Valerie Goggin, unable to drive due to a genetic eye condition, credits a charity for restoring her independence.
RP is quite common, affecting many people. About one in 4,000 people in the UK have it, and sadly, there’s often no real cure. RP impacts light-sensitive cells at the back of the eyes. The condition causes progressive vision loss over time, sometimes without any family history.
The first sign is often trouble seeing in dim light, such as dusk outside. Problems with peripheral vision also occur, potentially causing bumps and trips. Valerie got valuable support from NESS, who helped adapt her workspace and found helpful tech. A social worker also provided sessions.
Valerie noticed something wrong with her vision suddenly. Leaving a dim cinema, she needed her phone light because she couldn’t see well in the dark anymore. She saw shimmering lights while running and started bumping into door frames.
She had no idea what was happening as the vision loss was unexpected. No one else in her family had it. The diagnosis greatly impacted her, her husband, and sons, who were then aged five, seven, and nine.
She had to tell the DVLA about her vision and soon learned she couldn’t drive anymore. This was a huge challenge. Friends and neighbors helped with the boys’ sports, and she remains grateful for that support.
Valerie got immense help from NESS over the years. A social worker let her voice her worries, helping to find solutions. As her vision worsened, she decided on cane training through the charity, though she had big concerns about using a cane.
Valerie uses a cane with the charity’s help now. At first, it filled her with dread because she never thought she’d need one. NESS was very supportive, helping her understand cane types and teaching her the essentials.
It could have been traumatic, but it wasn’t. Instead, she learned to have fun, learning about the tools and techniques. She now accepts that a cane helps her and will likely help her in the future, although adapting to use it daily is still hard.
It’s become a useful aid, as she still has central vision, though she has lost a lot of peripheral vision. Steps are hard, especially in Aberdeen, where pale grey steps are everywhere. The cane helps her manage steps, helping her feel independent.
Valerie plans to get a chic, colorful cane and is gaining cane confidence now. It will feel like an accessory, not a disability symbol. She feels canes should have more design options because she doesn’t feel just disabled, but someone with style and an aid.
We live in an “abled world,” she said, where she faces daily challenges. She’s thankful for the vision she has left and tries her best with it every day. Exercise, swims and yoga build resilience, and being in nature helps too.
NESS helps many blind and deaf people, as well as those with sight or hearing loss, including in Aberdeen, Dundee, and Moray. They aim to help people with sensory loss live independently.
Carla Marchbank works at NESS and says Valerie’s story is common. People experience a journey learning to live with loss, and NESS tries to be there for them as they need different support at different times. Valerie valued the team’s input and adapted to her new life, showing great strength.
Carla is proud of the staff’s role, and NESS will continue to support her later on.