EyesMatters.com

Hi,

I have nystagmus as part of my interesting shopping list style of eye conditions.  However, out of all the problems that my various maladies cause, I reckon nystagmus gives me the most grief - even though it doesn't actually affect my personal sight levels significantly.

This is largely because people just don't get the wobbling eyes thing - and their natural response associates such things with "shiftiness" at best or blatant substance abuse at worse - or even more scary still: "Oh yea, like that bloke with a flute... now what was his name... "!   Aaaaaagh!

Then there are all the other communication things associated with not being able to fix your stare, blah blah blah.

Often, if it weren't for the nystagmus, I could often have my sight condition completely undetected!  Though I've no problem with people knowing / being aware, just find it fun to see how far I can carry it off!

Hey ho,
Tony

My son has been lucky to have a brilliant science teacher (she has a disabled daughter herself) who encouraged him in class and science club and he has won regional science competitions and been runner up nationally. 

He has also lectured to the science teachers conference at Reading University and all of this has taught him to try and not use his head turn from his nystagmus. 

It is still noticable when close but he can appear to look at you and also got a really good report from the science lecturers at York University when he did a summer school there. 

Her encouragement, belief and support have helped him so much - plus the fact that he knows so much about bats that he can talk on them till the cows come home.

councillor86

councillor86:

he knows so much about bats that he can talk on them till the cows come home.

councillor86

There has to be a joke in there somewhere!  I'm really glad that your son has a teacher who encourages him to that extent - its really excellent!

Tony