their abilities.

9. **Mindfulness and Being Present**: Living with visual impairment can enhance mindfulness and presence. Many individuals learn to concentrate on the moment, appreciating the subtleties of their environment and experiences without the distractions presented by visual stimuli.

10. **Innovation and Technology**: The demand for adaptive tools and technologies to support those with visual impairments has resulted in advancements in various fields. Individuals often become skilled in utilizing assistive technologies, enhancing their independence and quality of life while contributing to innovations that benefit society at large.

In summary, while visual impairment brings unique challenges, the insights gained from navigating these hurdles can lead to significant personal growth and a more profound understanding of the world. These insights not only enrich the lives of individuals facing visual impairments but also foster broader societal awareness regarding inclusivity and accessibility.