Blog post
Keep your eye health on track, with athlete James Ledger
As the world celebrates the Paralympic Games, we’re inspired by the incredible determination of athletes striving for greatness.
Among them is James Ledger, a talented sprinter who’s faced more than his fair share of visual challenges yet continues to pursue his dream of competing in the Paralympics.
James’s story
James Ledger is aiming to compete for Team GB at the Paralympic Games.
Born with bilateral coloboma and nystagmus—conditions that severely impair his vision—James has overcome significant obstacles throughout his life, including detached retinas in both eyes over the last five-ten years. This year, James was on track to compete in the Paralympics, but a hamstring injury in his final race dashed those hopes. Despite this setback, James remains focused on recovery, aiming for the World Championships in 2025 and the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.
What makes James’s journey even more inspiring is how he competes: running blindfolded with a guide. Connected by a tether, James and his guide work tirelessly to perfect their timing and rhythm. This partnership, built on trust and communication, allows James to push his limits while his guide ensures he stays on course.
As a visually impaired sprinter, James has found that running not only drives him to overcome obstacles but also gives him the confidence to face challenges head-on.
Understanding James’s eye conditions
During a routine assessment for athletics, it was discovered that James had a detached retina in his left eye—a condition he wasn’t aware of until that moment. This discovery was critical in preventing further deterioration of his vision and since this moment James ensures that he gets regular check ups to ensure that there are no further complications.
James’s conditions, bilateral coloboma and nystagmus, are rare but significant in how they affect vision:
Coloboma: A missing piece of tissue in the eye’s structure, affecting vision depending on the size and location.
Nystagmus: Involuntary eye movements that can reduce vision and depth perception, sometimes affecting balance.
Detached retina: A serious condition where the retina detaches from the back of the eye, risking vision loss. Regular eye tests are vital for early detection of this.
Eye tests can detect a range of conditions that might not show obvious symptoms, like glaucoma or macular degeneration. For those with existing conditions, routine exams are vital in preventing further complications.
“I make a conscious effort to get a regular check-up every year, just to keep an eye on things,” says James.
James’s story is a powerful reminder that eye tests are essential for everyone, not just those who wear glasses or contact lenses.
The power of sport
The Paralympic Games celebrate athletes with disabilities, including those with visual impairments like James. Although James narrowly missed the chance to compete this year due to injury, his story underscores the importance of regular health checks.
“Our eyes are so important in every way,” James says, highlighting that vision is crucial not just for sport, but for everyday life, from mobility to connecting with loved ones.
Navigating life’s challenges
Despite his impressive achievements on the track, James still faces everyday challenges, especially when it comes to getting around. Without the ability to drive, navigating new places can be daunting, particularly for someone with severe visual impairments.
“Transport and navigating is probably the biggest challenge I face,” James admits. This is where having access to services that come to you can make all the difference.
James Ledger’s journey is a powerful reminder to prioritise regular eye care. Whether you have a known condition or just want to keep your vision in top shape, don’t wait until there’s a problem.
