Michelle Orth reflects on 22 year vision loss journey for White Cane Day
A Townsville woman who began losing her sight 22 years ago has opened up about her long journey to finally feeling confident navigating the world again and using a cane in public.
Townsville
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At 31-years-old a Townsville woman began losing her sight with no clear reason why.
Now for White Cane Day, she is working to tear down misconceptions around vision loss after it took her more than two decades to feel confident navigating around in the world again.
Michelle Orth has always loved being creative with a strong passion for sewing and intricate design work, but 22 years ago, she began to experience painful migraines and vision loss.
Today, Ms Orth has lost complete vision in her right eye and some in her left after a number of minor strokes, eye surgeries and Covid-19 damaged her sight.
“You just naturally start adapting because it’s been happening for so long, and then it got to the point where I was starting to have accidents,’ she said.
“The day that I had to hand in my licence was really hard because that meant I had to start accepting that I’ve lost my independence.”
For many years, Ms Orth felt out of place in the world due to her disability and was unsure about what support there was out there for her.
Out of frustration, she rang Guide Dogs Queensland in a search for information on what assistance was available.
“I knew of Guide Dogs, but I thought it was for totally blind people or if you use a guide dog, and I didn’t feel that I was at that stage,” Ms Orth said.
“I found a number for Guide Dogs and phoned them in the hope that at least they could steer me in the right direction for help.
“In October 2022, I met Brenda my (occupational mobility) for the first time … it then took another 8 months before we actually got to start working together due to her busy schedule, cancellations, my health and such.”
The 53-year-old said that at the time, she was thankful for the delay because she was worried that she would become a target for crime or harassment if she was seen using a cane.
“I could not have been more wrong,” she said.
After getting her cane, which she named Beverley, Ms Orth was amazed at her new-found ability to navigate her surroundings.
“Beverley has given me wings to fly again because I thought my wings were forever clipped, she has given me wings and so much confidence to be able to go outside,” Ms Orth said.
White Cane Day is held annually on October 15 and celebrates the achievements of people with blindness or low vision who use a white cane.
“I wish I knew that Guide Dogs are so much more than dogs helping with vision loss. I wish I knew about the abundance of vision aids to help make life more comfortable and keep your independence longer.”
Ms Orth said that if she could give any advice to people struggling to navigate their vision loss, it would be to learn about their options early on.
“Reach out to Guide Dogs Queensland and talk to them about what support would suit your lifestyle,” she said.
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Originally published as Michelle Orth reflects on 22 year vision loss journey for White Cane Day
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