My name is Laura Gooljar and I joined the Board of Trustees in August 2017. In 2009, I lost my sight in a matter of hours due to an undiagnosed vitamin deficiency and, whilst I was lucky that much of my sight has been restored, I have experienced first-hand the types of challenges, sight loss can pose.

It has been a privilege to serve as a Trustee for the past three years and to be a part of the many changes which have taken place over this time.

With our new CEO, Lisa at the helm, I am truly excited about the direction we are taking as we have clear mission statements with our members, volunteers and sight loss community at the heart of it. I am particularly proud of the work being undertaken to establish a befriending service as, through my role as Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) at St Mary’s, I am told by so many patients how lonely they find themselves at times.

As a trustee, my aim is to support our incredible staff, hard-working volunteers and members to ensure that anyone on the Island with sight loss, receives the input they want.

I have lived on the Island for over 20 years and always feel so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world. I have been in post as our local ECLO for 5 years and am constantly being challenged by the role and learn something new every day. 2020 has really altered how we carry out so many activities, but it has really shown us that if we work together and show kindness to one another that we can achieve almost anything.