INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the very first issue of your monthly newsletter magazine, dedicated and produced for OOKP patients. We want you to consider this YOUR magazine, written by you, on topics you choose and directed by your feedback. We want to fill its pages, with all the information you wish to know regarding your OOKP journey.

This is only achievable with your input and feedback. So, we encourage all members to contact us, providing suggestions for articles or content you wish to be included. Also, please give feedback of how we can make this newsletter better. If you like our goals, why not become a volunteer and help us research, write and produce the magazine!

If this interest you, email us at

help.moorfields@gmail.com

Please enter “Newsletter” in the subject line

We hope to respond within 3 working days

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

* Introduction

* Editors Update

* Pre-OOKP Surgery – Answering your questions

* Managing Emotions & Doubts – A stronger you

* Post – OOKP Surgery – Navigating New Horizons

* Business Opportunity

* Support Group Mission

* Technology News – Making life more accessible

* Wellness Corner – Providing useful coping strategies

* Community Corner – Your Stories

* Upcoming Events & Resources The OOKP calendar

* Closing Thoughts

* Contributors Praises

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EDITORS UPDATE

Welcome, welcome, welcome, to this, the very first issue of the OOKP newsletter magazine, designed to be of assistance and provide interesting and informative articles, for everyone involved in the OOKP journey.

Whether pre or post OOKP patients, family or friends, volunteers assisting OOKP clients, or those working in this field, we aim to provide articles and access to information to make your journey easier, more accessible and FUN.

We want this to be YOUR magazine, which provides answers to any questions you may have and gives help with ANY issues you may be facing. Therefore, for us to make it work, we need your feedback.

Tell us what you want. Give us topics you want to see covered. Ask any question and we will endevour to answer it. Give us feedback of what you enjoy and what you also feel needs changing and give us your stories of your OOKP journey.

Only by doing this and sending your feedback to the email given in the introduction, can we can quickly make this magazine something to be proud of. It has been a long time coming, so lets make it work.

So, to introduce myself, I am Martin Jones, somewhat of a veteran in the OOKP journey. Many may know me from Brighton, where I assisted Professor Christopher Liu, reassure and help new and old patients, by answering any non-medical question regarding the OOKP journey.

After receiving OOKP treatment in 2006, I returned to employment as a call handler, then found a niche in the market and began providing training to front line staff, including local councils, high street stores and hospitality; offering blind awareness to their staff, so they could provide a better customer service experience.

After a set-back with my OOKP, I had to find another career, becoming a Citizens Advice worker for our local branch and continued this until the pandemic arrived.

When the service was transferred to Moorfields, I began working with Alfonso Perez, the wonderful OOKP consultant, and agreed, having a support service all OOKP patients could access, would be a fantastic way forward, which is where we are now.

So, thank you to everyone for helping produce this very first newsletter magazine, and let this be the first of many. And if you are inspired by my journey, why not join in and become a volunteer. Any assistance is greatly appreciated and the more people we have giving ideas, the better the content.

I’ve tried designing the newsletter with regular sections, with each section offering

Different hints, tips, education and information, to give you the best life – before, during and after surgery. Hopefully, you’ll find something of interest each month, which you can use to increase your enjoyment of life.

Remember

“It’s not what we have – it’s how we use it”

And finally, thank you to everyone who attended the friendship day held in June. It was wonderful chatting with you and the feedback received on how to take this further was inspiring.

The newsletter magazine is just the start. We aim to produce a fully accessible website, blogs, courses, podcasts and much more, so your assistance is essential. Therefore, if you have interest or experience in any area you think will help us become a respected support provider, then get in touch using the email address in the introduction.

You now have a little background of me and how this newsletter was born, so now, lets get into the articles and see what we can do to make your OOKP journey enjoyable.

Yes, looking back, I can certainly say my journey has been enjoyable. I have met many people and learned to enjoy life, so, lets begin sharing this knowledge, so you get the same enjoyment I do

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PRE-OOKP SURGERY – ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS

As this is the first issue of the OOKP newsletter magazine, lets begin by answering some of the many questions I have been asked.

Obviously, any surgical questions will be answered by Mr Perez and his medical team. So, never be afraid to ask any question causing you concern. The medical team are fantastic people, experts in their field and have a vast amount of information ready to give.

Remember, no question is a stupid question. If you have something you need explaining, I guarantee, there will be many more with the same question. So, just ASK.

Regarding questions on how people feel before surgery and the emotions they may encounter, this is where asking those who have received surgery may help. If you have a non-medical question causing you issues, PLEASE do not hesitate to contact us via the email given in the introduction and we will provide an answer as quickly as possible. By answering your questions, it reduces stress, produces a more positive recovery and a wish to embrace life and helps others.

Remember, our goal is to assist you to achieve all your goals. We can only do this if we know your goals and what is holding you back. So, here are a number of frequently asked questions, with answers which might help you prepare for your OOKP journey.

1. What is OOKP surgery?

OOKP (Osteo-Odonto-Keratoprosthesis) is a complex eye surgery used to restore vision in patients with severe corneal damage. It involves implanting a prosthetic lens into a tooth segment, which is placed in the eye to serve as an artificial cornea. Candidates typically have severe blindness, unable to be treated with conventional corneal transplants. Common conditions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, severe burns, or autoimmune diseases that damage the cornea.

2. What are the main steps of surgery?

OOKP is a two-stage procedure
Stage 1: A small section of a patient’s tooth (or donor’s) is removed, shaped, and embedded with an optical cylinder. It is implanted under the cheek, to develop blood supply. If your own tooth is used, a small section is removed, but should not affect overall dental function. A prosthetic or donor tooth may be used in some cases.

Stage 2: Several months later, the implant is transferred into the eye, replacing the damaged cornea, allowing light to pass through the optical cylinder., to form images on the retina.

3. How long does recovery take?

Recovery varies, but initial healing from each stage can take several weeks. Full adaptation to the new vision may take months, and regular follow-ups are needed to monitor progress.

4. What vision improvements can I expect?

While OOKP can significantly restore vision, results depend on the condition of the retina and optic nerve. Many patients regain functional sight, often sufficient for reading large print, recognizing faces, and navigating independently.

5. Will I need lifelong follow-up care?

Yes, OOKP requires continuous monitoring by an eye specialist. Regular check-ups ensure the implant remains functional and detects any early signs of complications.

6. Can I undergo OOKP in both eyes?

OOKP is performed on one eye at a time, and generally, only one eye is treated due to the complexity of the surgery. If the first procedure is successful, the possibility of treating the second eye can be evaluated.

7. How can I cope with anxiety before surgery?

It's normal to feel anxious. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and visualization can help. Speaking with your doctor, joining support groups (like ours) and talking to family and peers about your feelings can reduce fears and ease worries.

8. How do I stay positive if my vision improvement isn’t immediate?

Focus on small milestones in your recovery rather than expecting instant results. Remember, healing takes time and each step forward is progress. Talking to peers who have undergone the procedures can give reassurance.

9. Will my vision change how I feel about my identity?

Major surgery like OOKP can impact self-perception. If your vision was previously impaired, regaining sight may bring unexpected emotional adjustments. Some people struggle with self-image, but support from professionals, loved ones or peers can help with the transition.

10. What should I do if I feel isolated during recovery?

Stay connected with family and friends, through visits, calls or messages. Joining online forums or support groups (like ours) for people with visual impairments or those familiar with OOKP surgery, can provide comfort and motivation.

11. How should I prepare for the surgery mentally and emotionally?

Acknowledge any fears or concerns and talk to your medical team about them. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Speak to others who have had the surgery and join a support group, to learn practical and mental coping skills. Why reinvent the wheel when others have a solution

12. How should I prepare my home for after the surgery?

Set up a comfortable recovery space with easy access to essentials like medications, eye drops, water, and entertainment (like audio books). Make sure pathways are clear, to avoid tripping hazards. Speak to peers, who can give specific tips to address a particular problems

13. Will I need help after surgery?

Yes, you’ll likely need someone to help with transportation, household tasks, and medical needs, especially in the first few days. Arrange for family members or friends to assist you during recovery, but also use the OOKP support group, who can connect you with various departments who can help

14. What should I bring to the hospital?

Pack essentials like comfortable clothing, ID and medical documents, any prescribed medications, a phone with audio books or music, and basic toiletries. You may also want to bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light.

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MANAGING EMOTIONS & DOUBTS – A STRONGER YOU

If we manage our emotions and doubts, we reduce stress, have a more positive outlook, and achieve our goals.

There are many exercises and routines we can access, aimed at improving well-being, but one of the most effective, is talking about your emotions and doubts. Whether to a professional, friend, family member or peer, talking about how you feel almost instantly reduces anxieties.

Remember the old saying

A problem shared is a problem halved

So, begin reducing stress and start talking. If at any time, you have any anxieties or questions regarding your OOKP journey, send an email, using the email address in the introduction, and we can provide bespoke assistance.

Or, if you have medical questions, simply contact Maddy or Alfonso, who are always happy to help. It may take a couple of days to reply, but an answer will always be given.

Also, as this is the first issue of the newsletter magazine, lets learn a simple method to help reduce stress and anxiety, which anyone can do in a matter of minutes.

It is called “SQUARE BREATHING” and produces almost instant relaxation, so you can begin thinking clearly and rationally.

* Begin by taking a seat and letting your body go as limp as possible.

* Now, close your eyes and imagine a square in front of you.

* Start in the top left corner of the square, breathing in through your nose, for a count of 4.

* This should take you to the top right corner of the square

*Now, breath out through your mouth for a count of 4, taking you to the bottom right corner of the square.

* Repeat breathing in, taking you to the bottom left corner of the square

* And finish by repeating your exhaling, taking you back to the beginning of the square.

Repeat this a minimum of 5 times, taking deep and slow breaths in and out and concentrating on following the sides of the square.

And that’s it

Sounds simple, but it really works. How? Well as a qualified Hypnotherapist and Counsellor, this technique is used extensively to help clients.

By concentrating on the square, it removes interruptions from the issue giving you anxiety, as the brain can only focus on one thought at a time. Granted, it can switch between thoughts at lightening speed, so it seems you have multiple thoughts, but we only have single thoughts.

So, if you concentrate on the square, you cannot think about issue giving you anxiety.

Also, by controlling breathing, you control your bodies reactions. By breathing in through your nose, oxygen is directed to your brain, which has better blood receptors, meaning oxygen travels more effectively through your body, creating relaxation much quicker.

This relaxation technique almost instantly reduces stress and anxiety. Don’t believe me? Try it. You will be amazed with the results and how quickly you feel relaxed; and the issue which gave you anxiety, becomes much more manageable

In the next issue, we can teach you more techniques, but master this simple breathing technique, and you will think clearer, manage stress more easily, concentrate more deeply and eliminate stress more effectively.

So, until next time, use “SQUARE BREATHING” to help achieve your goals.

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POST-OOKP SURGERY- NAVIGATING NEW HORIZONS!

Following the theme of this first issue of the OOKP newsletter magazine, lets continue keeping it simple, by answering more of your frequently asked questions.

In future issues, we will provide detailed and informative articles on various issues you have raised, but lets begin by putting your mind at rest and address some of the fears and doubts you may have and the questions you want answering.

1. Why is a tooth used in OOKP surgery?
The tooth provides a stable and biologically compatible structure for the optical implant, reducing the risk of rejection.

2. How much vision improvement can I expect?
Many patients experience significant improvement, but results vary depending on the initial condition of the eye. While OOKP can restore sight, vision may not be completely normal and could require adjustments like glasses.

3. Is depth perception affected?
If only one eye is treated, depth perception may be reduced, requiring time to adapt. Patients often find use of a hand to find the edges of objects helpful, so accidents are prevented. This becomes a natural action after a relatively brief period of time

4. Can I drive after OOKP surgery?
Driving may be possible depending on your level of vision improvement. Your doctor will assess when it's safe, according to the legal requirements for driving.

5. Can I wear contact lenses after OOKP surgery?
No, contact lenses are not recommended as the eye structure is different after surgery.

6. Can I exercise after OOKP surgery?
Light exercise may be resumed after a few weeks, but avoid contact sports or heavy lifting for several months. Also, swimming should be avoided for at least six months due to the risk of infection.

7. Will I be able to use a computer or phone?
Yes, but you may need to take breaks to reduce eye strain. You may also need to use accessibility software; like screen reader; depending on the degree of sight regained, but such apps and software are developed specifically for visually impaired people, and are relatively easy to use.

8. Can I travel by air after OOKP surgery?
Yes, but consult your doctor before flying to ensure your eye is stable.

9. How long does an OOKP implant last?
The implant can last many years, but some patients may require revisions or maintenance surgeries. Some patients may need touch-up procedures to maintain their vision quality.

10. Does OOKP surgery work for all types of blindness?
No, it is mainly for corneal blindness and does not help with retinal or optic nerve conditions.

11. Can I undergo cataract surgery after OOKP?
Cataract surgery is possible but must be carefully evaluated due to the complexity of the eye structure.

12. What support is available for OOKP patients?
Many patients experience anxiety or frustration during recovery. Support groups, counseling, and talking to others who have undergone OOKP can help. Our new support service aims to provide all aspects of assistance, including training, counseling, peer support, benefits and employment advice to name a few. This is YOUR service and we will provide whatever YOU need.

13. Are there assistive technologies that can help me after surgery?
Yes, screen readers, magnification software, voice-controlled devices, and specialized glasses can enhance vision and independence. We aim to cover a selection of items in our newsletters, and advise where further assistance can be obtained.

14. Where can I find financial assistance for post-surgery care?
Some charities and foundations offer grants for medical expenses, assistive devices, and rehabilitation services. Contact us for further advice and recommendations.

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

If you wish to learn a new vocation, I offer a course, teaching individuals how to become a “Blind Awareness Trainer,” where you train front-line staff, to correctly assist blind and visually impaired customers.

This is my vocation, where earnings are considerable and I increase the number of people who can offer assistance to visually impaired individuals.

If you’re interested, send an email with “TRAINING” in the subject line, for more details

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THE SUPPORT GROUP MISSION

The reasons for our LOOK UP Support Service website and Visionary Horizons Newsletter, is to assist ALL individuals involved with OOKP surgery.

As our members have undertaken this surgery, there are no better candidates for offering advice and answering the questions giving you or your family doubt.

We’re here from the time you receive your initial consultation, for as long as you feel our support is needed. There are no time limits to our service and there are no restrictions regarding the amount of support you request.

We assist you in becoming confident and able to embrace life as an individual, achieved by offering information, education, services and training.

After reading this newsletter, sign up to become a regular subscriber. Also, send in your questions, or offer your experience, so others can benefit. If you’re impressed with what we offer, become a volunteer. We always require help; and you gain new skills to improve your life.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS – BEYOND THE SURGERY

As this is the first issue, lets continue our strategy, by suggesting apps to make it easy to access mobile phones, tablets and computers. These apps were covered in the workshop held during our June friendship meeting, so if you missed this workshop, here is what we covered.

You may be aware of these apps, but we’re starting with the basics, helping everyone access the “tech” world.

The apps are, “Talkback” for android and “Voice-over” for IOS. They’re gesture based screen readers, which can be installed on any Android or Apple device. Once installed, they speak what is on the screen. So, they read aloud emails, inform of which app you’re accessing, read the internet and much much more. There ability to make the world accessible is amazing.

How do I know? Because I use them every day. And once you become proficient, you; ll be achieving what sighted people can, from navigating to specific locations, to checking your bank account.

There is a slight learning curve to using these accessibility apps, but simply type “Talkback tutorial” or “Voice-over tutorial” into “You Tube” and you’ll be up and running in a matter of minutes.

1. TalkBack (Android)

Overview:
TalkBack is Google's built-in screen reader for Android devices, allowing visually impaired users to navigate their phones using gestures, voice commands, and spoken feedback.

Key Features:

• Gesture-based navigation

• Braille support

• Speech feedback for text and controls

• Customization settings

How to Install/Enable:

1. Most Android devices come with TalkBack.

2. Go to Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack and turn it on.

3. If this app is missing, go to Google Play Store, download Google Accessibility Suite and follow the on screen instructions.

2. Voice-over (iOS & macOS)

Overview:
Voice-over is Apple’s screen reader, providing detailed spoken feedback for navigating i Phones, i Pads, and Macs.

Key Features:

• Works with touch gestures and a keyboard

• Supports Braille displays

• Provides detailed descriptions of images, buttons, and text

• Works across all Apple apps

How to Install/Enable:

1. iPhone/iPad:

   • Go to Settings> Accessibility > Voice-over and turn it on.

2. Mac:

   • Go to System  Settings > Accessibility > Voice-over, then enable.

   • Use Command + F5 to toggle Voice-over on/off.

3. NVDA (Windows)

Overview:
NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access) is a free, open-source screen reader for Windows, offering keyboard-based navigation with speech feedback.

Key Features:

• Works with Windows apps and browsers

• Supports Braille displays

• Reads emails, documents, and websites

• Customization speech and voice settings

How to Install:

1. Download NVDA from the official site: nvaccess.org

2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Use Caps Lock + N to access NVDA settings and customize.

AI Voice Assistants, Overview and Usage Guide

1. Google Gemini (formerly Google Assistant)

Overview:
Gemini is Google's AI assistant, designed for answering questions, controlling smart devices, and managing daily tasks.

Key Features:

• Voice commands for hands-free use

• Web searches and smart home controls

• Reads notifications and sends messages

• Available on Android, iOS (via Google app), and smart speakers 

How to Use:

1. Go to Google App > Settings > Google Assistant and turn it on. 

2. Say "Hey Google" or "OK Google", or hold Home button on Android.

3. Use Commands Like:

   • "What's the weather like today?"

   • "Set an alarm for 7 AM."

   • "Read my last message."

2. Siri (Apple)

Overview:
Siri is Apple's voice assistant, available on i Phones, i Pads, Macs, Apple Watches, and I-Pods

Key Features:

• Voice control for Apple devices

• Can send messages, set reminders, and control smart home devices

• Works with Apple Music, Maps, and other apps

• Available in multiple languages

How to Use:

1. Go to Settings > Siri & Search, then turn on "Listen for 'Hey Siri'".

2. Say "Hey Siri" or hold Side button on i Phones. On Macs, use Command + Space or enable in settings.

Use Commands Like:

2. • "Call John."

   • "Remind me to buy milk at 5 PM."

   • "What's on my calendar today?"

Seeing AI (Best All-in-One Accessibility App)

Key Features:

• Reads printed text & handwritten notes

• Describes photos & objects

• Scans and reads bar-codes (including product details)

• Reads signs, documents, and labels

• Recognizes people & describes their appearance

• Detects colors and light levels Works with TalkBack (Android) & Voice Over (iOS)

Download Seeing AI from Google play store for Android and Apple app store for IOS and Mac

We’ll suggest more apps in the future, but these are the most useful free apps around.

Good luck and we’ll provide more suggestions next month

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WELLNESS CORNER: LIFESTYLE TIPS & MENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS

Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for overall well-being after OOKP surgery. So, to keep it simple in this first newsletter magazine, we can easily achieve this by the practice of Positivity journaling. Try the following

1. Daily Reflections: Dedicate a few minutes each day to write down, then reflect upon three things you are grateful for. They may be simple joys, positive interactions, or progress in your recovery journey.

2. Focus on the Present: Use the journal to shift focus from potential challenges, to the present moment's positive aspects. Acknowledge small victories and moments of joy with a sense of gratitude.

3. Celebrate Progress: Record any improvements or milestones in your well-being, vision, or daily activities. Celebrating these achievements, no matter how small, contributes to a positive and optimistic mindset.

4. Expressing Emotions: Use the journal as a safe space, to express emotions and thoughts, allowing you to process any challenges, while emphasizing gratitude for positive aspects of your journey. Address these issues by talking to peers or medical staff, to convert negative feelings into positive ambitions

5. Read and Reflect: Periodically review your entries, to appreciate the progress made and recognize the support, resilience, and growth you've experienced since the surgery.

By incorporating Positivity journaling into your routine, you cultivate a positive mindset, while building resilience, enhancing your ability to manage post-OOKP surgery with optimism and well-being. This can be completed at the end of the day, while preparing for bed.

You will also find, by recording your thoughts in this way, you undergo a much more peaceful sleep, removing negativity, clearing your mind and allowing yourself to concentrate on obtaining restful sleep

It may sound simple, but try it, you may be amazed with the results.

Next month, we will give another technique to help you, until you have a collection of tips and tricks to get the most out of life. Life is short, so why waste it?

Please let us know if tips and tricks like this help? Do you want more of these? Use the email at the beginning of the newsletter, to give us feedback and tell us what you want to see more of, or In fact, if there are sections you don’t want to see

Remember, we want this to be your magazine, offering the assistance you need!

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COMMUNITY CORNER: YOUR VOICE, YOUR STORIES

As expressed throughout this newsletter, the OOKP support service is provided for YOU, and directed by YOU.

While chatting to patients at our June friendship meeting, many of you expressed an interest in learning about other patients stories and how they managed their journey.

What we found was that our elite club has members with exceptional experience, useful for helping others, so please, send us your personal stories and testimonials. Besides using them in the newsletter, we would love to try publishing them, so they can be accessed by those new to the OOKP journey.

It will improve their confidence and show visual impairment does not have to stop life, it simply provides a challenge, which once conquered, makes us more determined, less vulnerable and a beacon for others to follow

Go on, send us your stories

So, as editor, I think it only fair I begin with my story. I find, telling others of my story of blindness, not only helps others accept their circumstances and learn it does not have to hold you back. It helped me come to terms with my terrible situation, helped me clear my head of the trauma and allowed me to begin living again.

As my story is quite unique, I think it best offered as instalments of how I became blind, how it affected my life and how I managed. Not only will it help maintain interest, but it will hopefully give you an incentive to begin writing your own story, feeling how cathartic the process can be, and giving you the power to set your goals and achieve them.

So, here we go...

I was 11 days off my 30th birthday when I became completely blind, in less than a second.

I had worked in many job since leaving school; probably my most memorable was working a season on the Waltzer ride in Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Oh, what memories.

However, aged 22, I became a self-employed plasterer, progressing to become a fully fledged builder, taking on many domestic and commercial projects. It was a good life and I really enjoyed living. However, I worked and played hard. I was happy go lucky, earning a good wage, but spending it every month, not thinking ahead and saving for a rainy day.

It was a regular goal to always try working until Christmas, then finding work was hard until about March, so contracts were few.

In 1996, when I became blind, I had just bought a new toy, my dream motorbike, a Suzuki GSX 750 and I loved it. Even though it had taken all my savings, it was everything to me.

The thing was, although we worked until Christmas, I had no money left to see me through the lean times of January and February. So, I had to call in favours and try getting casual work to help me through to when our building work contracts would begin again.

I was not worried, I had an army of friends to call on. It was one of these friends who said his boss, the owner of a scrapyard, said I could work for him any time I wanted, melting aluminium car parts and producing clean ingots he could sell to steel merchants.

Although I had never done this work before, my friend said this is how he started at the scrapyard and there is nothing to it. All the parts were in a pile. All I had to do was throw a heap of them into the furnace, wait for them to melt, remove any scrap from the melt, then keep topping it up until it reached a certain level, remove a plug and let the molten metal flow down a channel, into ingots on the floor.

Once an ingot was full, simply move to the next ingot, then rinse and repeat until all the aluminium was used and all the ingots were full.

Simples, to coin a phrase from a well known Meerkat. So, it was off to work I go, producing the clean ingots of Aluminium, storing them in the lock up, collecting my wages and back to enjoying life. Back working, back living.

I had worked on this job for about 4 weeks, and to be honest, it was a simple job. It was a little warm when lifting the furnace door to remove scrap or fill the furnace, but I started in a morning, kept the clearing and filling cycle going until morning break, then returned after break, prepared to release the molten metal, dropped it into the ingots, cleaned the furnace while the ingots cooled, turned them out of the moulds, placed them in the metal store, collected my money and that was me done.

So, it all happened on 3 Feb 1996, 11 days before my 30th birthday. It had been snowing during the night and there was a covering of snow, but I knew, once I lit the furnace, I would be toasty warm and ready to go.

I returned to the furnace after my break as usual and prepared the ingots in a fan shape, so I could pour the molten metal in one go, rather than keep stopping and starting. The first poured no problem. Great I thought. The second needed a little help flowing to the back of the ingot, but I thought, the ingots may be a little cool, being left in the cold overnight, but it would be fine.

I completed the second and moved to the third. Again, a little problem with the flow, but I had a metal pole and placed it in the molten metal in the ingot; as I had done since beginning the job; moved it around a little, and the blow was fine.

Suddenly, I hear a loud hiss. Everything then went into slow motion. The hissing got louder, the metal became more fluid and I saw bubbles in the top of the molten metal. There was an almighty explosion and everything went black.

As I said, all this happened in seconds, and I was up against the back wall, dazed, confused and not knowing why I could not see anything. Have the lights blown? Why am I in pain? What happened?

I eventually realized, the molten metal had exploded and the front of my body was covered in the metal. This was creating the pain. It had also gone into both eyes, leaving me blind.

It is strange how your mind works in a disaster. I was a trained St Johns Ambulance First Aider and immediately thought, use water to cool the burns and reduce the pain. I considered rubbing snow on my burns, but decided, as all the snow would be covered in petrol and diesel oil from the car parts, it would not be good for my complexion (smile).

So there I was, unable to see, stumbling over piles of broken car parts, trying to get my head around how to deal with this situation. It was then my friend appeared, after hearing the explosion, said a few profanities and called an ambulance. While awaiting the ambulance, I asked my friend, “Why can’t I see?” He said, I had dirt in my eyes and not to rub them or it would make it worse. It was at this time, I knew it was really bad and I said “I am blind, aren’t I.” He said, the hospital would be able to help, but, I knew.

I attended hospital, and was told, I had 38% burns. Therefore, over a third of my body was burn from the molten metal. I asked about my eyes, and the nurse, who was absolutely wonderful, began sobbing and said, the consultant would be here in a few minutes to explain everything.

My mother was there when the consultant arrived. He said, the damage to my eyes was because each eye contained a piece of metal. He continued saying, I required surgery to remove them, but there was only a slim chance he could save my sight. I asked if I would be blind,. I am not one to beat about the bush. Tell me the situation and I can begin planning to deal with it. He said, there was a high percentage I would not have sight, even after the operation.

I later discovered, each piece of metal in my eyes was around the size of a 5p, so no wonder I lost my sight.

I consider myself quite tough. I can stand large amounts of pain! I can contain my emotions! I can be rational and logical! But, when the consultant told me I would be blind, I simply grabbed my mothers hand, tears began uncontrollably rolling down my face and I said “I am never going to see again.”

My mother simply sighed and cried. It was then I said to myself, I cannot change this situation. I can either waste time feeling sorry for myself, think why me and blame others, or take responsibility, accept I still have choices and see this as a new chapter of my life, where I can encounter new experiences. My attitude was, I am still alive, I can still annoy people, (smile) so why not concentrate on getting better, learn new skills and help others to see that blindness is not life ending, it is life beginning.

It was from that moment, I felt my positivity and humour return, and my determination to not let this define me increase. I told my mother, I will need to quickly learn to use a white stick, as I called it then, because I will need this to tell me where the cats eyes are on the road, so I can continue riding my bike, without causing an accident by crossing over the white line. We both laughed; and I have not stopped laughing at life to this day.

It is hard, but having a can do attitude is the main thing which gets me through being blind.

If you are enjoying my story, I can continue with instalments of my journey and how I spent 11 years with only light perception, before having my OOKP treatment.

Let me know if you would like me to continue in detail, or if you simply want a synopses of my journey through blindness. I will present the next stage of recovery in issue 2.

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UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES

As we develop the Moorfields LOOK UP Support Service and the Visionary Horizons newsletter magazine, we want to produce podcasts, webinars, workshops and other accessible materials members can access.

Whether for research, presentations, or education, having an accessible library of OOKP related material, will attract sponsors, which we hope will develop into a self funding opportunity.

So, all you budding presenters out there, why not contact us, using “PODCAST” in the e-mail subject line; and become one of the team, producing a library of interesting information. Let’s make this fun and impressive, as there is no such service out there yet

We appreciate this is the first issue of the newsletter, but as we develop, we want this section to be flooded with everything from calendar dates for meetings, events, publicity stunts and much more…

Whether your event is local, between a small group of members; regional, for gatherings of various members in the same area; national, where we all try to meet up with each other in person; or virtually, using technology such as teams or zoom; we want to know

Each month we want to produce a calendar members can transfer to their diaries, so the OOKP community is active, growing and above all, recognized.

Let’s work towards our OOKP members being active between themselves at least once per month and not just your average group meetings. We want there to be everything from talk therapy sessions, to national development meetings, to international jamborees, with other OOKP members in different countries.

“High Aims, High Rewards”

We also want to list here, any accessible materials members can use to obtain the information they require. We want to list podcasts available, to help our members. They can be on any subject, all we ask is they are relevant to issues OOKP members face on their journey

For example, if you find a specific podcast assists your development, whether well-being, mindfulness, lifestyle or any other subject, send the link and a small summary of the content and we’ll include it here.

Likewise, if you recommend a publication which helps members answer a question or achieve a task, tell us and we’ll let others know.

By accessing recommended literature and audio, we help ourselves and others, which is the overall mission for our service.

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CLOSING THOUGHTS: EMBRACE YOUR VISIONARY HORIZONS

This service has been needed for years, but few were willing to take on the task. I find this hard to understand, as this service is specifically for our elite group, all those who have undertaken OOKP surgery and obtained amazing experiences along the way.

If we have such experience, why not exchange this knowledge with others, making their lives easier, and in turn, learning how to make our lives easier.

It’s difficult enough living with sight impairment, so why keep our skills hidden. As the saying goes

“A problem shared is a problem halved”

Our members have more problems than most, so why not lighten the load by sharing with others. When we do this, we find others in this group who have a better understanding of our needs, who are always willing to give and receive support, providing it is offered in a non-judgemental manner.

We ask you give us support also. Please give feedback regarding the newsletter.

* Is the font and font size acceptable?

* Is bold text easier to read

* Are images needed to enhance the text

* Are articles too short or long

Whatever you feel, please let us know, because if we’re not informed, we can’t make improvements.

So, take the challenge, contact us and offer whatever you can. In time, we will all receive more than we give, which eventually makes us stronger, more confident and more able

Until next month, take care and keep improving

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Website

www.moorfieldslookup.org

Phone

0800 123123

Mail

help.moorfieldslookup@moorfields.org

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CONTRIBUTORS PRAISES

A big thank you to the following, for helping to produce this monthly newsletter

Martin Jones, Rotherham, Editor

Dr Maddy, Moorfields, Clinical Psychologist

Alfonso Perez, Moorfields, Consultant Surgeon

If you want to see your name in print, as one of the contributors, then please send in your articles, stories, questions or any other material which may help others