Case Study: Rita Corley
I’d been working late, waitressing. I was driving home at 3am when a milk float came around corner on the wrong side and ploughed straight into me. I’m 67 now and I remember that day – it was 21 years ago this year. I lost the sight in both eyes.
I was lost at first. My family were fantastic but you can be over-protected – spoiled - and that can make you lose more of your independence.
In hospital, the first person to come to see me, apart from family and friends, was a lady from NCBI to give advice and support. Later they came to our house and I went to NCBI for arts and crafts and yoga – and training on the long cane. My confidence and independence grew. Sometimes my husband kind of forgets which is great. I was the one who was blind and here he was saying ‘Rita did you see my glasses anywhere?’ You’d have to laugh.