Kevin Lazarus, a 49-year-old Pietermaritzburg resident, has learned to navigate his daily life without sight. He lost his vision three years ago due to diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Despite his condition, Lazarus has adapted to his new reality and continues to live independently. He can make his own cup of tea, relying on his other senses to guide him. Lazarus's story is a testament to his resilience and determination.
Before losing his sight, Lazarus spent over a decade working in skills development and business support in Johannesburg. He worked with various organizations, including the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Youth Development Agency. Lazarus also had a passion for music, working as a disc jockey and owning an events company. His mixes were regularly aired on a national radio station under the profile DJ Kevin SA. However, his life took a dramatic turn when his eyesight began to deteriorate.
Lazarus's vision loss was a result of his undiagnosed diabetes. He never tested for sugar or high blood pressure, and as a result, he did not experience any symptoms that would have alerted him to the condition. Today, Lazarus cannot drive, use a computer, or recognize a face. During the day, he can sometimes see shadows or movement, but at night, his vision is completely black. Despite the challenges, Lazarus is determined to move forward and adapt to his new circumstances.
Lazarus's adjustment to blindness was not immediate. He went through a period of anger and depression, questioning why it had happened to him. However, with the support of his mother, uncles, and extended family, he began to adapt to his new reality. Lazarus realized that he had to focus on his abilities rather than his disabilities. He started to rely on his other senses, including his hearing and touch, to navigate his daily life.
Lazarus has found new passion in his life as a disc jockey. At an "Eye Can Walk" event hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society (KZNBDS), Lazarus got behind the decks again. He is now pursuing his dream of getting into radio and wants to use his platform to raise awareness about visual impairment. Lazarus believes that there are opportunities for the blind and visually impaired to develop skills and enter the workplace, but more needs to be done to accommodate them.
KZNBDS president Veetha Sewkuran highlighted the challenges faced by people with visual disabilities in South Africa. Millions of people live with some degree of visual difficulty, and many continue to face barriers to education, employment, mobility, technology, and full participation in society. Sewkuran emphasized the need for skills training, assistive technology, rehabilitation, job placement, and creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods for people with visual disabilities.
Lazarus's story serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges. He has shown that with determination and resilience, it is possible to adapt to a new reality and find new passions. As World Sight Day is observed, Lazarus's story raises awareness about the importance of eye health and the need for greater support and inclusion for people with visual disabilities.
Key points
- Kevin Lazarus lost his sight due to diabetes complications, but he's adapting and pursuing new passions.
- Lazarus wants more opportunities for the blind and visually impaired to develop skills and enter the workplace.
- Millions of people in South Africa live with some degree of visual difficulty, facing barriers to education, employment, and full participation in society.
