Joel is a 16-year-old service user at My Sight Notts. Outgoing and friendly, he loves Scouts, music, and the theatre. Joel was born extremely premature and as a result has faced several health challenges, including severe sight loss in both eyes. He has now lost all functional sight in his right eye following a retinal detachment he experienced two years ago, and he also uses a hearing aid.

Despite these challenges, Joel thrives at his mainstream school with the help of an iPad, a teaching assistant, and plenty of determination. He’s working on his Duke of Edinburgh award and was even awarded the Medal of Meritorious Conduct by Bear Grylls for his achievements in Scouts.

A big part of Joel’s life is Petal, his golden retriever buddy dog. While not a guide dog, Petal is a loyal companion who helps Joel build confidence and connect with others.

My Sight Notts has supported Joel with specialist equipment, tech workshops, and ongoing advice for him and his mum, Melissa. She says it’s comforting knowing we’re always there.

Joel hopes to raise awareness about sight loss at school— hopefully with Petal by his side—and says simple things like wearing bright clothes or introducing yourself really helps him.

Kind, determined, and always up for a challenge, Joel is an inspiration to us all.