Francesca and I are delighted that the diptych illustrating my experience of living with strabismus has been selected as the Image of the Month in both The Ophthalmologist and The New Optometrist magazines (online and print versions). I’m also proud of the fact that it sits alongside an important article written by Alun Evans featuring Mr Saurabh Jain, Consultant Ophthalmologist. Mr Jain is a collaborator on Face to Face with Strabismus and also advised me on the medical aspects of Reggie Ruby, the Pirate of the Trees.
Let me explain the story behind this image; on the left is what should have been my reflection in a mirror. On the right is what I saw every day with diplopia caused by strabismus. This distortion troubled me every day and yet people around me could not guess what I was dealing with. That frustration led me to create the concept behind this diptych which is based on an original photograph by Francesca.
Other strabismus sufferers have told me how tough they find their daily life. It is made harder by the lack of awareness about strabismus which, in turn, results in a lack of support which continues to this day. I am working hard with others to raise awareness of strabismus and to improve care for patients. If you suffer with strabismus, look after yourself and do make sure you get all the support that you need.
Lucia x
Lucia Wilson 