Hi, I'm Alexis.
13 - Retinitis Pigmentosa - Missouri
Eyece Breaker Spotlight - August 2026
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Alexis' Eyece Breaker Story:
"I was at the store with my friend and we were looking around. We split off to look for different things. I was having a bad eye day and had my eyes closed because of the light sensitivity. I was in the clothing area and was feeling around for cool textures. I stopped when I found a weird fur coat. It felt thin and kind of like an animal skin or pelt. I was about to open my eyes when the coat said “hello?”. I was mortified to realize that I was petting a man’s (very) hairy arm. I started apologizing but got so embarrassed that I ran off to the makeup area. I still cringe when I think about this moment!!"
Beyond the Story:
What's an activity or hobby that you refuse to give up doing, despite the changes to or loss of your vision?
" I continue to roller skate even though I lost most of my vision. I really enjoy gliding along the floor and feeling the wind in my hair. It is something I really enjoy doing."
What’s something that living with vision loss has taught you about yourself?
"It has taught me about how strong I really am, and that I can overcome any obstacle in my way."
What’s a moment, related to your vision, that still makes you laugh?
"I still try to use shopping carts in public. I always run into something forgetting I can’t see where I’m heading. It is always a silly moment when I run into something at the store not knowing it was there!"
When speaking about your vision, what’s something people are usually surprised to learn about your day-to-day life?
" That blindness isn’t just darkness. It is a spectrum, meaning it’s different for everybody. Most people I meet think blind people can’t see anything, when I still have remaining vision. I always joke that I can see, but I can’t see!"
What’s one misconception about your vision that you wish people knew and/or would let go of?
"That we can’t be independent. I am a very independent person even though I am visually impaired. I don’t need help going to the bathroom or getting around by myself."
With your diagnosis in mind, what’s one “rare perspective” you’ve gained?
" That everyone has something going on even though you might not be able to see it from the outside. Many people think I’m not blind because my eyes look normal. I don’t ever want to make someone feel bad about themselves for something they cannot control."
A Little More From Alexis:
"I am 13 and became visually impaired at 11. I have had a hard time in school and am finally getting used to using my cane. It has been a crazy experience to say the least. I just want anyone who is going through the same thing, to know that people care. And you will make it through just like I am right now, one step at a time."
June 2026
Anthony
“I reached for a free Costco meatball…I’m not about to disrespect a free meatball...Then accidentally knocked over the backup supply. My Guide Dog thought it was the greatest day in Costco history.”
May 2026
Randall
“I was dressed for the camera and proceeded with my speech. It was 7 minutes long. I said thank you and waited for a response… only silence. Then I realized I wasn’t even in the meeting.”
April 2026
Jen
“I was cooking with a house full of kids and looking for the butter. They told me to put my hand down directly in front of me…now each time something is directly in front of me, someone yells ‘BUTTER!’”
MARCH 2026
STEPHANIE
"I was in a shop with my daughter when I grabbed what felt like an amazing purse. She urgently whispred to STOP...Turns out, it was attached to another customer! We laughed so hard."
FEBRUARY 2026
SHANA
"I entered a dim bathroom--found a fun-house of mirrors instead. Upon leaving I called for help and laughed until a kind woman led me to freedom."
July 2026
COMING SOON