Life with Eddie: A Story of Vision Beyond Sight

A Chance Meeting That Changed Everything

Of all the lessons I’ve learned in this line of work, none have been more profound than my experience with Eddie—who has been completely blind since September 2023.

In early 2022, I met Eddie through a volunteer program. Initially, my role was simple—helping him organize his mail and documents—but our conversations soon became far more meaningful. Eddie shared stories of his life, including how he lost an eye shortly after the Vietnam War.

One day, during one of my visits, he was unusually frustrated. He was preparing for retinal replacement surgery in his remaining eye but struggled to find someone to provide respite care during his recovery. Without knowing what kind of support he might need post-surgery, he was unable to retain assistance.

Knowing that my profession involved helping seniors in their homes, Eddie asked if I would assist him. Though I was there as a volunteer, I wrestled with the ethical dilemma of stepping into a paid role. Ultimately, we informed the organization of our mutual agreement: I would support Eddie during his recovery. Unfortunately, this meant I could no longer volunteer with the program—an outcome I found disappointing. Still, I knew that helping someone in need mattered more than red tape.

For four days, I supported Eddie, ensuring that he had everything he needed. What started as a temporary arrangement turned into something far more profound.

A Year Later: A Life-Changing Move

Fast forward a year, and I received a panicked call from Eddie. His last remaining eye was failing, and he decided to move immediately. With limited time and options, he accepted the first available residence—a small bachelor suite.

Leaving behind the home where he had lived for 25 years was overwhelming. At 84, Eddie had built a rich life filled with electronics, language books, music, and more. Choosing what to bring—based solely on memory and in such a short time—was an emotional journey.

The transition wasn’t just about downsizing—it was a deeply personal journey of preserving his identity while adapting to a new reality.

The Overlooked Struggles of Blindness

It's astonishing how much we take for granted—and how unaware many of us are of the daily challenges faced by blind individuals.

Eddie often refers to me as his partner in this journey, and without support, he would be completely helpless. His limited network has led him to rely on me for many essential tasks. However, even in a residence where staff are aware of his situation, accessibility and basic courtesy often fall short:

• Notices arrive but are not read to him.

• Transport drivers drop him off at the lobby, unable to assist further—and reception rarely steps in to help.

• People often fail to identify themselves when speaking to him or walk away without saying goodbye. Even his Retinologist, who should know better, often rushes off mid-conversation, leaving Terry still talking.

From unread notices and rushed medical appointments to inaccessible emails and unclear signage - the everyday obstacles are constant. These are just a few of the many examples we’ve encountered. And then there are the practical challenges—like reading medicine bottles or sorting important documents. Thankfully, tools like enhanced readers help—but they’re not a complete solution.

Eddie has made it clear that he wants to maintain his independence and dignity. This is not just about convenience—it’s about the fundamental need for respect, accessibility, and inclusion.

A Life of Resilience and Adaptability

Eddie’s life is a testament to resilience. In his earlier days, he worked for the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind), which provided valuable insights, though he never learned braille. Today, with tools like Be My Eyes and Seeing AI, he continues to explore ways to adapt, even if these technologies aren’t yet perfect.

Frustrated by the lack of support even just getting to and from the dining room, Eddie and I came up with a plan to help him navigate independently. By counting steps, noting furniture and landmarks, and marking key locations with raised dots, he can now find his way independently. Techniques like “shimmy” and “pivot,” and even army-inspired commands like “right face” and “left face,” have become part of our shared language.

Although CNIB cannot always meet his needs consistently, together we have found innovative ways to ensure his independence while maintaining his confidence.

This journey has taught me the importance of listening, observing, and adapting to his reality in ways that empower him to live as freely and fully as possible.

Moments of Humor and Connection

Even with the challenges, life with Eddie is full of laughter and unexpected moments. His golden rule: Always place items back in the same spot and notify him if they’re moved. One day, while helping him with a survey, I set the paper down briefly, only to find it missing moments later. After 15 minutes of searching, I realized he’d unknowingly placed his tape recorder right on top of it—a moment of pure irony, and a perfect example of “the blind leading the blind.”

Eddie’s story is just one example of how meaningful, consistent support can change someone’s life. If you or someone you know is navigating similar challenges, reach out. We’re here to walk the journey with you.

Robyn Wilson