Opticians get behind wheel blindfolded to raise funds for sight loss charity
Eye specialists have swapped the testing room for the driver's seat to experience first-hand what life is like without vision.
Staff from independent practice Elliott & Heath Opticians and Audiologists got behind the wheel completely blindfolded as part of a Blind Drive challenge. The initiative was arranged after the practice was contacted by Steve Loane, Fundraising Manager for Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind, and has so far raised nearly £600.
Four drivers took part with backing from The Hearing Care Partnership, family and friends. Optometrist Diane and audiologist Haseeb navigated by following spoken directions alone, joined on the track by 12-year-old Bella and Kim, who lives with sight loss daily.
Participants were also able to use specialised simulators replicating conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, illustrating how visual impairments alter ordinary routines and personal independence.
Diane said: "When Steve contacted us about taking part, I immediately wanted to get involved. We spend every day looking after people's eyes and talking to patients about their vision, but experiencing even a small glimpse of what it is like to have your vision taken away is completely different. It really makes you appreciate just how much we rely on our sight."
Through the challenge, the practice aims to highlight the value of regular eye examinations and early condition detection.
Beth Ralph, Director and Optometrist at Elliott & Heath, said: "We were delighted to support the Blind Drive. As eye-care professionals, we see first-hand how devastating sight loss can be, but it can be difficult for someone with good vision to truly understand what that means in everyday life. Having Diane, Haseeb, Bella and Kim take part together made the event particularly meaningful. We are incredibly proud of everyone involved and very grateful to everyone who has donated so far."
