This Blind Woman Burst Into Tears After Seeing Her Guide Dog For The First Time In 8 Years

Mary Sedgwick, who has been blind for over 15 years, broke down in tears at first sight of her guide dog after 8 years with the help of eSight electronic glasses.

Joanna

• Published in Animals
• January 1, 2018

Sadly, Mary Sedgwick’s dream of becoming a doctor never came true. Forty-eight years old now, she was diagnosed with bilateral optic neuritis that causes visual impairment and blindness when she was around twenty-seven. Mary’s vision slowly declined over the years and in 2003 she was declared legally blind.

A fourth-year medical student when diagnosed, she was shattered when she could not continue practicing. Although Mary’s future was unraveling before her, her fears were put slightly at ease by the welcome of Lucy into her life. Lucy, a golden retriever guide dog, allowed Mary to slowly start appreciating life again, and the pair fast became best friends.

 This April, at the NC Lions MD 31 State Convention she could not believe her luck when she finally plucked up the courage to try on a pair of eSight electronic glasses. With the addition of a high-definition camera, the glasses restored some of Mary’s remaining residual vision.

Mary and best friend Lucy

Being blind never meant that she had to sit at home

She had her happy doggo to take where ever she went

They do everything together

Mary did not stop doing the things she wanted to do with Lucy by her side.

Guide dog Lucy

Eight years later, although Mary could not have been happier with Lucy by her side, she always wondered what she looked like.

Putting on the special glasses that will enable the blind to have vision

Switching on the device

The moment this blind woman sees her guide dog's eyes for the first time

It would be incredible to see your doggo and their fur after eight years of being together

Breaking down in tears, she looked into Lucy’s gentle, kind eyes for the very first time, and saw the faces of her beloved family and friends. ‘My heart has been flowing over since that moment, and my mind has been exploding with the potential the future holds,’ she said.

Although the glasses cost more than $10,000, Mary is determined to make her dream of seeing again a reality and has started a fundraising campaign. After reaching her goal she wants to help others just like herself and add colour to their lives too.

Legally blind, Mary Sedgwick sees her guide dog for the first time.

After sixteen years of darkness, Mary sees her 'best friend'.

Don't they look great together?

Joanna