Nystagmus doesn’t stop me …

The theme of the Nystagmus Network virtual Open Day 2020 was the phrase ‘Nothing will stop us!”

That’s because we believe that nystagmus needn’t stop you from doing (almost) anything you want to do. 

We asked you what nystagmus doesn’t stop you doing.
Here are just some of your stories.

Sea cadet

Nystagmus doesn’t stop me … being a Sea Cadet. As a cadet I do so much and have earned my STEM badge. I’ve won a swimming competition and the piping competition, where I had to learn how to play a boatswain call. I love being a cadet as it allows me to do so much. 

Eleanor is wearing her sea cadet uniform and smiling at the camera.
Eleanor, 11 years old 

I find it hard to do cadets with nystagmus but I keep trying and everyone helps me and I do everything that everyone else does. I even get to go out in the rowing boats. 

Getting out on the water

Nystagmus doesn’t stop me or my son from getting out on the water. We both have nystagmus and had cataracts removed as babies. 

Hazel and Andrew are rowing a kayak on open water.
Hazel and Andrew, 13 years old

Jumping in puddles

A toddler dressed in pink is splashing in a puddle and smiling at the camera.

Nystagmus doesn’t stop me … jumping in puddles and having so much fun. 

Nystagmus doesn’t stop me … exploring new things and making amazing memories.

Nystagmus won’t stop me … doing the things I love.

Dancing

A series of images of Poppy showing off her dance moves and the words 'be free' and 'dance mode always on'.
Poppy, 10 years old

Running

Nystagmus doesn’t stop me … running, playing and jumping like all my friends. 

Mila-Eve is standing in a playhouse at the park. She is smiling at the camera.
Mila-Eve, 2 years old 

Drawing

Rubyrae's drawing of a young child.
Rubyrae, 14 years old

Scoring goals and writing poems

Landon poses with a football on the pitch.
Landon

Being a nurse

Tracey is wearing her nurse's uniform and a face mask and carrying a gold helium balloon.
Tracey

Creating art

A graphic of an eye with moving eyeball and the words 'you are valid always'
Artwork by SJ

I have nystagmus and I really wanted to demonstrate how valued and important people with nystagmus are through my art.

Travelling all over the world

Chris, China

Taking amazing photos

Photograph by Jonathan

The theme of the Nystagmus Network virtual Open Day 2020 is the phrase ‘Nothing will stop us!”

That’s because we believe that nystagmus needn’t stop you from doing (almost) anything you want to do.

So this month we’re running our Open Day 2020 COMPETITION!

To enter, all you have to do is show us what nystagmus doesn’t stop you from doing. Your competition entry can take any form you like. It can be

a poem

a short story

a photograph

a drawing

a voice recording

a video clip

Send your entry with your name, age (if under 16) and the message “Nystagmus doesn’t stop me …” to [email protected] by no later than Saturday 31 October. The best entries will feature on our website and on our social media.