Going Blind

Going Blind is a thought-provoking documentary film from 2010 directed by Joseph Lovett. Featuring inspiring personalities like Steve Baskis, Peter D'Elia, and Jessica Jones, the film effectively communicates its key message: vision loss should not be equated with the loss of one's life, but the start of a new journey towards unseen horizons of potential and possibility.

The narrative is expertly woven around real-life instances of visual impairment and blindness among different people. Each person showcased in the movie is facing their condition with immense courage and optimism, a spirit which forms the crux of Going Blind.

Steve Baskis, an American military veteran, is one of the key characters in the film. Despite being blinded by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) during his service in Iraq, he doesn’t let this tragedy deter his enthusiasm and zeal for life. His character is incredibly uplifting and serves as a stark reminder of the indomitable human spirit.

Peter D'Elia, another fascinating personality in the movie, suffers from glaucoma, an eye condition that results in degenerative vision loss over time. Yet, he refuses to let the impending darkness cloud his world or diminish his passion for life. His character beautifully demonstrates an extraordinary strength of character and determination, showing that physical obstacles can be surmounted with a positive mindset.

Jessica Jones, another standout character in the movie, brings a different facet of the struggle and acceptance associated with vision loss. Despite grappling with an inherited eye disease, she exemplifies resilience and tenacity as she navigates through her challenges and reshapes her life to adapt to her vision loss.

Director, Joseph Lovett, himself suffers from glaucoma and brings his personal experiences and insights to this film. He threads together these poignant human stories with sensitivity and empathy. Throughout the film, it becomes apparent that the intent is not only to compel the viewer to take note of their own eye health but also to raise awareness about the resources available to the visually impaired. The film aims to eliminate any stigma associated with vision loss and encourages society to see the visually impaired as fully capable individuals who can lead meaningful lives despite their condition.

Going Blind shines a spotlight on the termed ‘low vision community'. It brings forth accounts of patients, their families, doctors, researchers, and vision rehabilitation professionals. The film’s comprehensive approach offers a global conversation about living with various forms of visual impairment, exploring various treatments, and the available aids for navigation and integration into daily life.

The strength of this film lies in its storytelling. The personal stories are intimate, heartfelt, and filled with both vulnerability and power. The film doesn’t shy away from revealing the struggle these individuals face, yet it focuses more on their courage, strength, and adaptability. The audience is invited not to pity these individuals, but to admire them, learn from them, and reflect on their own attitudes towards vision loss.

The director presents these inspiring stories in a way that urges viewers to be more conscious about their eye health. It raises awareness about preventable and treatable blindness, pushing for improved access to treatment and rehabilitation services.

In summary, Going Blind is a powerful, insightful, and inspiring film about vision loss. It combines real-life anecdotes with medical and scientific facts to create a holistic portrayal of visual impairment. The film is more than a documentary; it's an igniter of conversations and changer of perceptions. It is through these empowering, vibrant, and resilient characters, that Going Blind becomes an avenue for destigmatizing visual impairment and a call to action for eye health awareness at a global level.

Regardless of whether you have perfect vision or any level of visual impairment, Going Blind has essential takeaway values for all. It’s a testament to courage, strength, adaptability, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Overall, the movie serves as a stark reminder that it's not the challenges we face that define us, but rather, it's how we choose to face them that truly matters.