Incurable eye conditions pose significant challenges for many, including dart player Searle. His experiences highlight the impact of vision impairments on daily activities and competitive sports.
Searle’s Vision Struggles
For Searle, dart competitions can be a daunting experience due to his eyesight. On challenging days, he struggles to see where his darts land. Despite this, he remains hopeful that sharing his story can inspire others facing similar difficulties.
“I only learned my diagnosis in the last 18 months,” Searle explained. “It’s been problematic for as long as I can remember.” With no existing cure for his condition, Searle relies on contact lenses to improve his vision, albeit with limitations.
Impact on Competitive Play
During tournaments, Searle sometimes finds himself asking the caller for confirmation of his scores. This scenario underscores the additional hurdles he encounters while competing.
Inspiring Others
Searle’s commitment extends beyond the dartboard. He aims to encourage individuals who also struggle with vision issues to engage with the sport. He believes that rising awareness can inspire action and motivate others to play.
Fundraising Efforts
In addition to raising awareness, Searle is actively fundraising for the Cure ADOA Foundation. To date, he has raised over £10,000. His initiative includes a raffle for shirts donated by fellow tournament opponents, aiming to gather more financial support for research.
A Family Legacy
Searle’s desire for a cure is not only for himself but also for his children. His daughter, who is visually impaired, faces challenges similar to his own. He expressed his hope that advancements could allow her the independence to drive in the future.
- Searle’s condition is hereditary.
- His son experiences less severe symptoms.
- His daughter has significant difficulty seeing beyond six feet.
Actively raising awareness and funds, Searle aims to inspire others while seeking a future where vision impairments no longer hinder life’s possibilities.
