For my capstone project, I chose to research a topic that deeply interests me and aligns with my career goals. I aimed to combine my psychology major with my goal of becoming an optometrist by exploring vision impairment and its impact on the development and daily life in children and young adults. The objective of my research was to gain a deeper understanding of how adolescents and children with vision impairments navigate their daily lives, including the challenges and limitations they may face whether in school, social relationships, or personal development. Additionally, I wanted to explore how vision impairment influences self-esteem and confidence, which can have broader effects on various aspects of life.
During my literature review, I came across some unexpected findings. For instance, one study revealed that adolescents with severe vision impairments reported the highest sense of school belonging compared to their sighted peers and those with milder visual impairments. This was surprising because one might assume that greater vision impairment would correlate with increased struggles in social integration.
However, this study challenged that assumption, highlighting the complexity of individual experiences. One of the most significant takeaways from my research is that no two cases are the same; there is no universal standard for how vision impairment affects a person’s life. Each individual experiences and copes with their impairment differently. Some grow up in supportive environments that encourage independence, while others may not have access to the same resources or support, leading to greater feelings of limitation. Through my research, I also discovered various tools, such as assistive apps, that help individuals with vision impairments navigate daily challenges.
Pursuing a career in optometry means that I will work with a diverse range of patients, including children and adolescents with varying degrees of vision impairment. This research has provided me with valuable insight into their experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms. Additionally, it has broadened my perspective on how society can better support individuals with vision impairments.
Initially, I expected my capstone to be just another project, something to complete and move on from. However, it turned out to be a profoundly eye-opening experience that provided me with new perspectives and meaningful knowledge. One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding the right sources, as locating relevant and credible studies required extensive research. Fortunately meeting with my mentor, Professor Louis Rotondo, helped me refine my focus and identify key areas to explore.
Looking ahead, I would love to expand this research by shifting the focus to adults with vision impairments. Understanding how they manage daily life, their self-perceptions, and their coping strategies could provide even more valuable insight into the lifelong impact of vision impairment.
Ultimately, this experience has reinforced the importance of being open to learning and embracing the unexpected. I now understand that research is not just about finding answers but about uncovering new perspectives that challenge assumptions. This project has been both enlightening and rewarding, and I look forward to applying what I’ve learned in my future career.
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