I run an embroidery studio, repair clothing, and teach various sewing classes and creative workshops for adults and children. The workshops and sewing classes are a lot of fun, and for some participants, this is a chance to take some “me time.” My embroidery projects are very diverse and creative. I find my inspiration and knitting patterns on Pinterest or Dropdesign. I also post a lot of ideas and patterns on Pinterest myself. I’m more likely to have a thread in a needle than my students, who have a keen eye for detail. The only thing I’m not very good at is unpicking black-on-black stitching.
I also have many different hobbies; I enjoy designing clothes, going for a ride on my motorcycle with my husband, taking photos, doing crafts with paper, and I make just about anything—both by hand and by machine—that can be created with a needle and thread. I just can’t sit still.
Rianne has since started the Eyepatch Shop, where she sells eye patches.
How It Happened
On Boxing Day 2014, I suffered a retinal detachment. By the time I realized how serious it was, I couldn’t see an ophthalmologist until 24 hours later. It was too late for proper treatment. At first, things seemed to be going well, but by February my vision was only 50 percent, and I underwent a second surgery. Unfortunately, this didn’t help, and I had yet another surgery in March during which the “macula” was damaged. Then, in May, I had yet another surgery to lower the intraocular pressure, and the lens was removed from my eye. After four eye surgeries, I am completely blind in my right eye. I don’t have an ocular prosthesis, but I am convinced that as soon as I experience pain in my eye, I will opt for an eye removal surgery and a nice ocular prosthesis.
Connecting with others in similar situations
I really wanted to connect with people who live with vision loss in one eye and have similar experiences to mine. Through Facebook, I found the OOG in OOG Association. I enjoy hearing from others in the same situation about how they cope with having vision in only one eye. Every time, I hear a tip that helps me move forward. For example, I found the stories of Paul van Yzendoorn and Rita Verduin during the peer support day very inspiring. Two people who’ve faced many personal setbacks—one a bit more than the other—who, despite everything, just keep going and look to the future! This personally gives me extra energy.
I’d like to get involved with the OOG in OOG Association and have signed up for the audit committee. I’d also like to contribute by providing information at events like trade shows and perhaps organizing a fun workshop at one of the Workshop Contact Days. That sounds like a lot of fun!
