“The opportunities and support Berkshire Vision has given him have helped him find a sense of community, and having friends that relate to his situation means he has consistent support in his journey.” 

Jonathan is a third year Archaeology student at the University of Reading.  

Originally from Guernsey, he was drawn to Reading Uni by his ongoing passion for telling stories of history. Archaeology has given him a chance to forge a more personal connection with historical lives, with artefacts giving an insight into the everyday workings of societies throughout time.  

Jonathan’s Story

Issues started with Jonathan’s sight in January 2021, after he noticed that the vision in his left eye wasn’t quite right,  but the pandemic meant he found it difficult to get a check-up. Eventually in March, he was referred to an ophthalmologist, who revealed the shocking news that he had developed a brain tumour. Within 11 days, Jonathan was in surgery. 

To add to this whirlwind experience, during Jonathan’s second procedure his ‘third nerve’ was clipped, meaning he lost motor function of his right eye.  All this happening during the second year of his degree meant that Jonathan had to take a couple of years out to recover and adapt to his visual impairment. After 6 weeks of radiotherapy, the tumour is now in remission and Jonathan has taken his sight loss in his stride. 

Now back at Uni, he’s become something of a “sight loss ambassador”, raising awareness and sharing his experiences with others. 

The Digs

As part of the Archaeology degree, students get the opportunity to go on field trips to excavate artefacts and discover how past societies operated. 

As part of this field studies module, Jonathan decided to showcase his experience of the digs as a blind person. Berkshire Vision provided sight loss simulation glasses, which he then gave to his tutors on one of the sites. This was an eye-opening experience for them, allowing an insight into Jonathan’s experience of the excavations. 

Jonathan is also part of the ‘Enabled Field Work’ committee within the archaeology department. This group helps those who are neurodiverse or disabled with accessibility and support on the digs. Field Work can be a monumental task. With physical labour and plenty of paperwork, Jonathan and the Enabled Field Work team take on a welfare role, ensuring students are pacing themselves on the digs.

“Archaeology is a marathon, not a sprint!”

A New Normal

“This world is definitely designed for people with sight”.

Adapting to his “new normal”, Jonathan isn’t letting his sight loss get in the way of his goals. A regular attendee of the Reading Blind Bowls group, he says that the opportunities and support that Berkshire Vision has given him have helped him find a sense of community, and having friends that relate to his situation means he has consistent support in his journey. He is looking forward to attending more of the Berkshire Vision 18-35 group activities, after having a brilliant time at the Eurovision watch party last year. 

The 18-35 group supports young adults with visual impairments. They host regular activities- including bowling, go-karting, and escape rooms- which encourage independence, confidence, and community building.

The Sight Loss Support team has also been a huge help for Jonathan, aiding him with booking hospital appointments and registering as blind. This support has been essential, helping him to receive the support he needs in daily life, and better adjust to his sight loss.

Although his impairment means his plans have changed, Jonathan is still looking forward to a career in archaeology. Looking into community-facing roles in museums and schools, he’s excited to share his passion for the past with the world!