Robina Williams is a Glaucoma UK buddy, and has previously had a trabeculectomy and two laser treatments. She is determined not to let her glaucoma stop her from doing the things she loves.
My eyesight, although not perfect, hasn’t stopped me from baking and decorating cakes for friends and family, even after my surgeries!
I was diagnosed with glaucoma in my mid-fifties, during a routine eye test. I mentioned to the optician at the time that when watching television, the photographs on top of my TV cabinet were invisible. He recommended I make an appointment with a glaucoma specialist.
My mother had glaucoma for about 20 years and would take drops for it, but I didn’t know a great deal about the disease. I hadn’t been particularly curious about it, as she never discussed it.
Despite the diagnosis, I am determined to live my life as normal. I had been wearing glasses since the age of five due to myopia, and then progressed to contact lenses. Since my cataract operations, I now only wear glasses for reading and driving.
I take eyedrops daily. I’ve also had a trabeculectomy and two laser surgeries. I am very grateful for the treatment I’ve received over the past 30 years.
A few years ago, I decided to join Glaucoma UK’s buddy scheme. I read about it in one of their magazines, and it seemed like a good idea. I speak to people who are due to have a trabeculectomy and share my own experience of having the surgery with them. I hope that I have been able, in a small way, to reassure the people I’ve spoken to. I consider it a privilege to be a buddy. Talking to strangers and listening to their doubts and worries is a responsibility that I take very seriously, and I always do my best to help.
I am determined not to let my glaucoma affect my quality of life. I have always loved baking cakes as a hobby. My eyesight, although not perfect, hasn’t stopped me from baking and decorating cakes for friends and family, even after my surgeries! Having glaucoma doesn’t mean that you can no longer have a normal, useful life.
If you are interested in talking to a buddy or maybe even becoming one, please contact our helpline team who will be able to help. Email helpline@glaucoma.uk or phone 01233 64 81 70.
