Chrissie Whitfield

A new nationwide, patient-to-patient support group for people of all ages diagnosed with eye disease has been launched and is now seeking charitable status.

#Blindsided NZ, a closed Facebook and social media group was set up by Chrissie Whitfield, a professional business coach based in Christchurch, after literally feeling ‘blindsided’ when she was diagnosed with early onset macular degeneration a year ago.

“After the diagnosis, I struggled to find anywhere I could share, grieve and source the information I needed to re-plan my life.” Blind Low Vision New Zealand and Macular Degeneration New Zealand were both very helpful, but she needed more, she said.

Together with her mum Ngaire, now 91, who also has macular degeneration, Whitfield set up a casual group in Wellington. After talking to likeminded individuals with similar experiences to her own, she felt much better, she said, thus Blindsided was born. “I decided to set up a group to offer friendship and information for all those with a vision loss diagnosis.

“Right now, we are mostly based on social media, with Skype events and local groups where and when possible. But I am fundraising to set this up as a charitable trust and I am hoping to work with existing organisations to provide a more complete, nationwide service that combines practical and clinical support with friendship and advocacy.”

Retired optometrist John Veale, who has worked with the Lighthouse Vision Trust in Christchurch for a number of years, said any help, especially from someone who has visual problems themselves, is a good idea. “Blindsided has a role in helping people come to terms with their difficulties.”