Ian's story

“I’ve known since the late 1980s that something wasn’t right with my eyes,” says Ian, who lost his vision gradually over many years.

For decades, that’s exactly what he did. With strong glasses and a good dose of determination, Ian built a career as a maintenance electrician. He raised a family, stayed busy, and found clever tricks to get around his worsening sight.

But last summer, things came to a head. On holiday, Ian misjudged a staircase in the bright sunlight and nearly fell. Suddenly it felt real.

Carrying on

Ian was told there was no treatment for his worsening sight. Finding a way to overcome his diagnosis was non-negotiable for Ian, a self-described doer.

So, despite his limited vision, you’ll still find Ian wiring sockets (with a second pair of eyes from his wife Pat), building the latest water feature in the garden, or sharing the day’s highs and lows with his vision support group—or, as Pat affectionately calls it, “his eyeball club”.

In the stands: Ian's second home

But Ian’s greatest passion is football. A lifelong Bristol Rovers fan, when his sight got worse, he wasn’t ready to give up on his boys. That’s where Visably stepped in. With our help, Ian got a simple, accessible pocket radio. Today, it’s his companion at every match, allowing him to listen along to live commentary and share the highs and lows (“I can’t believe he hit the crossbar!”).

So much more than a gadget, for Ian it’s been the key to independence and connection. “I’m not asking someone next to me what’s happening all the time.” With the right tech, Ian can be present at the game, participating, being part of the crowd at the football stadium that’s been his second home for years.