Sam’s Story

Sam is 32 and has been blind since birth due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a condition affecting the development of the retina in babies born prematurely. She has been supported by Sight Matters for most of her life, first connecting with the charity as a child, joining our lunch club at 15, volunteering as a receptionist and taking part in many Sight Matters activities and events.

Over the years, Sight Matters has been a constant. Today, Sam is not only supported by the charity; she is a part of its work.

In the first accompanying audio clip, Sam explains her condition and clarifies the distinction between sight loss and blindness. Visual impairment as a spectrum, with sight loss referring to varying degrees of reduced vision, and blindness meaning little or no functional vision. Same has no vision at all. And has never had vision. Have a listen to learn more about Sam's experience. 

Acoustic Shooting

Sam is an active member of our shooting club. In the second audio clip, she explains what acoustic shooting, an adapted sport designed for blind and visually impaired participants, is and how the club has helped her. 

Using specialist equipment and headphones, competitors aim at a target guided by sound: as the aim moves closer to the centre, the pitch rises. It requires focus, coordination and confidence. Samantha speaks about the sense of achievement the sport brings and how it challenges expectations about what blind people can do. Listen to Sam talk about acoustic shooting at Sight Matters below. 

Reception and Accessibility 

Today, Sam volunteers on reception and is often the first voice callers hear and the first person to welcome visitors through the door. Her lived experience of blindness make her a reassuring presence, particularly for those newly adjusting to sight loss, and her skill on the switchboard means all the Sight Matters' staff get their calls and messages. 

Sam is also a digital accessibility tester for Sight Matters. As an expert in screen reader software and keyboard navigation, Sam is able to test websites and digital platforms to identify barriers that sighted developers may overlook. Her detailed feedback helps organisations improve accessibility, ensuring blind and visually impaired people can access information independently and confidently.

Our sincere thanks to Sam for sharing her story so openly and for the commitment, skill and positivity she brings to the Sight Matters community. Thanks Sam! 

We’re sharing Sam’s story to celebrate our members, highlight their achievements, and show what’s possible with support and inclusion. Keep an eye on our socials for more inspiring stories from the Sight Matters community!