Artificial Eyes
by Paul, Jenny and Emily Geelen

Reclaiming Your Life

Yesterday I saw a golfer who was hit in the eye by a ball sliced from the next fairway. He was the only one on the fairway at the time.

He is reluctant to play golf again. I suggested he read Joel’s story. Joel is a surfer who got back on the board after his surfing accident.

It makes sense that going back to the scene of trauma may cause anxiety. It has to be something people do if and when they feel ready.

If you were passionate about an activity before your accident I would encourage you to resume it if you are physically able. Getting out and having fun helps balance the inevitable low days that accompany any significant loss. If you find anxiety difficult to overcome on your own I would encourage you to get assistance.

Before suffering trauma, most of us feel invincible. Eye loss can greatly reduce your confidence in yourself and your abilities. I see part of our work as reassuring and encouraging people to resume their normal lives.

I hope my golfing client does go back to the golf course in time. It would be regrettable if the golfing accident robbed him of not just an eye, but a great source of pleasure. Fortunately golf is one sport where your ability to play is not greatly affected by losing an eye.

Jenny and I would be interested to hear how you have dealt with the traumatic loss of an eye. What difficulties have you experienced and how did you overcome these?

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