This Sports Eye Safety Month, some of our incredible mentors and athletes are sharing their experiences of sport, the challenges they’ve faced, how they have adapted their sport to meet their needs, and the passion they have found along the way.

In this video series, mentor Caitlin shares her experience of accessible sports, the impact they’ve had on her, and offers advice on how to find a sport that suits you, and the opportunities being part of the sporting community can create.

Meet LOOK Mentor Caitlin

In this video, Caitlin shares with us her visual impairment and her sporting background.

Doing sport has massively impacted my confidence. I have a friends and a social network with lots of other visually impaired people, I’m active and I’m studying for a sports degree. If it wasn’t for sport, I probably wouldn’t be confident enough to speak to people about vision loss, advocate for vision loss or be involved with the LOOK mentoring scheme.

Eye Safety In Sport

After an eye injury sustained during Brazilian jiu-jitsu temporarily caused her to lose her vision, Caitlin emphasises the importance of protecting your eyes while playing sports.

Caitlin shares why eye safety is so important in sport.

How to Find a Sport That Suits You

To find the sport that’s right for you, Caitlin suggests trying as many different sports as possible and committing to more than one session. Eventually, you’ll discover the sport you truly love.

Caitlin shares her approach to finding a new sport that she’s passionate about.

Top Tips For Starting Sport For The First Time

Image of Caitlin in a pale nude sports top, and blue shorts wearing a protective eye mask playing football.
  • Be brave, be confident and open to new experiences.
  • Tell people what you need from them, and communicate with coaches. Let them understand your vision loss.
  • Enjoy it and have fun!
Caitlin shares her top tips for starting a sport for the first time.

How To Find Accessible Sports

British Blind Sport Activity Finder is a great way to discover what sports and physical activities are available in your local area.

Caitlin shares how to find accessible sports in your local area.

Starting something new is scary, not because you cant do it but because its new.

Barriers As A Visually Impaired Athlete

Caitlin created a pair of glasses that simulated her vision, allowing her training partners and coaches to see what she could. This helped her explain her vision loss to teammates and proved to be a valuable tool, not only for sports but also for education.

Caitlin shares the barriers she has faced as a visually impaired athlete.

Have a go, enjoy sport and be brave!

A huge thank you to Caitlin for sharing her sporting journey with the LOOK community, wishing you the best of luck with the England blind lionesses team.

Stay tuned for the next blog in our series, where another LOOK Mentor and athlete shares their story.