“My name is Theresa and I was born in 2000.
Shortly before my second birthday, my grandmother noticed a yellowish reflection in the pupil of my left eye when the light came in from the side.
The ophthalmologist immediately sent my parents and me to the University Hospital in Erlangen.
When the diagnosis of unilateral retinoblastoma was made there shortly afterwards, it was already too late to save the eye and I have had a glass eye ever since.

It’s a lie, many people don’t even notice that I have a glass eye.
Of course, I miss part of my field of vision and spatial vision, but I can still do (almost) everything I want, e.g. ride a motorcycle and drive a car.
Over time, you also discover little “tricks” that make your life easier, such as placing bottles on the edge of the glass before pouring or looking in the rear-view mirror more often when driving a car or motorcycle.

Especially in puberty, the question “Why me?” came up and I thought that everyone would notice my squint.
But friends and family showed me that such outward appearances don’t matter and that you are your own worst critic.

This year I will be completing my degree in special needs education.
I’m already looking forward to teaching and want to convey to children and young people that everyone is valuable and that it’s worth standing up for your own wishes and goals.”

Theresa
Encourager