Blind Fail!

By Samuel Seavey

1 min read

Last updated: August 2023

In today's "storytime," I talk about my most embarrassing VIP moment. Believe it or not, it's actually happened to a lot of us who are visually impaired!

Embarrassing moments

Has it happened to you? Comment below! Want to share your most embarrassing VIP moment? Check out our Blind Fail forum!

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Living With Geographic Atrophy

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shelby-comito Community Admin
Thanks so much for sharing your top "Blind Fail" moment, Sam – definitely sounds like a shocking moment for both you and the surprised stranger!! I think it's great to be able to share and laugh about these moments together, so I really appreciate you starting the conversation here. I hope it breaks the ice and helps others feel comfortable sharing as well. - Shelby, <a href='http://MacularDegneration.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>MacularDegneration.net</a> Team Member
diane Member
It happened to me when I could still see well, before diagnosed with AMD. I was a tad frazzled during the planning of my daughter’s wedding so maybe not, excuse the pun, focused. The driver was a young man waiting for his girlfriend to finish checking in at a hotel. He must have thought she aged by 3 decades when I jumped in and was talking a mike a minute and obviously not looking at him. I jumped hoping my sister hadn’t witnessed my goof up, however she did. I can just imagine his way of telling the the story.
Sharon Moore Moderator
<inline-mention username="diane" user-id="3124362"/> i have learned to laugh at my embarrassing moments. I have had many encounters with total strangers that I mistook for a friend. I wonder if they rack their brains trying to remember who I am. It happens less often now since I realize I can’t recognize faces until I am quite close. Thanks for sharing your experience. Regards, Sharon Moore patient leader
junie Member
Hi Sam I laughed when I saw your video because I have walked out of my place & straight into a strange guys car. My drive was sitting on the other side of the street in a similar not identical vehicle so I know that blind moment. The one that bothers me the most is not identifying faces in restaurants without bright lighting. Everyone in my town doesn’t know I have vision issues so I worry they will think I’m passing by without speaking. all the while I’m hoping if they recognize me they will holler at me. This is my biggest worry & embarrassment. Does anyone else have that concerning blind issue❓❓
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="junie" user-id="3123956"/> I do have that issue. I can’t recognize anyone across a parking lot or in a dimly lit restaurant. I am becoming more vocal about my vision loss so friends will understand why I may not speak. Thanks for sharing your experience. Regards, Sharon Moore patient leader 
2. Linda Hoopes Moderator
 I agree & understand about being concerned that someone may think I’m ignoring or avoiding them. Hopefully, the more we can educate our friends & neighbors about AMD, the more they will understand we can’t see them, especially from a distance. I really have an issue seeing someone inside a car but have ALWAYS had that issue! Linda Hoopes, Advocate & Health Leader
junie Member
Sharon it’s the worst thing that’s happened to me so far. So many know me & im so embarrassed if they speak to me I explain my problem & hope they tell others to speak first. I m not being off handed, I just can’t identify faces which is so weird be cause I see to pass a drivers test, only driving in daytime light of course but faces are a problem. So good to share with you. Thanks, Junie
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="junie" user-id="3123956"/> sharing experiences with people who understand is what I like most about our community. I feel less alone and I learn from others. Warmly, Sharon Moore patient leader 
2. Linda Hoopes Moderator
 Julie, I have my fingers crossed about passing the eye exam next June. It will be a miracle if I pass but I DO believe in miracles so we’ll SEE! Linda Hoopes, Advocate & Health Leader
junie Member
Yes Sharon, Iam so grateful for the opportunity to share & feel that I am not alone in this situation. I realize many people in this world are struggling with worse handicaps & sicknesses‼️🙏
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="junie" user-id="3123956"/> yes and I look around and see many worse off than I am. Sharon, patient leader
Linda Hoopes Moderator
So far, my humorous “Blind Fails” have been minor, like thinking I wore all black and discovering I mismatched black with navy blue but my first cousin shared a funny story about how she was talking with a mannequin in a department store & wondered why she wasn’t replying. I had to laugh at that one! Linda Hoopes, Team Member & Advocate
Sharon Hume Member
I liked your story, thanks for sharing. I have noticed I am seriously blinded at night! I almost can't make out my husband as he walks into the dark hallway of our bedroom when the lights are off. I almost never drive at night and when I do, it's just a short drive in the community but I confess is makes me nervous. Should I be concerned yet. I have a Retina specialist, but he hasn't mentioned not driving. Also, next week I have both eyes injected, it's only been five weeks from the last injections. This time though, the Dr is using Vabysmo for the first time. Has anyone had that medication yet and if so how was the outcome? Yours Truly, Sharon Hume
1. Sharon Hume Member
 Oh great, you give me hope and I most definitely will report any progress. My husband filled out some kind of form for 'Prescription Lifeline' and it helps with costs of very expensive medications such as Vabysmo. I know it cost approximately $4-5 thousand dollars for injections. I know most people can't afford this, we certainly can't but I was approved. Thankful is what I say. Same as Eylea. I will post later next week. All the best, Sharon Hume
2. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Sharon Hume" user-id="4554906"/> i am so glad you mentioned financial assistance through Prescription Lifeline. I am always on the lookout for financial aid programs for those without insurance. No one should have to forego treatment needed to preserve their vision. Looking forward to your update. Sharon, patient leader
Sharon Hume Member
Thanks again Sam for your story. It's good to laugh even though it's really serious, I too am a good driver, but how much longer? Even in the day, I can't read a lot of road signs. But I wanted also to say, my left eye seems to be deteriorating faster than I think it should, so I forgot to mention that. I am hoping the Vabysmo will help. I also take the Ared's 2 vitamin and I can't tell one iota difference in my eyes. Been taking those for about three months. Thanks again, Sharon Hume
1. abbyschmidt Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Sharon Hume" user-id="4554906"/> Hi!! How have you been coping with the Vabysmo? Have you had another eye injection since August? Would love to hear how you're doing. Best, Abby (Team Member).
Sharon Hume Member
 Thanks for asking, I have what I hope will be wonderful news next month! I had the usual pain three hours after the injection but still don't know why but I see a huge improvement in both eyes!! I am hoping beyond hope this is the magic bullet. I have my next appointment about the second week of October, and I will be posting what the Dr thinks about all of this, and what comes next. All the Best to you and the team, Sharon Hume 
1. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Sharon Hume" user-id="4554906"/> i am so glad you saw improvement after treatment with Vabysmo. My sister is on it now and doing very well. I look forward to hearing from you after your next appointment. Regards, Sharon Moore patient leader

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