Questionnaires for Optometrists'

Today I went to two major high street opticians to see if they could spare some time to answer some questions for me. Unfortunately when I came back after 4 hours, both returned the questionnaire blank and said that the optometrists didn't have any time to fill it out. However the optometrists at D&A did point out that the questions were too specific for her to answer and advised me to go to a centre in Colliers Wood who provide support and information for the visually impaired and kindly handed me a leaflet. Looking at the leaflet I noticed that it was printed in large print with simple colours of black, white and blue. There are no pictures and symbols displayed which could suggest that they are not neccessary to a person who has low vision. Although my questionnaires were not filled out (which felt quite dissapointing) I do feel glad that I was redirected to a more specific centre and hope that I make that visit sometime this week. I think the colours and the layout of this leaflet will benefit me towards my development.

Visually Impaired Skier Living Olympic Dream

Canadian cross-country skier Brian Mckeever talks about how his sight isn't going to stop his dream of winning medals. He is the first to become a winter sport athlete to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics who is visually impaired.

Let's Walk to the Shops Experiment

Today I thought it would be a good experience to walk to the shops and buy something without wearing my lenses. It was quite a difficult experience and quite painfully straining (but thats because I'm constantly trying to put my vision back into focus). I remember not trusting much on my sight and noticing how everything around me seemed to be louder (as I was depending on my other senses). Whilst crossing the roads I would actually look left AND right (I should be doing this anyway...) but with more caution. Whilst in the shop... with the amount of chocolate bars stacked together it did take me a while to find the Snickers bar... and the colours just seemed to blur together. Paying for the chocolate, I noticed how the 50p and the 10p looked and felt the same to be... and it was only when I looked closer that I saw the ridged corners... I felt misled by my touch senses.

I felt the experience has made me think more whether to allow users to experience my final piece just how a person with visual impairment will do. I think it will create such a great understand for everyone and it will become very educational and just a good experience. How do you know if the product is successful if you can visualise it through the eyes of the intentional user?