In chapter 7 I will address the world problem of blindness and visual handicap, but in such an exercise there is a tendency to forget that poor vision is a challenge that an individual has to face in his or her own way – hopefully with all the support that a caring society can give. Loss of a sense is a very personal tragedy. I believe it was Sir John Wilson of the World Health Organization who said, ‘People do not go blind by the million. They go blind individually, each in his own predicament.’ In this chapter I want to concentrate on individuals, famous people from the past and present, who have had to cope with the handicap of blindness, visual impairment or even just a minor ocular imperfection, and its consequent effect on their lives.

Religion

St Lucy

In the Middle Ages in Europe medical treatment was at a low ebb: little could be done for most ailments, but there was one source of healing which is still used today, namely the power of faith and the Church. Someone with an eye problem in the Middle Ages might be treated by a travelling oculist, who would probably be a dangerous quack (see chapter 3). Alternatively they could pray to a healing saint or, even better, go on pilgrimage to a church or shrine that had holy relics of such a saint. There are several healing saints who are associated with blindness and failing vision, but probably the best known is St Lucy.

St Lucy is the patron saint of the blind. She is said to have lived in the fourth century AD and to have been born into a Christian family in Syracuse. Being a Christian at this time was dangerous and her troubles began when she was engaged to a man she did not like. The fiancé wanted Lucy to give up Christ but she stubbornly refused, and in a rage he denounced Lucy to the authorities. She was tortured but she held steady. At one point she asked the prefect in control of Syracuse, who was her main oppressor, what he most admired about her. He said without hesitation that her eyes were her best feature. It is said that she promptly plucked them out and sent them to him.