22 - Retinopathy of Prematurity - New Hampshire

Eyece Breaker Spotlight - September 2026

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Scott's Eyece Breaker Story:

"I think I have one of the most awkward but funniest blind moments that I’ll never forget. In January 2025, I attended a convention called Super MAGFest, which is basically a huge music and gaming convention that takes place in Maryland every year. When I was there, I got to speak on a panel, check out other panelists, explore a huge indie game exhibit hall, and even attend several live concerts that were being held in the venue. Before I continue the story, something that you guys should know about me is that I’m not really a big fan of using the bathroom out in public, particularly the bathrooms that you walk in and have to try to navigate a huge room just to find the urinal or toilet, and really, that’s where this story begins. Throughout the whole convention, I had my friend Erica guiding/bringing me to all of the activities that were going on, even when it came to the bathroom. Now, I already felt weirded out when it came to that because I feel like being brought to the bathroom is weird enough, given the fact that that’s something that I used to do independently. But anyways, when we made it to the bathroom, she asked me if I needed any help navigating through the bathroom. I told her I was all set and that I wanted to try doing this independently. So what I proceeded to do is use Be My Eyes, but not normal Be My Eyes on my phone. I use Be My Eyes with my Meta glasses, and for anyone who owns the Meta glasses, you understand that you can hear the sound, but no one can hear it. I proceeded to call a Be My Eyes volunteer using my Meta glasses before walking into the bathroom. Once I walked into the bathroom, there were several guys in there being nice and friendly, trying to guide me around the bathroom, speaking to me all sorts of different directions. So not only did I have a Be My Eyes volunteer that could look through my camera and was describing things to me and helping me, but I had five grown men in the bathroom describing everything, giving me directions, and even at one point grabbing my arm and bringing me to the stall. Now, as funny as this sounds, this was super uncomfortable and embarrassing, given the fact that I just wanted to use the bathroom and be independent. But to this day, I look back at this memory and just laugh because it was a super funny situation, but also a teaching moment for me to not do this again, and if I’m going to call a volunteer, do it when I’m in the bathroom so there’s other people that are aware and they’re not trying to help when there’s someone else that’s helping me."

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? 

What’s something that living with vision loss has taught you about yourself?

What’s a moment, related to your vision, that still makes you laugh? 

When speaking about your vision, what’s something people are usually surprised to learn about your day-to-day life?

What’s one misconception about your vision that you wish people knew and/or would let go of?

With your diagnosis in mind, what’s one “rare perspective” you’ve gained? 

A Little More From Scott: