Veterans' stories
We've helped thousands of blind veterans to rebuild their lives. And every one of them has a story to tell.
Some of our veterans are young men and women, struggling to find a new purpose in life after their military career came to an abrupt end. Others are older, trying to navigate the isolation of sight loss as partners pass away and children leave home. Some of our beneficiaries were blinded in conflict, while others lost their vision in later life through age-related illnesses. There are as many different stories as there are blind veterans.
On this page, you'll find stories that can be shocking, tragic and heartbreaking. But they're also moving, inspirational and important to hear.
Meet our veterans
Simon
Simon was a young man in the prime of his service career when he was hit by a sniper's bullet in Iraq in 2006.
He lost his left eye and was left with only 20 per cent vision in his right. Struggling to rebuild his life and adjust to his sight loss, Simon turned to Blind Veterans UK.
Roan
Following in his brother’s footsteps into the Army, Roan was devastated when sight loss derailed his career.
Still in his 20s, Roan was diagnosed with the genetic condition, retinitis pigmentosa, which causes night blindness.
Rob
Rob was just 23 when he suffered severe injuries to his head and face in a horrific blast in Afghanistan.
Despite losing both his eyes in the attack, these days he's achieving more than he ever thought possible and says that's all down to our support.
Billy
Billy was devastated when he lost his sight while serving in Bosnia. With a young family to support, he felt terrified and completely unable to cope.
Fortunately, we were there to help him achieve his independence again - and so much more.
Jules
After serving in the Royal Military Police for more than ten years, Jules became very depressed and isolated when his sight suddenly deteriorated in his late 40s.
Now one of our most active beneficiaries, he dedicates his time to helping other blind veterans in the same boat.
Highlighted content
Ken's story
Ken was isolated after he lost his sight and his wife died. But meeting our volunteer, Liam, changed his life.
Chris's story
Chris was a young dad at the height of his career when he was blinded on duty. See how he turned his life around.
Eddie's story
Our tribute to a much-loved D-Day veteran who lost his sight late in life and found our support life-changing.
Blinded in combat: a photography exhibition
For Remembrance 2022 we teamed up with an award-winning photographer to capture the portraits of nine blind veterans who lost their sight in the line of duty.
Discover the amazing stories behind the portraits and find out how they lost their sight, the challenges they faced, and their ongoing journey of rehabilitation.
Read more
How we help veterans
Find out how we help ex-Servicemen and women turn their lives around.
News and stories
Find out about what's happening across our charity, and learn more about our veterans, fundraisers and partners.
Support us
We need your help to change blind veterans' lives. Find out more about how you can donate, fundraise or volunteer.
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