
Blind perspective. I’m invisible?
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Today I’d like to talk about… human communication. There is one phenomenon in this aspect of human interaction that never ceases to amaze me and, to be honest, sometimes irritates me. I rarely delve into such topics because I’m not a big fan of complaining for the sake of complaining. But the pervasiveness of this problem has surpassed even my considerable patience.
Eye Contact
As a form of non-verbal communication, eye contact is crucial in maintaining or establishing communication. When someone struggles with this aspect, we might perceive a lack of interest from the other person. Conversely, if someone stares at us too intensely, it can make us feel uncomfortable for completely different reasons.
Herein lies the first problem. I experienced it to some extent even before losing my sight, as a person with low vision. Due to my condition, it was difficult for me to establish and maintain eye contact. I either stared too intently or was too inattentive. And trying to navigate this was no easy feat. You try to look less so as not to seem intrusive—bad. You try to observe more closely to catch important emotional signals through facial expressions or eyes—worse.
Yes, I know. I didn’t have “I’m a person with low vision” written on my forehead. I only wore glasses with fairly thick lenses, but not as thick to cause severe discomfort in my nose and ears. The lenses were designed to be thinner and lighter. That wasn’t enough for some people to understand.
Why Dark Glasses?
I won’t quote the exact source of these studies, but there are research findings explaining why a blind person might wear dark glasses. It’s not about the aesthetics of the eyes, but rather about psychological comfort related to eye contact. It turns out that wandering eyes, which blind person cannot control, can cause discomfort for their conversation partners. These partners may feel uneasy, sometimes frightened, or ignored (as I mentioned earlier).
Glasses Aren’t a Wall
I don’t use residual vision as some legally blind individuals do. I wear dark glasses regularly—while walking, in public spaces, or during online meetings. I do this for the psychological comfort of my conversation partners.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work the other way around. I have frequently encountered situations where people talked about me rather than to me. How did this happen? It’s simple. As soon as a sighted person stood next to me as my guide, the attention of others immediately shifted to that person, even though I was the client or patient, not my guide. The inability to make eye contact rendered me invisible to them.
How can one not question the competence of such a salesperson, bank employee, or doctor? How can I be sure that my needs, problems, or requirements are taken seriously when my conversation partner avoids engaging with me and speaks to the person who is just helping me get to a certain place? I am a person. I asked the question or expressed interest. Yet, in the eyes of that person, I became… Well, what exactly? A potted plant? A talking piece of furniture? I’m not quite sure.
In Summary
I am aware that eye contact is important in maintaining human relationships. I’m genuinely sorry that I can’t establish it. That doesn’t make me an object. Please remember this when interacting with me and other blind individuals. It’s so simple, yet sometimes it feels too difficult for many. Does it have to be this way?

Barbara Filipowska
Audytor dostępności
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