health
February 25, 2026
I Suddenly Went Blind 2,000 Miles From Home
In 1990, Gary Williamson was 18, backpacking in Europe, when his vision began to fail. It was the start of a perilous journey.
TL;DR
- Gary Williamson's vision began to fail rapidly at age 18 while backpacking in Europe.
- He was diagnosed with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, a genetic condition with no known cure.
- Williamson focused on getting home and eventually received advice to live his life as if his sight would not return.
- He has since worked in disability services, taken up photography, and built a fulfilling personal life.
- His photography, often in black and white, uses contrast and movement to interpret the world through his blurred vision.
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