Peer Support: How Paul’s Vision Loss is Empowering Others

Imagine waking up and your vision is suddenly disappearing.

 That’s what happened to Paul.

 In 2016, he was diagnosed with Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), a rare condition affecting the optic nerve. His vision declined rapidly – first in one eye, then the other. There was no known cause, no treatment, and few answers despite extensive testing. More isolating still, there was no clear support system.

 Subsequently, losing his driver’s licence and independence made the experience even harder and what followed was a period of disconnection and grief.

 “I didn’t know anyone who had vision issues or had their licence taken away,” he said.

 “I felt lost.”

 Today, Paul is using his firsthand, lived experience to support others through See Differently’s Peer Support Program, launched earlier this year in partnership with Beyond Blindness and funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

 In his role, Paul offers emotional support and practical advice to others experiencing vision loss. He regularly checks in with a group of clients, helping them through challenges like learning to trust a cane, managing the grief of their vision loss, or navigating complex systems like the NDIS.

 For Paul, peer support isn’t just about sharing tips – it’s about restoring hope, confidence and purpose. That aligns closely with See Differently’s mission to empower people with vision loss through connection, understanding, and support.

 “I hope to show people that they can still do things,” he says.

 “It might look different, but it’s possible.”

[Image Description: Peer Support worker, Paul, stands in a green field in Bali.]

Paul’s approach is casual yet goal-oriented. He focuses on small, practical tips such as coordinating clothes by texture or reducing glare with a wide-brimmed hat. He has seen significant progress with clients, particularly one participant with complex health issues who has “turned a corner” with the support.

Paul believes that nothing compares to talking with someone who understands the journey first-hand. Whether it’s explaining how to navigate buses with an indicator cane – so drivers stop and announce the number – or simply connecting with someone who “gets it”, Paul says clients are finding comfort and confidence in his lived experience.

“You’re not talking to someone who just works in the industry,” he says.

“You’re talking to someone who’s been through it.”

As Paul reflects on how different his journey might have been with a program like this early on, he’s proud to be part of that change for others.

“It absolutely would’ve made a huge difference to me,” he says.

“Just knowing what to expect, learning from someone who’s walked the same path, that kind of support is powerful.”

His advice to his clients?

“Take it slow,” he says.

“Don’t be hard on yourself. These feelings of grief are normal, and you’ll have good days and bad days, and it’s ok to muck up, but be gentle on yourself. Little steps are progress.

“And don’t forget to care for your social life and recreation.”

If you or someone you know is navigating vision loss and would like to participate in our free, no referral required Peer Support Program, visit the link >> https://bit.ly/SeeDifferentlyReferral