Kevin McNally

The "Blind" Issue:

Dear Fully Sighted World, 

What you believe about vision loss is false. This is not your fault. So much of what the sighted population is taught (if anything at all) about low vision is incorrect. To make matters worse, people with vision loss tend not to talk about it much. The number of people with, or impacted by, vision loss is on the rise. My main goal is to help educate the fully sighted and empower those with low vision and blindness.

Fully sighted people have a mental image of what a "blind" or visually impaired person looks like. Think Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Andrea Bocelli, and others. Dark sunglasses or closed eyes, and perhaps a white cane. Yes, these are common indicators of blindness or low vision, but in reality, the number of people with some remaining usable vision far exceeds the number of people who see nothing. Vision loss is a spectrum. Therefore, the vast majority of the visually impaired will not necessarily meet your normal expectations. This is the problem.

The term "blind" is where the confusion begins. Hard statistics are difficult to come by for a variety of reasons, but according to sources such as the National Federation of the Blind and the American Foundation for the Blind, only an estimated 10% of people with serious vision problems are truly blind, as in having no light perception. It is exceptionally rare. The other way to look at this is that around 90% of people with severe visual impairments have some vision remaining. The sighted world may find this perplexing. I am part of the 90% group. I do not "look" blind.

Because the sighted world does not fully understand that most visually impaired people have some vision remaining, they are confused when they encounter someone like me. Let me give you an example. Imagine you are at the airport, and there I am with my white cane. When I travel, I always use my cane so that I can let the rest of the world know that I do not see well. Therefore, when I accidentally run over your little black luggage that you are pulling behind you as you cut in front of me because you are running furiously to your gate, or when I trip over the small child splayed out on the floor crying, you will realize (hopefully) that the collision was not on purpose.

Then, as I approach the long, snaking security line, I either get pulled from the line or I enter directly into the handicap line (if I can find it). I get my ID checked, have my carry-on bag scanned, and use my cane to navigate to the gate from which I will depart. I check in at the gate, identify myself as legally blind (I am in the airline’s computer), and sometimes get seated in a special area before boarding. I am then called to board first, often before people with other disabilities. I feel the eyes on me as I stand waiting to board. I board the plane, occasionally with assistance, and take my seat. Now stay with me. I then take out my iPhone and check emails and texts, saying farewell to loved ones. As the rest of the passengers start to board and go by me, what do you think they are thinking if they notice me?

I know what some are thinking. In fact, I can feel what some are thinking. They are thinking, "Wait, isn’t he blind?—how is he using his phone?" Their expectations do not line up with the reality of vision loss. But the absolute truth is that I am legally blind. I am not faking it. I have heavily constricted but still usable central vision. Think "tunnel vision." For fun, you could try looking down an empty toilet paper roll (with the other eye shut) and walking around a busy area. Because of this tunnel vision, I can read and use computers, but anything outside of the central area where I can see will not be visible. I must continually scan my eyes all over the place to take in as much visual information as possible. Therefore, I need to use a white cane, especially in new or busy areas, for my safety and yours.

It is the lack of understanding about vision loss that creates the confusion. For example, I have been asked, "Why do you wear glasses if you are blind?" This is a logical question, given what I have already written about the natural misinformation about vision loss. For the record, I wear glasses because my usable remaining central vision can still be refracted like any other person's (although my remaining vision is still not as good as that of the normally sighted due to my degenerating retinas). So, like many people, I need glasses to get the best corrected vision possible with the vision I have. These types of questions generally do not bother me. They give me the opportunity to explain true low vision, or legal blindness. I think most people, if they are open to learning, will understand much more after I explain the truth. I do not blame others for being confused or questioning the entire situation. I just ask that I be given the chance, when possible, to open the minds of those with questions. I am happy to do it.

I am very aware that sometimes it is not easy to remember that I am legally blind. Frequently, I hear this from my own friends and some family members. My mom jokes with me that when we travel together or go somewhere, she is my biggest danger because she forgets and then walks in front of me, cuts me off, starts pointing at things for me to look at (or find), etc. I fully understand that because I look "normal," it is easy to forget until something happens and I get hurt. I am blind, but that does not mean that I see nothing. It means I need assistance. In fact, I may need your help one day.

So why should you care? Besides being a good and compassionate human being, according to Visionaware.org, "new research from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine reveals that the annual number of new cases of blindness and low vision among people aged 45 and older is estimated to double during the next 30 years." Translation: Vision loss may have an impact on you or someone you love. Having a clear and accurate understanding of the reality and truth of living with low vision will better prepare you now and in the future.

Vision loss does not have to be the end of the world. Although feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression are a constant threat, the small steps that the sighted world takes to understand vision loss will make the lives of those affected that much easier. With your assistance and understanding, those of us who have low vision will be able to not only survive but also thrive.

Sincerely,

Your blind friend, Kevin McNally

kevin@kevinmcnally.us

The Solution: 

About the Author: 

Kevin McNally is a blind musician, lawyer, traveler, communicator, and much more. He is contagiously upbeat and happy. Kevin was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative retinal disease. His mission is to shine a light on the everyday challenges, misunderstandings, and opportunities brought about by vision loss (applicable to other major life challenges as well). Kevin is also the President of the Lions Low Vision Centers of Connecticut and the Vice President of the Marlborough Connecticut Lions, and he frequently speaks about living a successful life with low vision and blindness.

To contact Kevin directly, please send an email to: kevin@kevinmcnally.us

Send Kevin an email HERE 

My name is Kevin McNally. I was diagnosed shortly after birth with a rare degenerative retinal disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). I also have glaucoma and early-stage cataracts.

Living with the uncertainty of when, or if totally, you will lose all your vision certainly focuses the mind. It is important to learn how to create your own happiness and motivation in your daily life.

As a blind musician, traveler, motivational speaker, lawyer, communicator, and much more, I remain contagiously upbeat and happy. I am passionate about educating others on the realities of vision loss and how to lead an inspiring and successful life, irrespective of challenges.

I am thrilled to bring my passion for life to you.

Contact me at Kevin@kevinmcnally.us to learn how I can help you navigate life's challenges and blessings.