Founder and President of Live Well With Vision Loss
Wellbeing is not optional — it is the foundation of how we live, grow, and face vision loss.
I’m Joanne, Founder and President of Live Well With Vision Loss. I have lived with lifelong vision loss, including high myopia and myopic macular degeneration. My journey has shown me that while change is inevitable, how we respond to it shapes our future.
Wellbeing has always been central to my life. Staying active, prioritising movement, focusing on nutrition, trying new experiences, and supporting others in their growth are not strategies I adopted because of vision loss — they are part of who I am. I believe our overall wellbeing directly impacts our eye health, resilience, and ability to adapt.
I created Live Well With Vision Loss to support people at every stage of their journey — including the stage before diagnosis, before intervention, and before confidence returns. That early period can be the most confronting and uncertain. My intention is to embrace individuals, families, carers, and supporters as they navigate change and rediscover capability.
Vision loss will touch the majority of people at some point in their lives — whether through ageing, diagnosis, or supporting someone they love. This organisation exists for all of them. Because wellbeing matters. Mindset matters. Community matters.
Alongside my role as President, I also embrace the voice of the Vision Loss Warrior — recognising that strength and compassion can coexist. I believe in facing reality honestly, moving forward intentionally, and walking beside others with courage.
Thriving is not about denying challenges. It is about building resilience, maintaining dignity, and continuing to participate fully in life — with confidence and purpose.