A Morecambe man says he was saved from going blind after a decision to take driving lessons.
Barry Roe now wants to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle after having major surgery after nearly losing his sight completely.
“It all started when I couldn’t read the registration plate during my first driving lesson,” said Barry.
“My instructor suggested I visit an optician, who promptly flagged some issues with my eyesight.”
Further tests showed that due to his unhealthy eating Barry had type two diabetes – a condition that if left untreated, could have led to total sight loss.
‘’The doctor told me that if I continued down the path I was on I’d end up going blind,’’ he said.
‘’I thought I was invincible, and so missed appointments for things like laser treatment and needle injections.
‘’But towards the end of 2022, it was starting to get bad. I then decided to have my eyes checked. Dr. Davies of Chorley Hospital delivered the devastating news that any further delays would have resulted in complete blindness.’’
Barry was working at Toby Carvery at the time, and in January 2023, underwent eye surgery, and had to take five months off to recover, have check-ups and subsequent surgeries.
‘’It was so hard having to rely on other people when you’ve done things for yourself all your life. I can’t explain how I felt about that.
“If I hadn’t taken those lessons, I may not have detected my failing eyesight until it was too late,”
Barry now has to have regular treatment for a detached retina, and as his treatment continues, has paid tribute to local sight loss charity, Galloways, for their support.
‘’My right eye is now good, the left eye I can hardly see out of,’’ he adds.
‘’I work at Morrisons now, and this Christmas just gone was the first without my having chocolate, and I could see all these people buying tins of them!
‘’But I’ve been really strict and good, and it’s all thanks to Galloways. They have given me so much help and emotional support. My husband and my mum have helped me a lot too.’’
And now, Barry wants to raise awareness of the charities work, with a fundraising concert planned on Morecambe’s Stone Jetty for later this year. More details will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Barry added: ‘’I love music, and my husband plays viola in orchestras, so I want to try and set up a fundraising concert to raise money and awareness.
‘’We’re aiming for September.
‘’The event promises to be an opportunity to extend much-needed support to those navigating the challenging journey of sight loss.’’
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