Lara experienced two stroke-like episodes. Each episode caused significant visual field loss – first to the right-hand side, then to the left. Lara was 22 years old at the time of the first episode.

Following the second episode, Lara’s independence was severely impacted. Everyday tasks became extremely challenging and unsafe.

Due to her sight loss, Lara was no longer able to:

• Use her mobile phone and other everyday technology
• Travel independently – the loss of her visual field on both sides made walking in a straight line difficult and disorienting
• Socialise, as navigating unfamiliar environments and travelling safely had become overwhelming due to visual processing difficulties

Lara received the first block of intensive vision rehabilitation from Visibility Scotland’s unique stroke rehabilitation programme in 2023. The training focused on supporting Lara in regaining her confidence and independence.

A person-centred approach

Lara played the central role in identifying her goals and priorities, while the vision rehabilitation specialist worked alongside her to ensure the training programme remained safe, practical, and achievable.

After the second stroke-like episode, independent travel was extremely important to Lara. She wanted to learn routes and navigate independently without relying on physical mobility aids. This required careful planning and gradual training to ensure that landmarks were detectable and that routes could be travelled safely and confidently.

Technology also played a crucial role in supporting Lara’s independence. GPS tools and location-tracking applications supported navigation and provided reassurance during travel.

Trusting someone else with teaching independent travel can feel daunting for individuals and their families – particularly when safety is a concern – making professional support and structured training essential.

Employment

Lara became an employee at Visibility Scotland through the Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) Internship programme in October 2024. Lara experienced a second stroke-like episode in November, one month after joining the charity. This episode resulted in bilateral visual field loss (homonymous hemianopia), leading to certification as severely sight-impaired. Due to both stroke-like episodes, Lara only has 25% of her vision remaining.

Lara’s employer supported Lara in her job role by assisting with an Access to Work application and providing intensive orientation training.

The Access to Work application provided detailed recommendations and a professional justification for workplace adjustments.

The Access to Work application included:

• Return taxi to work
• Bone conducting headphones
• Vision rehabilitation, ‘coping strategy training’. Disappointingly, this was not awarded.

Reasonable adjustments made by Lara’s employer included:

• A flexible working pattern
• A high-back chair to support close viewing
• Controllable lighting
• A high-contrast, large-button keyboard
• Dedicated time to learn touch-typing
• Peer support within the workplace
• A quiet office room

Thriving at work

Lara was appointed as Visibility Scotland’s Social Media and Content Creator in June 2025, following the successful completion of the nine-month TPT internship. Lara has been part of the team for almost two years.

Her role enables her to draw on her lived experience to raise awareness and connect with others. Lara successfully raised Visibility Scotland’s profile and continues to do so.

In December 2025, Lara travelled to London with her line manager to take part in an interview with The Times, during which she shared her experiences with Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses.

Lara is also a co-host of Visibility Scotland’s EyeCan podcast, where she continues to advocate for accessibility and independence for people with vision impairment.

What rehabilitation meant to Lara

“When I had my stroke-like episodes, I felt lost, confused and didn’t know where to turn to. I was so lucky that Visibility Scotland was able to help me with rehabilitation scanning and give me great techniques that I still use to this day. I am an independent traveller in areas where I have received route training. Without the rehab training, I wouldn’t have my confidence or independence back.”

For Lara, vision rehabilitation was not just about learning new skills – it was about regaining independence, confidence, and the ability to participate fully in work and social life.

Lara has not received statutory rehabilitation to date due to long waiting lists and a reduced workforce. Lara was 22 when she experienced the first stroke-like episode; she is now 24. 

Visibility Scotland is currently championing the Support After Sight Loss Campaign as part of Vision Collaborative Scotland. Our 2026 manifesto calls on the Scottish Government to improve service provision for vision impaired people across the country. Find out more by visiting the links below:

Visibility Scotland 2026 Manifesto – Visibility Scotland

Support After Sight Loss Campaign | Sight Scotland

ID: Vision Collaborative Scotland’s logo