Competitions

Five gatherings of people affected by aniridia were held around the UK to celebrate this, Aniridia Day.

Adults with aniridia hosted the get-togethers. Fellow patients, parents, children, came along to chat about life with our condition. Aniridia Network also bought everyone a soft drink to welcome them.

It was a great opportunity to meet new people and share our experiences of aniridia with each other. 

Brooke

In Sheffield Katie was delighted to have coffee with Amy and her daughter Lilly at Meadowhall.

First time Lilly has met anyone with the same eye condition as herself.
It was a great chance for Lilly to talk and ask questions.

Amy

In Glasgow, Laura an her parents were joined by Sean, Chloe, Linda and Robert at Tinderbox in Princes Square. This was only our second ever event in Scotland. Thay had a great time chatting and are keen to repeat it and stay in touch.

Meanwhile in London James arranged a trip to Spitalfields City Farm for: Keith, Brook (& fiancee Daniel), parents, Simon & Jena with son Finlay and his sister, parent Sarah & Alex with neborn Otilia and 2 more kids. They enjoyed talking about their experiences, visual aids and ways of living with aniridia as they stroked donkeys, goats, pigs and other cute animals.

This lovely day was a perfect opportunity for us to get a better understanding of aniridia and make connections for the future when our little girl grows up. The farm was the perfect place to meet with the children. I look forward to the next meeting.

Sarah

Finlay said he “definitely wasn’t the only person with black eyes today!” Which I think shows the importance of these meet ups (even for a child at the age of 6).
It was such a lovely afternoon and a wonderful opportunity for us to meet with others from the aniridia community and gain and share information and experiences, so thank you!

Jenna

On aniridia day itself we also held an online meet up. 7 people joined this and discused subjects such as cornea disease, cataract surgery and employment.

It was great to hear about what else is happening elsewhere, as well as to have had the chance to chat with everyone and to learn more – particularly about what to expect and what could happen in the future.

Laura