In the run up to Nystagmus Awareness Day on 20 June, we’re celebrating all your success stories in our campaign “How amazing are you?”
Today Ursula shares her own amazing story.
Hi guys! I just wanted to share my story with you as this may give other people with nystagmus, or parents that have children with the condition, hope.
My Mum didn’t understand nystagmus and just thought I had wobbly eyes. The optometrist told her I would grow out of it (hahaha) and I was never checked up on again.
I didn’t understand what it was, and neither did my Mum, so I didn’t get any help through school at all and ended up leaving early because I was bullied (for other things, not my nystagmus).
I have lived a very normal life! It’s important to be correctly diagnosed, but it has also been a blessing because I never felt any different and just got on with my life.
I’ve never been held back doing anything. I went to college and did my GCSEs and A levels (without ANY help from the education system, or any extra exam time) and I am now studying online to become a level 3 personal trainer.
Alongside this, I’ve been a shift manager in a very busy coffee shop (Prêt a Manger) for the last 4 years and I am also a bikini fitness competitor.
Also, today, the hospital told me my vision is good enough to legally drive!!!! WHICH IS AMAZING!
Nystagmus is not a life ruiner. I’m not saying I don’t have any side effects from it. I can get dizzy, struggle to focus and night times are particularly hard for me, but I have just always got on with it, put out positive vibes to the universe and it has always rewarded me.
Never feel alone.
If you’d like to share your amazing nystagmus story, please contact us today. To help the Nystagmus Network support even more people to reach their amazing potential, please consider making a donation. Thank you.
