by Dr Gemma Arblaster
The clinical phenomenon of Charles Bonnet Syndrome is common in those who have experienced sight loss, yet it is under-reported and often not recognised as associated with poor vision. Charles Bonnet Syndrome or experiencing ‘visual hallucinations’ following sight loss, can take many different forms for different people. Some may report seeing people or animals, shapes or patterns in the parts of their vision that are missing. For many this experience can be scary and difficult to explain to others.
Sarah’s art work beautifully and brilliantly illustrates that our vision is not only central, but peripheral. Our visual system is not only able to detect and process fine detail and colour, but also movement, contrast and light. We utilise a whole range of visual inputs to see the world and Sarah has captured the essence of this with her pieces that explore peripheral vision and the phenomenon of Charles Bonnet Syndrome, where our brain ‘fills in the gaps’ when parts of our vision are missing.
My own clinical and research interests include eye alignment and eye movements, as well as vision, low vision and vision impairment. My recent research in collaboration with others has explored the experiences of older adults with vision impairment during acute hospital care. This research highlighted the value of researching with people with lived experiences of vision impairment and the need to raise awareness and understanding of vision impairment in the hospital setting to improve care.
It is my hope that through Sarah’s art work, people can understand and appreciate more about their own vision and how they see and experience the world, with their central vision and their peripheral vision. Not only is her art visually beautiful, it is also tactile and accessible to those with low vision, sight impairment or severe sight impairment. Sarah’s work therefore also, and probably most importantly, raises awareness of vision, sight loss and the under-reported visual condition of Charles Bonnet Syndrome.
Dr Gemma Arblaster
Lecturer in Orthoptics, University of Sheffield and Orthoptist and Low Vision clinician,
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FT
Charities that support people with Charles Bonnet Syndrome, including Esme’s Umbrella https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk/ and the RNIB https://www.rnib.org.uk/ as well as other national and local vision charities in all areas of the UK.