Geoff’s Story

Summary:

Geoff Johnson, an 80-year-old man from Earlham, shares his story of living with macular degeneration, a condition that causes sight loss. Geoff’s experience began with the condition affecting one eye, but it eventually spread to the other eye, forcing him to give up driving and limiting his social activities. Despite the challenges, Geoff remains determined and adaptive.

Geoff has a passion for plants and enjoys gardening, making baskets, and performing magic tricks. He is the president of the Manchester Circle of Magicians and loves meeting people. Though his macular degeneration has taken away his central vision, Geoff still has reasonable peripheral vision, allowing him to continue his interests.

Fifteen years ago, Geoff began a trial treatment at Bolton Hospital using injections to combat his macular degeneration. Over the years, he has received over 100 injections in his eyes, which he claims don’t hurt. Geoff appreciates the support and care provided by the hospital staff throughout his treatment.

Losing his sight has affected Geoff’s ability to go out with friends, but they have been understanding and accepting of his condition. He uses humour to cope with his vision and hearing problems, making jokes about his situation, inspired by his love for comedian Tommy Cooper.

The loss of driving has been one of the most challenging aspects for Geoff, as he had been driving since a young age. He acknowledges the difficulty but urges others not to give up and to find alternative ways to adapt.

Geoff emphasises the importance of not letting sight loss get one down and encourages seeking help from organisations like Henshaws, which has provided him with invaluable assistance. He finds joy in performing magic tricks at children’s parties, connecting with the children and bringing smiles to their faces.

In conclusion, Geoff’s story serves as a testament to resilience and adaptability in the face of vision loss. He encourages others to embrace life, adapt to changes, and make the most of their abilities. Geoff’s positive outlook and determination are an inspiration to those facing similar challenges, showing that even with sight loss, one can continue to lead a fulfilling life.

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