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Now you can see like someone with low vision

Featured in this video is actor Benj. He wants Australia to know that even though someone who has vision loss physically sees the world differently to sighted people, they still have their own thoughts and deserve to be listened to and accepted.

Benj believes the Pupil Project videos were as fun to record as they are to watch, that the way the information is presented in them makes them feel incredibly real and relatable.

Audio described video

Non-audio described video

Image features a young man with curly blond hair and a wide smile. He's wearing a maroon T-shirt and a thin black necklace. The background is plain and light-coloured.

“Things are blurry. When it comes to being low vision, my condition is what it is. But I will always give everything my best because it is a part of my personality to do that.”

Meet Benj

Benj has been living with Albinism since birth.

Albinism is a genetic condition that affects the body’s ability to produce melanin. It can come in two forms, one which affects both skin and eyes, giving someone fair skin, white or red hair and pale eyes. The other affects the eyes only.

He learnt to adapt and never let his eye condition stop him from living his life to the fullest and embarking on his dream to make it as an actor.

Ways to be more inclusive and support someone with low vision

Be confident.

When it’s loud and noisy, it can be hard for someone with low vision to pick up on social cues. Know they are not being rude; they simply may not have heard you or even know you are there. This is where you can step in and introduce yourself, asking if they need any help.

Don’t assume.

When you assume, you can't know anything as fact. Appearances can be deceiving and often, a low vision condition is not physically visible and remains hidden throughout your interactions. The best way you can help and avoid making assumptions is to ask the right kinds of relevant questions to the situation you are both in.

Be educated.

Don't go around telling people what you think they would need and want. To act in a certain way because that’s how you do something. A great way for you to be more inclusive is by educating yourself on how someone with low vision sees the world. Then you can have the right kinds of conversations and ask if they need any support.

Two women sit at a dining table holding cups of tea and smiling in conversation with each other. The woman on the left has lived experience with vision loss.

How to get support

If you or someone you know are new to vision loss, reach out to us today to begin the process of getting the support you need.

Submit a service enquiry

Return to the Pupil Project

Learn more about low vision and how to be more inclusive today.

Return to the Pupil Project

Acknowledgement

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Go to www.dss.gov.au for more information.