Failing eyesight no barrier to travel
Retired lawyer Leigh Sheridan hasn't let deteriorating eyesight inhibit his sense of adventure, or diminish his love of travel. Recently returned from a 10-week expedition to Taiwan and Japan, the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT client and long cane user has seen more of the world than most.
Confessing he has "no trouble finding things to do" when not travelling, Leigh and his partner kayak, cycle together, and lately have learnt to tango. He also finds time to walk into Sydney's CBD to meet his two sons for lunch.
Leigh first contacted Guide Dogs NSW/ACT about 15 years ago, once his inherited eye condition Retinitis Pigmentosa reduced his vision to the point where he needed an identification cane. He now gets around confidently with a long cane, but is outspoken on the subject of footpath obstacles.
"The problem is that the tables, chairs and shop displays do not stay in the position designated for them by the Council."
Leigh says Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has been very helpful in providing orientation and mobility training to cope with his vision loss. He will soon be contacting us again to seek assistance boarding the trains at his local station.
Leigh is now planning his next adventure - renting apartments in six different places in Italy later this year.