Yes, I am actually blind.
As shown in the photo below, I have Colobomas, which are "holes" in the eye that impact the tissue around them. For some, these are minor and only cause light sensitivity. For me, they are much more severe.
My colobomas went entirely through my eyes and reached the optic nerves, causing Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH).
The optic nerve's responsibility is the delivery of visual stimuli from your brain to your eyes.
The loss of parts of this nerve causes physical and mental exhaustion on a daily basis due to the brain working strenuously to transfer information.
I'm heavily near sighted, and have adapted enough over the years to produce high quality images for clients despite my brain not receiving high quality images lol.
Huge shoutout to autofocus and my editing software for almost always coming in clutch.
"How do you see?"
Both eyes are highly light sensitive. My iris (colorful part of the eye) is not a fully formed ring like most, due to the Coloboma. This means that in brightly lit settings, my pupils can not shrink in size to avoid letting in too much light.
My right eye is "my blind eye". I lack control over this eye, and it can only register light, shadows, and movement.
My left eye aka "my good eye" is still on the blindness spectrum, but it's usable. It has an acuity of 20/150. It is unable to be corrected with glasses/contacts due to the missing tissue needed neurologically.
Mindset
Questions are always welcome and are never taken with offense. I enjoy the moments where I have the opportunity to educate clients, friends, and strangers, about the topic, because it allows me to form a connection with that individual.
Since I was a young child, I often carried a camera around and haven't stopped since. Although photography is more work for someone with these things, the enjoyment and reward out-weigh it immensely.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future"
Jeremiah 29:11