Social media handles: @skorpion_son_of_odin
Where are you from and currently live? France
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a simple person, who has a lot of ideas and ambition but has very little means. I live from day to day and am rebuilding my life little by little. I am divorced and have two children.
What’s your eye story?
I lost my left eye following a shooting accident. The bullet ricocheted off a metal object behind a target and came back in three pieces straight into my eye. One part lodged in my skull behind the eye, another in a muscle below the eye, and lastly in my sinus bone. I underwent three operations, including one to close my empty eye socket, a second for an evisceration with an internal prosthesis, plus a scleral prosthesis, and a third to remove the internal prosthesis following a rejection from an infection. Now I’m waiting to do a scan to see if we can use belly fat, instead of the internal prosthesis, to redo the initial scleral prosthesis.
What has been the most challenging mentally?
Accepting myself as I am. This has been difficult because I was already perplexed by how to do that prior to the accident. Also, the gaze of others, especially children, which can sometimes feel cruel.
What has been the most challenging physically?
Adapting to a 2D view, lacrimal secretions, and painful post-operation recoveries.
Where are you now in your recovery?
I feel better in front of the mirror, but I’m still afraid of other people’s gaze. I can’t wait to be able to put in a prosthesis- I think it will make a big difference.
What advice would you give to someone going through their eye impairment journey?
Not to be discouraged! The human body is made to adapt - we often come out of setbacks even stronger. Being a part of a group that understands and supports you makes things much easier as well.
Who is your eye surgeon and ocularist?
Professor Trechot, Professor Clochet, and Professor Malouf - the three from Nancy in France
How did you find EYEHESIVE?
From an influencer on Instagram: JPLabuschagne @oneeyemodel