The conversation starts something like this:
“So how long have you been blind then?”
I could be in an airport waiting to board my flight, settled in the back of a taxi on the way to the train station or queueing for a cup of coffee. The setting isn’t important, my blindness is.
Usually I’ll answer, I shouldn’t feel obliged to, my medical information should be private like everyone elses. But I know the public doesn’t see it that way. If I don’t answer they will often snap at me, usually pointing out that they were speaking to me, as if it’s some kind of consolation prize.
“I’ve always been blind.”
The responses vary, some people tell me how sorry they are, others say it must be better because I’m used to it. And then it comes.
“Haven’t you tried anything? Is there nothing they can do? Have you tried glasses?”
It’s amazing how, when faced with a disabled person, everyone suddenly becomes a medical expert. It’s as if I, who have lived with my disability my whole life, must never have thought about visiting a doctor. I was diagnosed at 8 months old, have visited a consultant yearly and monitor any changes to my eyes more carefully than most sighted people do.
I understand that these people think they are being helpful, but I wonder how much thought has actually gone into their questions. Firstly they assume that I would like to get my vision back. I am not so sure I would. Secondly they believe I may not know about all the magical cures available to me. There are currently none, and although I have no plans of pursuing one I still keep very up to date with what they are.
There are lots of conversations I could have with strangers at airports, in taxis or whilst buying a cup of coffee. I could tell them how I’m planning to study abroad in Colombia in just a few short months, how I love to research, or that I like to make videos. But of course my blindness, and the prospect of fixing it is much more exciting.
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I just read two of your posts, and they could have been written by my 30 year old daughter, Jessica. Strangers at stores often talk to me instead of her…I just pretend I had no idea they weren’t talking to her. Once, I did have to say, “She is blind, but she can talk and hear. Try it, and you will see…” I didn’t mean to be sassy, but it just came out that way, LOL. The second post, the one I am now replying to, mentioned people trying to inform you of medical miracles. At church, a lady came up to Jessica, and said, “May I pray for you? I know God can heal you, and you will be able to see.” Like you, Jessica isn’t sure she would want to see, but Jessica was born with no eyes, and I know there have been no miracles of God producing new eye balls. We still laugh about this, and we both are strong Christians. Anyway, I will go back and read your other posts.