A DENTON father who lost his sight after battling meningitis is rebuilding his independence with the help of specialist support and new assistive technology.
Lee Thornton has been supported by Tameside Council’s Visual Impairment Team for the past nine years, including more than five years working closely with Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Jane Keitany.
After losing his sight due to a rare condition affecting around one in 15 million people, Lee has adapted to a new way of life after previously being active in the community – including spending seven years playing semi-professional rugby and working with children with severe illnesses at Bupa.
With tailored support, Lee is now using technology designed to make everyday tasks easier. He has recently started using Meta glasses, funded through a grant from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), which can describe surroundings, read letters and assist with navigation using built-in directions.
He is also waiting to begin long cane training, which will help improve his confidence and mobility when out and about.
“It blew me away,” said Lee. “It’s making everything so much easier. I can go shopping on my own, it’s like having a personal assistant with you all the time and it really helps.”
Alongside support from professionals, Lee’s two sons continue to play an important role, speaking with him every day and encouraging him as he continues to build his independence.
Reflecting on the support he has received from Jane, Lee said: “Jane, you saved me. It’s really nice to have that caring person around.”
Jane commented: “I feel so proud. It’s great to see how far people come with our support.”
Lee’s journey highlights how personalised support and technology can help people adapt to major changes and regain confidence in daily life.
Councillor Jackie Lane, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Inclusivity, said: “Lee’s story is a powerful example of the difference that personalised support and technology can make in people’s lives.
“Losing sight can be life-changing, but with the right help, people can regain their independence and confidence. I’m incredibly proud of the work our Visual Impairment Team does every day to support residents like Lee.”
Tameside’s Adult Sensory Service provides advice and support for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or visually impaired.
The team can be contacted on 0161 342 2575 or 07977 489190, or by emailing adultsensoryservices@tameside.gov.uk. They are based at Wilshaw House, on Wilshaw Lane in Ashton-under-Lyne.