IG: @ladavisofficial
Where are you from?
England, United Kingdom
Where do you live now?
I live in North London as I have done most of my life, apart from University.
Tell me about yourself?
I’m a happy go lucky, fun, over-thinker! I try to see the best in people and the best in situations. I am a trained actor, signed musician and sometimes model.
What’s your EYE story?
Let me start by taking you back to Saturday in 2017. I have worked in and around the beauty and cosmetics industry the majority of my adult life. Looking your best and having to convey an idea of self-assuredness to an ever watching audience had become part of everyday life.
I had been tasked this week to help on an in-store promotion at the world renowned Selfridges. It was a week like no other. Smashing sales targets, lunchtime shopping and catching up with old friends filled my heart with the warmth that you only feel when you’re living your best life.
All while succeeding at the same time. We decided after we’d finished for the day to go out for some drinks. I wasn’t due for work the next day so I thought nothing of celebrating success by going for drinks with some dear friends.
Sunday July 9, 2017 will be a day etched in my mind for the rest of my life. I awoke to find two doctors standing over me. They were saying my name as I woke from a dazed very confused deep sleep. I could hear Mr. Davis, Mr. Davis, Mr. Davis being called as I opened my eyes unable to fathom why only one eye could see.
I was given the news there had been an accident. I'd spent six hours in surgery in the hope of repairing my eye which had been damaged by serious blunt force trauma. Roll on four and a bit years, I have finally found the strength and resilience to truly understand myself again. Years of specialists helping me from the wonderful teams at Guys and St Thomas Health Trust to rebuild my socket, make a bespoke prosthetic eye for me and helping me to understand that I am more than my injury.
Recently meeting the most wonderful bunch of monocular warriors has given me the comfort to know that I am not alone in this world. Sharing stories that only a one seeing eye person could truly understand and learning to embrace my difference. I’m so happy to have found a tribe so caring, so nonjudgemental.
The future is looking bright and I cannot wait for the next chapter.
What has been the hardest thing mentally?
Trying to change my thought process and separate my injury from who I actually am as a person.
What has been the hardest thing physically?
Accepting that my prosthesis doesn't always look in the direction I hope it will. Then catching double takes as anyone I’m talking to notices.
Where are you now in your recovery?
Almost 5 years and I think I’m almost back up to full strength and mind.
What piece of advice would you give to someone going through their eye impairment journey?
It will get better. You’ll adjust. And if you ever need someone to shoot the breeze with just holla at me and I’ll give you any advice I can.
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