- INTRODUCTION -

Welcome back to your monthly newsletter magazine, dedicated and produced for OOKP patients. Please consider this YOUR magazine, written for 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, please contact us giving suggestions for articles and 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 interested, email us at

ourookpservice@gmail.com

This is our new, dedicated email address, so please enter “Newsletter” in the subject line

Or visit our website below and click “CONTACT US”

www.ookpsupport.org

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- TABLE OF CONTENTS -

* Introduction

* Editors Update

* Pre-OOKP Surgery

* Managing Emotions & Doubts

* Post – OOKP Surgery

* Business Opportunity

* Support Group Mission

* Technology News

* Wellness Corner

* Community Corner – Your Stories

* Upcoming Events & Resources

* Closing Thoughts

* Contributors Praises

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EDITORS UPDATE

Hi Guys.

Welcome to issue 4 of the OOKP newsletter, VISIONARY HORIZONS.

I hope everyone had a great Halloween and Bonfire night and we all stayed safe. I love this time of year and the run up to Christmas. (No, please, you don’t have to buy me a big present) (smile)

Before we start, some breaking news, where you can get free gadgets to help you save money on your water. The scheme is by

Save water, save money

It’s not means tested, so should be open to everyone and can give you free gadgets to save money on your water use. Every little counts in this current climate. Simply google this phrase and it should take you to the main site, then complete the details to take you to your local water company, who offer the items

Now, can I thank everyone for their contribution to the support group. We’ve had good communication on our WhatsApp group, with members helping other members, which is what we’re all about. Please keep up the great work and check your WhatsApp on a regular basis, so we don’t miss when members are asking for help.

On a similar note, our website is really taking shape now. We have some great video tutorials on there, covering an array of interesting topics. We have a printable check list, to help members when preparing for OOKP surgery. By using this, you won’t forget that important question and you’ll remember those necessary documents needed when visiting hospital.

I’ve posted our first article, dealing with Artificial Intelligence for providing therapy. It’s a new concept, so read the article and see what you think.

Then, most importantly, I asked members for permission to open a bank account for our support group. I was given the go ahead. I had to open it in my name, which is why I needed permission, (which is not ideal,) but now means we will soon be accepting donations and can purchase a website domain name, discussed at the July meeting. It also means we can begin applying for a regulated society or charity status, so we can obtain more funds, to help us achieve more.

As it’s in its infancy, I’ll cover this in more detail next month.

So, that’s enough of my rambling. I know you’re all dying to get to read the next installment of my story.

Oh, just one last thing. I’ve now managed to put all the newsletters online. It makes it better for me, as I only have to produce one version. It makes it better for you, as you can read it direct from the website. Finally, it makes it better for our website, as Google website ratings increase with the amount of time people visit and stay on a website. So, please keep visiting our site and read the newsletter while there, so we can move up the Google rankings, allowing more people to see what a great jub we are doing.

So, take care and let’s begin this months look at what’s available

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PRE-OOKP SURGERY – SURGERY CHECKLIST, WHAT TO ASK YOUR SURGEON.

Preparing questions for your surgeon is one of the best ways to feel confident before and during OOKP surgery. It ensures you understand the procedure, what to expect during recovery, and how to prepare in advance. Since reading printed lists may not be possible, we recommend keeping a spoken or digital note of these questions on your phone, or asking a friend to write them down for you. Check our websites “VIDEO TUTORIALS” tech section for help with choosing a note taking app.

Here’s a helpful checklist to take into your consultation:

1. Surgery Details
   

   • How long will the operation take?

   • What exactly happens during surgery? (Ask for step-by-step descriptions in clear, simple language.)

   • What kind of anaesthetic will I have, and what will I feel?

2. Risks and Recovery
   

   • What  are the main risks and how often do they occur?

   • How long will recovery take, and what restrictions will I need to follow?

   • What symptoms are normal during healing, and what should I report immediately?
     
     

3. Daily Living After Surgery
   

   • How soon can I return to everyday activities such as cooking, walking  outdoors, or light exercise?

   • When will I be able to return to work or study?

   • What ongoing care (such as drops or protective eyewear) will be needed?
     
     

4. Support and Resources
   

   • Will I be offered follow-up appointments or counselling?

   • What support services (like rehabilitation, peer support or mobility  training) are available after surgery?

Finally, if you have questions of your own, add these to your list. This ensures you’re aware of the situation before surgery, and remain as relaxed and stress free as possible.

By preparing questions in advance, you take control of your journey and ensure nothing important is overlooked. Surgeons expect questions and will gladly provide clear answers. Remember: there’s no such thing as a “silly” question — only the peace of mind that comes when you have the answers you need.

If after talking to your surgeon, you still have unanswered questions (generally these involve emotional and peer support) then check our website. On there are various services we offer, like leaflets, tutorial videos, peer counselling etc, which may help you gain answers. If not, please contact us using our “WhatsApp” group chat, email or phone service, where one of our group will be only too willing to help. We have a great deal of experience, why not use it.

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MANAGING EMOTIONS & DOUBTS – PARTNERS SPEAKING OUT.

While OOKP surgery is a personal journey, it’s rarely faced alone. Partners, family members, and close friends often carry their own mix of emotions — fear, hope, and a deep desire to help. Hearing from them can bring comfort, especially if you;re worried about being a “burden.”

Here are some reflections gathered from partners who supported loved ones through OOKP:

• “The hardest part for me was not being able to fix things. I realised my role wasn’t to solve the medical side, but to simply be present — to listen, to hold a hand, and to remind my partner that they were not alone.”

•  “I felt nervous about the future, but talking to other families helped. It was reassuring to hear that it’s normal to have ups and downs, and that strength comes slowly, not all at once.”

•  “I discovered that small, practical things — like preparing meals, helping with medications, or guiding during walks — gave me purpose. It wasn’t about doing everything, but about doing what I could.”

For patients, it helps to remember: your loved ones want to be part of this journey. Allow them to share their strengths. Accepting help is not a weakness — it’s an act of trust and partnership.

And for partners: don’t neglect your own well-being. Support groups, counselling, and time for self-care are just as important for you as they are for the patient. Inform your friends and relatives of the services the OOKP Support Service provide. We offer assistance to anyone involved with the OOKP journey. Spread the news of our existance and share our website with as many people as possible, by including it in your emails, messages and social media posts. Together, resilience grows stronger.

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POST-OOKP SURGERY- CONTINUING WORK & STUDY AFTER OOKP SURGERY.

One of the biggest questions asked after surgery is, “Can I go back to work or continue my studies?” The answer is generally yes, though it may be different than before. Many OOKP patients find new opportunities and even new vocations after surgery.

Here’s some real examples and guidance:

•  Returning to Previous Roles. Some patients can return to their former jobs with some adjustments. Screen readers, magnification software, or voice-controlled computers can make office work possible. Flexible hours or gradual returns are often helpful. Consult your HR department, RNIB, DWP or Citizens Advice, as accessible funds are often available to assist with things like transport or equipment. Consult our website for using assistive technology, or peer support.

•  Exploring New Vocations. Some patients choose to start new paths that better suit their  post-surgery life. Examples include counselling, advocacy, or training roles where lived experience is a strength. Some OOKP patients even become “Blind Awareness Trainers,” teaching organisations how to support visually impaired clients. If you wish to explore this further, check out the “BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY” below, or email us with “BUSINESS” in the subject line. RNIB also have specialist workers to help blind and partially sighted back into work.

•  Continuing Education. Many return to learning, whether through online courses, local colleges, or specialist training providers. Assistive technology now makes study much more accessible, from talking textbooks to digital note-takers. Contact your college to see what’s on offer, many provide tutor mentors and peers to help visually impaired people access the full range of college services. Check out our website,there may be answers to your questions, peer support from members who’ve been in this position or services you may wish to access.

•  Workplace Support. In the UK, services like Access to Work can provide grants for equipment, travel support, or personal assistants. Speaking with an employment adviser can open doors you may not know exist. These can be found in your local job centre.

The most important thing is, take it step by step. Begin by exploring your interests, testing your confidence with small commitments, and seeking advice from peers who’ve gone before you. It may be worthwhile considering voluntary work, to provide experience of your chosen career, giving you the confidence to return to work, without an immediate full commitment. If this interests you, we’re always looking for volunteers. Send us your details, your interests and what work you’re looking for and we’ll be only too willing to help. Work and study aren’t just about income, they bring purpose, structure, and connections, all of which help support your long-term well-being. Check out our website for more information.

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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, it provides fun and interesting social opportunities 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 -

Our mission, is to empower people facing OOKP (“tooth‐in‐eye”) surgery and their families, by providing clear and accessible information, practical help and a caring community. We exist, to relieve the stress and isolation of this rare procedure, by advancing patients’ health and well‐being, through education and support. In practice, we aim to give everyone affected by OOKP, the knowledge, tools and emotional support they need to feel informed and confident about their care. This means offering up‑to‑date guidance on the emotions of surgery and follow‑up support, building peer networks to share experiences, involving families in the process, and partnering with eye clinics and charities, to deliver the best possible outcomes. This can only be achieved with YOUR help!

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS – ACCESSIBLE APPS FOR EVERYDAY LIVING.

Beyond the hospital and surgery, everyday tasks can sometimes feel like the biggest challenge. Thankfully, a range of mobile apps now exist to make daily life easier for people with visual impairment.

Here’s a few worth trying:

•  Voice Dream Reader (iOS & Android) – Reads documents, books, and web pages aloud in clear voices.You can adjust the speed and choose different voices to suit your preference.

•  GoodMaps Explore (iOS & Android) – Helps with navigation by describing your surroundings as you walk. It can guide you through streets, shops, and even public buildings.

•  Grocery Delivery Apps (such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Ocado) – With voiceover support, these apps allow you to order food and household items without needing to visit a busy shop. Check out your prefered stores website and search for accessability.
  
  

•  Seeing Assistant Move (iOS) – Offers turn-by-turn navigation and can alert you when approaching landmarks you’ve saved, like your bus stop or favourite café.

•  Envision. This provides multiple voice operated and voice feedback services, from recognising bank notes and colours, to scanning bar and QR codes or reading signposts and documents.

Tip: Choose just one app and practice until you feel confident. Many of these apps also have online tutorials or YouTube demonstrations designed for blind and visually impaired users. Simply enter the app name, followed by tutorial, or check the “TUTORIAL VIDEOS” section of our website for accessible videos.

The goal is not to master every tool at once, but choose ones to make your daily life smoother. With the right app, small frustrations can be replaced with independence and ease.

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WELLNESS CORNER – NUTRITION TO HELP YOUR MOOD.

Food doesn’t just fuel the body, it also influences how we feel emotionally. After OOKP surgery, or while waiting for it, moods can rise and fall. Eating the right foods can help stabilise emotions, improve energy, and support mental health, providing the correct food is chosen and you seek professional medical advice before beginning any new eating regime.

Here’s some mood-boosting food tips:

•  Complex Carbohydrates.  Foods like oats, brown rice, and wholegrain bread release energy slowly, helping you avoid mood swings linked to sugar crashes. This allows you to concentrate more, so you absorb and learn new skills much quicker.

•  Protein-Rich  Foods. Lean meats, beans, eggs, and nuts support the production of brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood. By reducing the possibility of mood swings, anxiety is reduced and concentration is increased. If your diet is plant based, consult a professional for advice on what foods provide similar results.

•  Omega-3 Fats – Found in oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) as well as walnuts and flaxseeds, these fats are linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety.

•  Fruit and Vegetables. Bananas, berries, spinach, and broccoli are rich in vitamins and minerals that help reduce fatigue and stress. For example, bananas contain vitamin B6, which supports serotonin production. A balanced diet should provide all the daily minerals and vitamins your body should need, but again, consult with a professional before making any changes to your eating habits.

•  Hydration. Even mild dehydration can cause irritability and tiredness. Sipping water regularly throughout the day keeps both the body and mind balanced.

Practical Tip: If cooking feels tiring, prepare simple snacks ahead of time, like chopped fruit, boiled eggs, or small bags of nuts. These quick options give steady energy without fuss.

By treating food as part of your wellness toolkit, you can stabilise mood, strengthen resilience, and support your recovery in both body and mind.

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COMMUNITY CORNER: YOUR VOICE, YOUR STORIES

Okay. Here we go with the wonderful adventures of a blind guy. It’s so strange, telling my story to others, but let me tell you, it’s bringing back some great memories and fun times. Go on, try it. Write your story and send it me,. See how empowering it can be.

So, if you remember, I’d met one of the most influential people in my life to date; Pat Ross; my cane training social worker. I’d found joy again, listening to my favourite sport, Formula 1 motor racing, in the hospitals TV lounge. Also, and I shouldn’t get enjoyment from this, but I did; I gave my father a little humiliation back for what he’d given me, by taking him shopping (smile).

The next day, after my trip out, my room had a constant stream of nurses visiting, amazed at how I’d been out and about, so soon after my accident. They were so impressed at my determination to return to my “norm,” as in their experience, the people they came into contact with; who’d lost sight immediately; and in-fact, those who’d also lost sight due to a medical condition; were so broken and in denial of doing anything.

Since becoming blind, I’ve also found this to be extremely common. I understand in a way, but why? I was 29 when I became blind. Statistically, we live until we’re around 85. This means, I had 56 years of blindness to look forward to. That’s twice the amount of time I’d been sighted. So, by simply giving up, it meant I have two thirds of my life of blame, upset, regret etc.

Those of you who know me, know I have better things to do than accept the negatives of life. We can’t change the past, only the future, and I had a lot of living to do. I had places to visit, people to meet, ambitions to achieve and fun to have, so why should I let this put my life on hold for 56 years, just because I lost my sight.

Have you ever tried to solve a puzzle? You face a problem and have to find a solution. You know a solution exists, it just takes a little effort, a little thought and a little luck and eventually, you solve the puzzle and collect the prize. To me, this is what the blind life’s all about. I like escape rooms. But, if I gave up on these, like people give up on finding a solution to loss of sight, I’d still be shouting for help in my first escape room. Sorry, not for me, I have other things to do, so it’s find a solution every time for me. Bloody mindedness as my mother calls it. (may be, but it allows me to enjoy life)

So, I was there, discovering my hospital surroundings, treating it as an escape room and trying to find a way out. The next few weeks saw my injuries healing amazingly, which is strange, as I had very poor healing skin as a child. Fortunately, the burns had not spoiled my amazing Adonis like facial features (no, stop laughing now), my stream of friends were still laughing and joking round my hospital bed, and we were still constantly getting told to be quiet. My friends were even willing to take me on days out, but as my school report said, “Martin is very easily lead,” so I thought it best to refuse these offers, or I’d have so easily been in trouble. My father took me out another couple of times and I even visited my mothers flat, to find my way around, seeing as I was going to live there.

It was then it all happened. Pat had just left from my cane training. She actually took the long cane with her as she didn’t trust me to not go walk about. This is fair really, as I would have gone walk about and I’d not learned all my mobility skills. My mother and sister had just arrived for a visit and then the consultant arrived. He sounded really happy with my progress and said, the following Friday, I could be discharged from the hospital.

What? I’d beat the escape room again! To be honest, it did come as a bit of a shock, but he said, as I was doing so well with my healing and showed amazing development with my mobility and living skills, he didn’t see a reason why I couldn’t be discharged, seeing as I was going to live with my mother. This was great and I could not wait.

However, I sensed a little anxiety in my mothers voice. I asked what was wrong and she said, the Monday after my discharge, her and my sister had booked 2 weeks in Malta, to take my nephew on holiday while off school. I said, there’s no problem, as I’d familiarised myself with her flat and I could use the microwave to heat my food. I was fine, I just wanted to get home.

My mother said she couldn’t leave me at home by myself. She said to excuse her a minute and left the room. I thought she was upset and didn’t want me to see her in this state. Actually, she’d gone to find the consultant. She explained the situation and asked, if they could book an extra seat, could I travel to Malta with them for a holiday myself.

I love travelling and I had no problem with this. The consultant returned and told me my mothers proposal. He said, there was no problem, I could remain in hospital until my mother returned, or, if I wanted, I could go to Malta. I would have to wear protective clothing and eye shades, but he said, seeing how easily I had developed my mobility, he could see no issues with me going.

So, I said, I’d remain in hospital until they returned. Really? Do you believe this? Not a prayer! I instantly agreed and told my mother to get the seats booked as soon as.

So, there I was, just too days after being released , I mean discharged (It wasn’t prison) I was on a plane and spending 2 weeks in Malta, with my mother, sister and nephew, totally blind and with very few skills for my family to guide me around. But, that’s life. Grab the problem by the horns and find a way to solve the puzzle.

Although I was initially a little anxious, I was so happy. I was out of hospital; I was returning to normal life and I was enjoying a holiday to somewhere I’d never been before. There were some restrictions though. Pat had refused to let me take the long cane, so my mobility was limited a little, by only using the guide cane (probably a wise decision, smile). Also, to protect my burns, I had to wear a jacket style dressing, providing protection and pressure to my burns.

I actually learned, if you wear a pressure garment over burns, it reduces the development of permanent scars. This must be correct, as I only have a slight scar on my shoulder, from the large skin graft and this was from 35 percent burns to my body. It was a little uncomfortable, as I could only remove it for 30 minutes every day, which allowed me to have a shower and apply my prescription cream. The jacket covered me from my thighs to my neck; and down to my wrists. So, when out in the sun, it was like being inside an oven. But it was a small price to pay for being out on holiday.

My mother, sister and nephew all learned to guide me around and luckily, there were no serious accidents. I say almost, as there was an incident with my nephew. He was around 6 and was so eager to help and guide me around. I was confident enough and let him guide me. I quickly learned the layout of my room, the bar (obviously) and the eating areas.

One night, I really needed the loo. I was aware of its location and my mother and sister watched to see I found the correct place. There’s a story where I went into the ladies not the gents, but that’s for another day.

So, my little nephew said he wanted to take me. I had no problem with that, and it gave him the experience of dealing with disabilities at such a young age. I placed my hand on his shoulder and said “lets go find the toilets.” He started taking me in the direction I thought it was, but then he said, uncle, lift up your foot. I asked why, he said, there’s a cable. I thought, they must be using a cleaning machine or something. He then said, duck down. I was getting a little anxious. I said, why should I duck down. He said, we needed to go under a wooden pillar. Obviously, I’d previously found my way to the toilet, but as I couldn’t see, I didn’t know what was around me. He then said, now squeeze through this narrow gap. I stopped and said, I think this is the wrong way. He said, the toilet door is straight in front. I asked if he was sure, as I’d never encountered these obstacles when I’d been to the toilet before. I said, go and check it’s the correct door, while I stand here. Off he went and returned a minute or so later. He said, sorry, it’s the wrong door. He said it was where they kept the brushes and buckets.

He was only going to take me to the broom cupboard. I suppose I could have used the buckets, but it was a close shave (smile). The cable and gap he was taking me over and through were the cable to the video arcade game in the corner and the gap was the entrance to the bar, with the serving hatch still down. Being 6, he could fit easily underneath. Being 5 feet 8 inch and 16 stone, it was a little more difficult for me to fit under the bar and into the broom cupboard. But, what could I do apart from laugh. He was only 6.

When I returned to my mother and sister, they said we’d been a long time. When I told them about my adventure, we all laughed. As I said, that holiday was a steep learning curve for us all, but I can honestly say, I would not have missed it for the world.

We all learned how to guide me around, how to describe what was in front of me, especially my nephew, describing exactly what was on my plate and where it was situated, using the clock face. And do you know, he’s never shied away from helping disabled people and he says, it’s all from learning on that holiday.

You see, I could have made many excuses to not go on that holiday. I could have just let others take me and not done things for myself. I could have played the blind card, but little would have been gained from that, and it wouldn’t have taught anyone anything.

By taking that holiday, we learned, we educated, we encouraged others and we explained what we needed to those around us. I think, by taking that holiday, I educated around 50 people on how to assist (not overpower) visually impaired and blind people, which they could use for the rest of their lives. In turn, they could then help others, like a ripple through a pool

We still talk about that holiday to this day. When we returned, it allowed me to continue my own development and the development of others.

I suppose you want me to continue with my story? Well, I can tell you all what happend (well, maybe not all) from me returning from holiday to when I received my OOKP surgery. Theres a lot, but this is while I wait for your stories to come in.

Come on guys, put pen to paper, or make a voice note and tell me about your life. Make it as serious or funny as you like and it can be a single short story or an encyclopedia of events like mine.

So, until next month, think of how we can educate others with our uniqueness, not how miserable we can be by saying why me. I always say, why not you, why not me, what makes you and me so special that an accident or condition like this should not happen to us. The difference is, when you learn to accept you can’t change the past, you begin enjoying life, like the holiday I had. Once you enjoy one aspect, you begin enjoying every aspect, because you’re looking for the positives, not the negatives of life.

Yes, like any new skill, it’s difficult at first. Were you born able to type? No! But because you wanted to communicate, you learned to type and now, it comes as second nature. Yes its hard accepting blindness, but ask yourself, what do you truly want from life. Once you know what you really want, you can plan how to achiev this. Once you begin working towards your goals and achieving smaller goals along the way, you begin accepting your disability and accepting, we can achieve anything in life, we just have to do it differently to others, but, the end results are exactly the same.

So, more deep thoughts next month LOL

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- UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES -

As we develop the support service, website, newsletter magazine and WhatsApp group, we want to produce podcasts, webinars, workshops, fundraising events and other accessible materials members can access.

If you have news to share, please let us know by email, and we’ll advertise it here, for all to access and join. The more we can inform people, the more this service will grow. Lets make it a service to be respected, one which others aim to imitate for their group.

Keep communicating with us and others, it’s the only way we learn and progress, to make life easier.

So come on all you budding bakers, crafters and sales gurus, lets get some events planned to raise money. Maybe, we can raise enough money to have a Christmas trip to London, to see a show, after we‘ve discussed our progress.

“Sound good? Only we can make it happen”

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CLOSING THOUGHTS: EMBRACE YOUR VISIONARY HORIZONS

We’ve really progressed since our meeting in July, where all this was just an idea. We had nothing but a vision; which is why we called our newsletter VISIONARY HORIZONS.

However, we’ve some amazing news to offer you. We’re now an INTERNATIONAL support service. Something we should all be proud of in such a short period of time.

Our support service now includes a member from CANADA and I’m sure you’ll all be happy to give a warm welcome to

BRENT CHAPMAN

He sounds an amazing new member, and I’m sure he won’t mind if I share with you, he’s a sportsman, who I believe represented his country.

Brent, if you’ve time, please give us a glimpse into your life as a blind sportsman. What it involved, what you achieved and what it’s done for your life today.

This is not our only international member. It appears we’re in contact with another person from Canada. We’re awaiting their reply, so we can introduce them as a member. We’re also awaiting a reply from a person from Switzerland, who we can also invite as a member.

So, a very warm welcome to all our new members; and can I take this opportunity to thank the person who introduced these people. I call her our INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT OFFICER; and this is

RACHEL KEON

I’m so pleased we’re moving so fast and inviting new members. Our current members list has grown by fifty percent since we began in July, so this is amazing.

Keep it up and let’s see if we can have similar news to report next month.

So, it’s goodbye from me for another month. I’ve more articles to write, more goodies to find for our newsletter, and the big one, get our donations page working on the website.

Until next month, take care and speak soon.

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Website

www.ookpsupport.org

Phone

07483 880268

E-mail

This is our new, dedicated email address.

ourookpservice@gmail.com

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CONTRIBUTORS PRAISES

A big thank you to the following, for helping to produce this monthly newsletter and assisting with the services.

Martin Jones,

Rotherham, Cheif Editor

Caroline Williams,

Newcastle, Communications Officer

Rachael Keon

International Recruitment Officer

Irene Wogan

New member

Brent Chapman

New member