Born Blind & Got Her Sight At 36 - Olivia’s Story (part one)

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

Big thank you to Olivia for sharing her story with us!

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Hey thought you should know guys that it’s my birthday today and I to a member of the blind visually impaired community here in Ireland and just I’m happy today to be 24 so just I wanted to put the hair and just get a reaction from you guys and for Miss blind KZbinr herself because she is my favourite

[@msm5887]

Happy Birthday, May you see many many more fulfilling, fun and full years. ♥️

[@deserabailey8500]

Wow such an amazing woman! (Both of you!) but what a journey! I had night blindness my whole life until I was 23 years old, and even now at almost 30 I see things at night and I am SO AMAZED and shocked every time. I remember my husband would talk about the shadows at night when we'd walk outside at night together and I thought he was insane (like how on earth could there be shadows at NIGHT?! That made literally no sense in my brain) Ill never forget the first time i saw one and I still to this day am shocked that that is a thing! lol

[@sooooooooooooooo]

@@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483 happy birthday

[@iluvhou]

@@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483 Happy Birthday to you Jordan, and many more. 💚

[@Leannchops]

I got glasses at 19, after needing them since age 12, and I waked out if the optometrist, and walked straight back in. I told the woman, "I think you've made them too strong, I can read all the signs across the car park." It was very overwhelming for quite a while!

[@Annie-A]

This video made me cry because her story sounds so so similar to mine. My eye doctors as a child did “not believe young people had vision that bad” and told my parents I was lying. So not only was legally blind but I was also grossly under corrected for my progressively worsening severe myopia until I was 16. It was really really hard and I was so fearful it was all in my head. Eventually my parents took me to a low vision specialist my junior year in high school, who made it very clear it was in fact not in my head. Consequently I didn’t have accommodations until my senior year of high school and even then I was not given the resources I needed. I also wore my contacts an excessive amount of time because wearing glasses was like putting binoculars on, I couldn’t see anything in my peripheral and almost got hit by cars a number of times. I put them in and took them out at my bedside. So my eyes constantly hurt from infections and abrasions. I also hid it from others, especially adults, because of that history of not being believed and teachers saying I was making “excuses”. Growing up I was told there was no surgical solution and it would just get worse over time. However, when I was 19 my low vision specialist told me about a newer surgery- lens implants. So identical to this lady but leaving the natural lens intact. I got the implants in May and June 2013 and it changed my life. I still have some vision problems, but I went from not recognizing family to having 20-20 vision most of the time. I have minor cataracts and will have to treat that in the future, but I’m so incredibly happy with my life the last 9 years. If it were not for this surgery I never would have finished college or been a teacher abroad. It was $9k out of pocket and still isn’t covered by most insurance today, which makes me so sad for those who don’t have family with money like I did. My fun experience after surgery was being shocked to see the underside of mushrooms are ribbed. I HAD NO IDEA?!? It took me a while to adjust to everything I could see. It is still sometimes overwhelming almost 10 years on. I still cook mostly based on the sound of the food. I have a hard time telling if something is done visually. Lol. Anyway, thank you for this video. I’ve never felt like I really “belonged” in the seeing or blind communities. So this video was extremely cathartic because I have never once heard the story of someone similar to me.

[@anainesgonzalez8868]

I love how well put is your story in you comment. I am glad you are feeling better.

[@MissKR25]

💕💕💕💕

[@trishcacciato2285]

Oh honey I’m so sorry you had to struggle for long I hope with Oboma care things will improve for others

[@Annie-A]

@@trishcacciato2285 The funny thing is my family has always had excellent private insurance coverage from my dads work, but the surgery is considered “elective”. That is unless you are military or work for congress, which are the only insurances I know of that cover the procedure. So ACA definitely would not cover any portion of my eye surgery unfortunately.

[@Eggs_hatching]

my vision wasn't that bad as a kid (I still get on fine with glasses), but my childhood eye doctor also told my parents I was probably lying about my vision! They were a scummy place tbh. When your that little you really just want to do what the adults say and it's easy for them to manipulate you into getting the result they want.

[@ChimeraTruely]

I love that you support everyone's choice in how they move forward with the amazing breakthroughs science can bring. Forgetting that there can be a lot of pain involved taking part in science.

[@shirleyhand4002]

I may have commented here before. Please forgive me if I'm repeating myself. I worked with people with VI for over 40 years. Your two perspectives are beyond important. Molly, yours as someone who lost her sight over time, and Olivia, yours who gained some sight after so many years of being visually impaired. I think this video is a Master Class for all teachers in the area of vision education. If one has never experienced being born with a visual impairment or has never lost vision, we cannot understand the HUGE implications of Olivia's experience. Thank you so, so much. I wish I could articulate the impact of your words.

[@cyikes8271]

The conversation about a “cure” really resonated with me. I was born with severe learning disabilities but into a very affluent family. They figured out something was wrong at five and I was diagnosed at 6, started treatment at 7. I didn’t think of it as “curing” myself until I was much older. Doing treatment was just felt like part of the disability. When Molly said her family went blind with her I understood. A whole support system of doctors, teachers and family experienced my disability with me. Doctors suggesting the best types of homework questions for me, teacher taking time to find those specific questions in the textbook everyday and personalize my homework, my parents sitting at the dining room table with me for hours walking me through each question and why the answer was what it was. All the treatment and effort paid off, you wouldn’t know talking to me that I was disabled, and there are moments I forget too. I still have it, but it’s like I can feel the moments my disability holds me back and I’m so used to being capable I just go “that’s not me it’s the disability” My story is the grey area between disability and cure. It was found so young and treated so effectively I don’t have a real sense that the disability is part of me. But looking back I often wonder who I would be if it was part of me and if she would do all the treatment I did. I recently was asked “what have you given up to be who you are now?” And the answer to that scares me because I don’t know, and I didn’t choose to, but I also love who I am and where I am. Thank you for putting this conversation into public view

[@oliviavanbrink]

24:14 It really can be, and is for autistic/adhd people. Somehow neurotypicals can somehow filter all the input most of the time (don’t ask me how, I have no clue), but for autistic or adhd’ers we don’t get that part working very well. This is why overstimulation and autistic meltdowns are a thing, it’s just too much input.

[@meghanfowell7306]

As a fellow blind person this video hit me hard as someone who didn't have the support system I needed growing up and in school. I wouldn't choose to be given my sight back. I'm so thankful for this video as it reminds me of how I'm not alone and reminds me to stick to my mission of helping others feel less alone in their own blindness journey.

[@abdullahak2204]

I'm sorry that you weren't given the accommodation you needed km school ! Hope you are at a better place now ! 😊

[@OliviaDurant]

And your comment made me feel less alone. :)❤️

[@meghanfowell7306]

@@OliviaDurant oh my goodness thank you so much. This means so much. ❤

[@OliviaDurant]

@@meghanfowell7306 Awww 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@carolneher9283]

Why would you n̈otchoose to have your sight bacķ

[@nutz13_]

this was so fascinating and also simultaneously heartbreaking to watch. it’s amazing how science has changed the way people are able to function and accommodations that are accessible and available

[@OliviaDurant]

❤️❤️❤️

[@JennaGetsCreative]

It's so strange to me that someone would retreat from the relationship when they find out that Olivia used to be blind, but at the same time I've had the same experience of people withdrawing from my life when they find out that I was abused as a child. I don't understand. It's not like we're walking around with a deadly, contagious disease (and lord knows the general population has proven that's not something that scares a lot of them anyway...) We're just us, just the people they've met, and we happen to have had a very different experience earlier in life.

[@OliviaDurant]

I suspect a not so great person would be nervous that they can’t rely on their usual tricks since they get worried I would “see” through it by how I see as someone who still operates in some way like I did when blind but - there is no way to know.

[@Grace-Layco1704]

I know! It’s crazy! I would be ecstatic if I married a blind person and they would be able to see my face and live a “normal” life but I guess it’s like the deaf community where they shame people for being “cured” it’s so sad like be happy that your partner can live the same way you do 😞

[@kiarawingate3981]

Maybe they werent meant to be in your life i have experienced the same but with my severe depression and ive had people use it against me too or tell me im to sad to be around. Which made things worse

[@Judymontel]

How was this video over 30 minutes long? I was riveted - it felt like just a few minutes and all of a sudden there was the "stay tuned for part two...." You guys, this was such a comfortable and real conversation - I felt like I was right there with you - the time just flew by. Thank you!!

[@FlagCutie]

Oh my gosh, I got freaked out just listening to Olivia relating her story of learning to experience a whole new sense. It does sound incredibly overwhelming! And the eye contact thing! I used to work in a school age childcare and part of our training covered how to engage with kids on the spectrum, and how they can be listening and paying attention to us even without eye contact. So wild to think that because able-bodied people use eye contact as a metric, it is established as the norm. Thank you for this interview ladies!

[@OliviaDurant]

It’s such a journey. Literally when I make my YT videos I have no idea what will be in them because I’m learning as I go about the world. My good friend said it’s like watching someone be born all over again.

[@fraggelrock9974]

As a person who's always had sight, Eye contact still freaks me the f*@# out and I always question if I'm doing it wrong

[@OliviaDurant]

I am glad I am not alone on this. It feels like TMI sometimes

[@annikazehm6589]

Autistic woman here. Eye contact is the worst! It's like bending your elbow in the wrong direction!

[@DieAlteistwiederda]

It is kind of weird if you think about it to just out a bit of stuff directly over your eyeball every day. I think glasses are less weird as a concept because you don't have to touch your eyes for that at least you just those on your nose and ears and that's done. I also never have to think about how long I've already had them on and have to take them off because otherwise my eyeball can't breathe anymore and gets damaged. I don't have an issues with contacts and can do them just fine, for me it's more the prize that per year would absolutely be more expensive than just getting a decent pair of glasses.

[@TheYaggablues]

Agreed! I look at people's mouths. Fake it til you make it.

[@oliviavanbrink]

@@TheYaggablues same, although the mouth thing also helps me process speech as a bonus

[@apollorusso3168]

Wow, Olivia’s story reminds me so much of my own. I was born with OCA and it came with severe myopia. I also got used to memorizing blurry colors in people to identify them. People in my life will also doubt me when I say things such as “I can’t see that far” and having to put my face extremely close to whatever it is I’m looking at. This story made me cry.

[@irhonda31]

I never thought about how we sighted people have an emotional connection with you that you are not having with us. I always learn so much from you. Olivia’s story is very educational as well.

[@ferninthehouse]

also, i just wanna let you know that the noises your dog makes with his mouth could be an early sign of throat issues. both my labs developed it in their later years and one of them had to be put down because of it. i just want to let you know because if your dog ever develops worse issues with it i hope you will be able to help him. my dog eventually got respiratory issues and couldnt swallow anymore from it and it was sad.

[@beverlydust5381]

Molly I saw a segment on American television on Good Morning America about the fashion show you walked in for disabled clothing brands.Just thought that I would mention it incase you wanted to check out the interview. It was on the ABC network. During this week.

[@dogcrazy25]

Such an amazing conversation. Issues I never even considered and could never even imagine. Thank you for sharing this perspective. As an introvert, my overwhelme is people and activity. As the world speeds up, I wonder if we get more impatient for anything that slows us down. Lots to consider.

[@sofiastj]

Thank you so much for saying that accommodations are not a privilege but a right. I have learning disabilities and physical disabilities and have had accommodations denied by teachers because they didn't think it was fair, and it was so frustrating for me. I struggled in school even with the accommodations I had.

[@abdullahak2204]

I love how you talk about accessibility and accommodation and how we deserve it ! When I was younger I felt bad that I needed accommodations and now I realise i do deserve it and need to be an advocate for myself! 😊 Also I loved this video ! 😊

[@ferninthehouse]

it actually made me cry when olivia talked about the accommodations that she never got to have, and knowing how intelligent she is she still couldnt succeed at everythiing in school. i relate to this quite a bit bc of my learning disabilities and my teachers didn't understand it. even when i was diagnosed.

[@shellyb2042]

I hope they talk more on what her vision was like and compare it to what it’s like now! Thanks for sharing this is very interesting and inspiring!!

[@Jayleigh2796]

I love how you talk about accessibility coz from my own experience if my mum hadn’t learnt braille when I was 4 I don’t think I’d ever have graduated high school as I didn’t get much support as I was the first blind student at that school

[@taylormathis2085]

Molly, just this past Wednesday I found a product with Braille packaging, and immediately thought about your platform. Dogsters ice cream for dogs has Braille on the box. I was so excited to find Braille on the package, but quickly felt discouraged, because the population that would benefit from their inclusive packaging would likely not even know it was there without sighted help. I would love to see you discuss "everyday" products that have inclusive packaging and/or instructions. I am a special education teacher for young adults fresh out of high school. I teach job skills with fully integrated internships in our community, basic adult skills, and most importantly; self-advocacy/disability rights and history. I have had students with vision loss to varying degrees, and have talked about your channel as a relatable source of information for navigating life with limited or no vision.

[@ragnkja]

More than just medicine should have accessible labels. A machine-readable code that can be used to describe the item so that blind people don’t have to touch everything to find out where the thing they’re searching for is doesn’t actually have to detract from the design.

[@flagerdevil]

I am so glad there is a part two! ❤ But also the guy at the end backing away from someone that had been blind in the past; yeah, I can see that that's hurtful, but I can also see a person that has maybe had an easy maybe shallow life finding it hard to connect with someone that had a hard life. And the other way around, what do you want with such a person? So it's probably for the best to just stop it right there. I hope I'm making sense!

[@joelleelizabethn]

That could also be fear in my opinion. Im not disabled but ive definitely had the experience of people backing away or almost seeming weirded out when im going thru something hard. Later on i find out that that person is just barely holding on in their own, different way, and seeing someone else’s struggle be shown openly is almost like a mirror to their own struggle, and it scares them. We all have issues, but the choice between fear or love when facing them is what rly makes the difference

[@flagerdevil]

@@joelleelizabethn Yes! Like 'I have too much on my plate already', but then again in this instant it is in the past (mostly), so that's a bit weird. If you have problems on your own I don't think you would go running because of someone else having had problems in the past. But maybe I'm wrong about that! 😁

[@Blind_Blind_Blind]

I became visually impaired in 2015 from a rare neurological disorder that I didn't know I had until I was diagnosed. Being visually impaired has been difficult because I can't do normal activities like I used to. My boyfriend is totally blind since he was 7 years old. He, in fact, is the reason why I found my love for bowling again, and not let my blindness hold me back. Because of him, and for your channel, I can still go and enjoy my life again. I wouldn't want to go back to being fully sighted again. :)

[@PipLaBonte]

Who else wanted a zoomed out shot of the cushions and pillows situation? That’s adorable, she’s so cute!

[@raisedfromash]

honestly when you guys were talking about the education system and accommodations it really hit me. while I'm not blind I do struggle with OCD and other neurodivergencies that also made school very difficult for me. it wasn't until senior year of highschool that I was able to get diagnosed and therefore apply for aid and it really did make the world of difference. Things like extra time are one of those accommodations that people of often see as something that would give you a leg up, but it's something that when I lived without, school brought such overwhelming anxiety and struggle. people really don't understand that when you have any kind of disability, it takes twice the work to get half as far. thank you for talking about this and thanks to Olivia for sharing with us here on Molly's channel ❤

[@Palitato]

My mom had the same surgery a couple of years ago. She didn't realise how bad her eyesight had really gotten until she pulled the bandages off afterward. She's been sighted her whole life, but her eyes were getting worse and worse as she got older, to the point it got dangerous for her to drive, and she didn't even REALISE it. She can't believe now, after the surgery, that she was even able to function as well as she had, let alone keep driving the car!

[@sngray11]

This was such an incredible interview. Thank you for sharing this video with all of us. I learned a lot from this video. I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend. 💞

[@anainesgonzalez8868]

I love her! I am loving this new mature Molly content

[@OliviaDurant]

You’re awesome :)

[@exhibitA-x2f]

I really enjoyed watching and felt that I could relate a little bit as I had reconstructive ankle surgery in order to not be physically disabled and in pain after high school. Before I found out that I needed surgery I faced a lot of judgement from everyone who thought that I was just being lazy.

[@myleej1355]

Thank you to Olivia, and yes, life could be hard when you’re visually impaired, but it can be hard at first, because you just have to make accommodations for yourself and find ways to do things, just because you can’t see, doesn’t mean you don’t do anything, you just gotta find ways and figure out how to do things

[@alikatskye7871]

Thank you for sharing your stories! Wonderful! About men backing away when finding your are not AS disAbled as before. I had a guy that wanted to “take care of me” so when he found I could get along more without him…he was gone! Better for me anyway!

[@OliviaDurant]

This is a cause close to my heart. I did not have the context to understand that I was not “stupid and in need of help” but simply needed accommodation. I have found that there is a type of person that will approach somebody who is disabled trying to “help them” and it’s not always good. I think about this a lot, how to differentiate between good and bad in this case. Now a lot of the stuff seems obvious to me, but I didn’t have the context before

[@heythenameisash]

Been anticipating this video since you announced it on Patreon. So excited to hear her story!!!

[@OliviaDurant]

Omg thank you 🥰

[@susanclow5384]

I watch Video 1 and Video 2 with you talk with Olivia. I enjoyed hearing what becoming sighted meant to her. I agree we don't have to fix people. I can see, I can hear, but I have anxiety and sensory processing disorder. I don't think anyone needs to be fixed. I grew up with a deaf cousin and she didn't need to be fixed. She grew up got a job and worked until her death. She was wonderful. I felt sad as children none of us were talk sign language, but I learned it as an adult. I was grateful that the next time I went back to my home state, I could talk to her in her language. People are wonderful weather they are blind, deaf or have another kind of disability. I listen to your Video's because you are smart, have insight, you share when times are difficult and when times are good. That is real life and I thank you for your videos.

[@KeynesMai]

I recently just became a surgery scheduler for cataract surgery and I got to witness it being preformed as a part of my training and its truly wild ! At the practice I work at they use Soundwaves to break up the cataract before they suck it out and it makes this funky sound like house music. It's really neat. Also, just hearing this perspective because I have these post surgical conversations several times a day with patients.

[@brynnejewell1275]

Many of the things that you are experiencing Olivia, about being a newly sighted person, are things that I experience as an autistic person. So cool to find a shared experience through such different disabilities.

[@TheSuzberry]

The dynamic of a personal relationship is based on so many things. Vision, hearing, mobility are part of your relationship. When these change, especially sudden changes, the relationship will change and everyone needs to be prepared.

[@lizzylouisewoo]

I don’t know why I’m just now seeing this! I love your interviews Molly

[@gabejakedillon]

Ooo excited to see this video, watching right now!!!

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

I hope you enjoy

[@OliviaDurant]

❤️❤️❤️

[@gabejakedillon]

Absolutely loved this video, was very informative and also loved being able to hear another’s life experience and what they have gone through. Much courage and braveness to speak on such things that need to be spoken on more. Both of you killed it with this video.

[@loupelizzo2399]

Thank you Olivia to share your story and the journey you went on to get your sight and this is a inspirational story. It’s great to hear these successful stories and enjoyed how honest and open Olivia was. Thank you again

[@pillylamb]

Wow, it's like finding yourself sensing another dimension or something - wild! That really would be mind-blowing.Thanks for sharing.

[@OliviaDurant]

Exactly- I always compare it to getting psychic powers. And overloading. It’s hard.

[@ElizabethDohertyThomas]

Olivia, I heard you share your story somewhere here on KZbin and it was as fascinating as this interview. I can not imagine living in Los Angeles with your personality. I am a lot like you - the soul and energy is what attracts me to anyone. I don't care if you're high fashion or frumpy and look fashionably clueless. Just subscribed to your channel and am so excited you've got one! Molly, you are such a great translator in terms of lives of blind and sighted experiences.

[@Claire-hh4iy]

I love how you described your experience on eye contact. I have never thought about that perspective before, thank you! And amazing story Olivia!

[@beverlydust5381]

I am finding Olivia's story very interesting, because I connect so much to some of her experiences ,as a disabled person who is loosing some of my abilities ,over the course of time and age.But I understand the hiding your disability as much as you can, and negative experiences including bullying that I experienced. I also am older than either one of you and accommodations were not done in my time in school. I also live in America. The land of the free if you are healthy and can afford it. I can't wait for part two.

[@OliviaDurant]

Thank you for making me feel less alone :)

[@beverlydust5381]

@@OliviaDurant You are definitely not alone. I have physical disabilities that deal with balance issues and coordination,due to multiple brain surgeries and neck surgery and spinal cord surgeries, the issues are slowly getting worse but if I have another spinal surgery I will probably lose what little function I have left and be in a wheelchair or bedbound the rest of my life. Research has not yet been done that can effect the situation I have. But I try to stay positive,and tell myself I am upright and moving forward every day ,and try to do something every day. Your experiences were somewhat similar to my life experiences. We don't really have a choice but to get on with it. I look forward to part two of your story.

[@OliviaDurant]

@@beverlydust5381 that is exactly it… Every day I wake up and I think “what can I do today? “Even if it’s a small simple thing. I know more about this than I really talked about but… I just want to say yes thank you for sharing this. You’re awesome.

[@JaWs_BH]

Hope you are doing well wish you all the best.

[@beverlydust5381]

@@OliviaDurant I get it I understand. Everyone has their own story and journey through life but hopefully we have some understanding and compassion for others journey as well. You can share as much or as little of your story as you are comfortable with. But know that you are definitely not alone.

[@christinaparadise]

Wow, it’s interesting to hear a different story and point of view. As a sighted person, I realize I take advantage of so much, but hearing things in this interview makes me sad at how much I take for granted. I have my own disabilities, but as far as the blind community goes, I look towards Molly to help give me more empathy..it’s awesome to hear another take. Everyone has their own story to tell and it’s so inspiring to me to listen..I’m so glad I picked this video tonight. I’m in tears, but I’m humbled and grateful. I can’t wait for part two!! ♥️

[@anthony0358]

Wow this is awesome, Olivia is my friend! She is awesome

[@OliviaDurant]

Hi, Anthony!!! :)

[@leonidasreviews2912]

Molly, you said you imagine sight being over stimulating. I can tell you, as someone who has had sights my whole life, it is over stimulating. It does not have to be but society, and consumerism has made sight over stimulating. I adopted minimalism 5 years ago and my anxiety was drastically reduced, almost eliminated. I think a huge factor is the fact that I see fewer things in my home. Before I could not pinpoint my triggers but now that I live with less I recognize the cutter on my kitchen counters after a meal as the trigger to my anxiety.

[@a.jameel9972]

molly looks great with bangs. It made you look gorgeous ✨ soo pretty 💕

[@emilyniedbala]

Wow so cool to hear that you’re from Pittsburgh - I live here now and went to Pitt so I lived like two blocks from the school for the blind - but so aggravating to hear that you didn’t get to go there

[@lilasmith9679]

My dad had this surgery and he went from wearing glasses that where so at least an inch and a half thick. He could see with his glasses but couldn't find his glasses if they got replaced. He can now walk around the house without glasses. It worked for him but I can definitely see why this surgery isn't for everyone. He has to use eye drops to keep the pressure from building up in his eyes so they definitely aren't perfect still.

[@megjulia4007]

This was so fascinating - thank you so much to both of you for this. Molly, you are a great interviewer, and Olivia, you seem like such a kind and calming soul. So pleased that the two of you have connected.

[@rubyrose3553]

I was born cited and went blind because of cancer I’m really content being blind but sometimes I want to be cited I love the opportunity that blindness and disability has given me but sometimes I just think small tasks would be a lot easier with site

[@lyn7621]

You two should write a book together from your different perspective of sight loss.

[@OliviaDurant]

Omg I love this! I actually am writing a book right now but Molly is so awesome I would love to work with her again! ❤️

[@abdullahak2204]

@@OliviaDurant I loved the interview! I'm really sorry that you weren't given the accommodations u needed in school and in life in general...The surgeries must have been tough to go through but I'm sure now you are in a much better place ! 😊

[@OliviaDurant]

@@abdullahak2204 It was tough - I am still rebuilding my life. But for some reason I always stay focused on what is awesome today. Of course there are hard days where I get scared, but my friends always remind me to focus on how far I’ve come and I remind them of the same.:)

[@abdullahak2204]

@@OliviaDurant that's really nice ! 😊 I'm sure you can get through the tough times with that much positivity! 😊

[@MakenzieHallie]

You both are amazing. Loved this video so much. 🖤🌈

[@OliviaDurant]

Thank you :)

[@LVLV-im3ne]

Excellent information! Great awareness. I wish there were more platforms to educate & build awareness.

[@kaylalatham1370]

Molly has some seriously good interviewing skills

[@wendyfilice7101]

This is so incredibly interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@MomLuvs2Collect]

This was an awesome collab, I can't wait for part 2! I didn't know her story so thanks for sharing it with us! I'm going to find her story on GMA now to see the squeamish part that you mentioned you didn't want to see 😆

[@theoddbody1856]

Can’t wait for part two!

[@cassidylombard5694]

such a privilege to have found this video

[@colleenrichardson5339]

Your bangs are so cute, I absolutely love them!! 🔥🔥😍

[@myssakay]

I found her on TikTok and follow her too!! I mean, I have enough eyesight but I’ve always dreamed of one day being able to see well enough to drive safely.

[@abdullahak2204]

I can totally understand...when all your friends start getting driving license when they turn 18 and eventually get their own bikes and cars and you be like hmm I can't drive ...

[@vitoriakipnis4149]

Molly I love your content!!! Thanks for bringing her story

[@yesterdaydream]

Such a fascinating story and perspective! Y'all explain and put things into context so well.

[@crissmartalec276]

What a delightful and thought provoking video! Thank you, ladies! Don't be embarrassed about going into the men's bathroom, I do that on purpose sometimes, because of a chronic urinary tract condition :)) I do ask around to make sure it's ok and it's usually in public places that are relatively safer for women than, say, a weird bar at night. Sometimes a kind restaurant employee or museum custodian will take pity at the ladies waiting in line at the ladies room and let us know we can safely go to the men's room as no one is needing to use it.

[@laramaaike3050]

Interesting interview. I already look out for part 2. And to see how it is for someone who was blind and now can see. You know, I always wondered how it would be for me to be without my Asperger and ADHD, but I think I don't want to be "normal", because than I wouldn't be me. I have tons of sensory overload, but I wouldn't want to trade it in the world....maybe a little less. The panickattacks, yeah I would want to get rid of them.

[@lesliemuller216]

Oh wow, what an amazing video…thank you!!

[@meaganbenton3381]

LOVE the hair and brows girl! I've always loved your ever changing hair styles but I literally don't think there has ever been a style MADE for you like that. I've been thinking ever since you got it. I hope you keep this one for a while Love you!❤️

[@cullenn91]

Greetings from Venezuela molly, love your videos so much

[@AmericasGotGermans]

This is the first video of your channel I watched. While I was watching your video, I was thinking that you are soo pretty! I love your haircut, just everything. I know it is off topic, but I still wanted to share my positive thoughts instead of keeping it to myself❤️ Both of you are very inspiring! Thanks for doing this!

[@mentalhealthwithalana]

Oh my gosh! Thank you so so much for this video!!!! I'm 22 and have really really bad vision because of issues when I was born. I struggle so much with having to wear glasses and contact lenses and it is so so expensive. I recently was looking into options to get some of my eyesight back and this came up and I actually feel so hopeful that maybe there is a solution for me! I am disabled and don't have thr money for any surgery at the moment but I hope one day I can save to have it done.

[@hjc9114]

The more I hear about the US medical system, the more I feel bad for all the people suffering as a result. Medicine should never be for profit

[@corgimom5626]

There would never be any innovation if there was no profit in medicine. Not a single person innovates out of the goodness of their heart.

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

@@corgimom5626 you do realise many of the leading countries in medical invocation have universal or HEAVILY subsidised state run healthcare right? Governments refuse to over pay for things, so it is really about the innovation rather than the money. During the pandemic America was dramatically overcharged for vaccines because they are willing to pay it

[@corgimom5626]

@@Bringon-dw8dx more than 60% of all medical innovation comes from the US….

[@Lifewith_Ella_and_Findus]

This was so interesting! Thank you for sharing this with us! Just amazing!!! Love you tons Molly! I hope I catch a live stream soon❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@michellel5402]

I honestly can't imagine what it would be like to basically gain a new sense, like how jarring that would be. That's so interesting though about the eye contact thing! I never thought about what it would be like on the other end, making eye contact but not actually making the connection, while knowing the other person is

[@claudiajade624]

$40,000 is a lot of money, but for someone's Sight (!) is Nothing. Just... unbelievable that this is an optional, highly expensive and inaccessible surgery in the US for patients. Just...shocking and terrible.

[@REGINLEIIF]

I feel her regarding her horrible contact lense experiences because I'm sitting here having a cornea abbrasion myself and it's something I NEVER EVER want to experience again. Just so much pain and trying not to move my eyes.

[@OliviaDurant]

Omg I had that like 20+ times I hated it! :( I hope you feel better

[@DieAlteistwiederda]

I just have normal run off the mill nearsightedness but have always worn glasses and only ever worn contacts like a week a year for costume purposes. I do this because one that stuff just gets expensive and I like how I look with glasses and two I now met so many people who had issues because they basically abused their contact lenses instead of just taking them out and putting on glasses for a few hours at home I'm too afraid to have the same thing happen to me. I have that choice because my vision can be corrected with either option and I think glasses look great on me and without them now something is missing from my face. My older sister wears contacts and when I compare her costs for that per year with mine I could somehow afford it but I'm kind of poor so I would rather save that money and use it for something I actually need.

[@iTerabithia]

Molly I deeply enjoyed this episode. It had a podcast feel. Will you please start a podcast? You have incredible connections and I feel like a podcast would be PERFECT for your targeted audience. You could name it “InSight” like the word insight but with a capital S. Please consider it 💕

[@flofelts]

What you said about accommodation really resonates with me. I have dyspraxia and suspect other learning disabilities but I recently lost my extra time for exams that ive had since GCSEs (and im about to start A levels). To everyone else its just "oh shes on the same level as us now" but to me its "i was barely on your level before, now i have no chance". People dont always understand that its not because we're "special" and we "get given help", its because we're disadvanted and we need extra help to be equal. I wouldn't change who I am for the world but I still need that extra push to reach my best ability.

[@annataymond9529]

I am sighted but have always had the same feeling about eye contact. It might be stemming from being autistic, or one of my other neurological things. But even with people I’m close to, I don’t automatically hate it, but it’s like touching, like sometimes some people I’ll hug or nudge or let someone put their hand on my shoulder, but like, sometimes some people, give me space. Especially strangers. It feels forced and uncomfortable and kind of claustrophobic almost. I don’t understand the need for it in casual interactions at all. Like maybe brief, couple seconds every now and then, but maintaining it throughout the conversation?? That craps stressful man.

[@truenorth6999]

Molly this is close to my heart as a blind mother of a special needs child. I won’t in my life time have a cure as I was never born with parts of the eye that can be replaced. However I have always found the cure question a interesting reflection more of others. However it makes me think would I… from the perspective of never ever having perfect sight when I had my child now 8 I may well have said yes. Honestly I truly believe I was not created imperfect. I am not exactly who I was meant to be for the betterment and good for myself and everyone. I am perfectly happy being who I am! Blessed Be ✨🌟❤️✨

[@laurenschenck5355]

SOO EXCITED!!! 💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@OliviaDurant]

🥰🥰🥰

[@jenniferknowles2023]

I am an American with an undiagnosed chronic illness that prevents me from working most of the time. I have no health insurance. It is very stressful, and scary. I have hospital bills I can't pay, something has got to be done about the healthcare system in this country!

[@truenorth6999]

Absolutely Love this conversation it totally is at the root of the blind experience! 🥰❤️

[@kelsqi-books4835]

Omg yay!! I also discovered Olivia on Tiktok and she's so cool! 😍 it's always fun when people you admire are fans of one another 😉

[@dudeitsstephanie]

Legit the earliest I have ever been on any video, ever 😳

[@MollyBurkeOfficial]

Woohoo! Congrats! Glad it's one of mine! hehe

[@OliviaDurant]

I am so glad!

[@ragnkja]

Note to the editor: the on-screen text at 9:31 is unreadable (at least on mobile) without turning off captions. Same at 16:11.

[@caleighdadey5381]

Omg so early! Love you molly!🥰❤️

[@ChimeraTruely]

Olivia, if you are here, I would love to hear about you being so close to the school for the blind. Was it to expensive for you to go? Were y'all never told about it? *Thank you for sharing your story, and working to make our lives easier as we navigate it. 🥰

[@theoriginalpandanon]

I wonder if it was because of stigma. My brother is Deaf and went to deaf schools but you become more aware of the stigma of having disabilities. Some parents will refuse to teach their deaf children sign language and hope that having cochlear implants will make them hearing. Sometimes it just alienates them from both communities. Not really deaf, but not really hearing.

[@OliviaDurant]

I’m here. :) I was abandoned by my birth parents, so I could not afford it. I went to the public school, which in America is not the good one

[@ChimeraTruely]

@@OliviaDurant I am so sorry. Ypu deserved so much better. It is so hard for me to adjust to my changes, and I am getting the benifit of all the most amazing technology that has ever been available. I am looking forward to checking out your channel. Thank you for sharing the change you made to your out look. I have noticed myself walking towards negative thoughts more often, and I am going to use you as a reminder for changing things back to the way I used to be. 🥰

[@OliviaDurant]

@@ChimeraTruely I really lost myself at one point, and I have to thank Molly for being so great and understanding. I am not used to being on camera yet. You know what really helped me? When I moved to my new city I decided to go back to doing the things I liked to do when I was a child. I thought kind of like Alice in wonderland at Disneyland…I’d things are confusing I got back to what gave me comfort when I was little and start to piece together my thoughts from there. :) In my case I go to a theme park even if it’s just to walk around and eat.

[@ChimeraTruely]

@@theoriginalpandanon I am sorry your brother has had to walk through those struggles. It is wonderful he has y'alls support. I was shocked when I meet a young lady that was in a similar situation to those you spoke of, though implants were not a discussion. Her family didn't help her learn sign language, so she was struggling in HS when she could have had some things a little more in her favor, as she navigated communicating. At the time I never thought to tell her to ask the school district, or a church, for help with resources.

[@melrhea12]

This is beautiful!

[@fox_6174]

The education system is so so hostile to disabled students. The system isn't broken, it was designed this way intentionally to weed us out of society because we aren't seen as equals or worth the time. ☹️

[@OliviaDurant]

This!!! So this!!! :(

[@catloverKD]

It was designed during the industrial revolution to teach everybody the same things in the same way, and get them out into working the same jobs that everyone would be qualified for because they were all taught the same things in the same ways. It was never designed for us. We weren't even considered until the 70's and the ADA has only existed since 1990, but that doesn't mean teachers or schools are providing what they're required to. SO many parents have to fight to get their child's IEP followed. And if you're undiagnosed like I was FORGET it. You just get called every character flaw in the book for decades instead of tested for the disability that's actually the cause of your problem.

[@corgimom5626]

Because the public school system the way it is now was created by huge donations from the Rockefellers to create workers. Not thinkers.

[@claudiabarreda2002]

mind blowing fact: national hospitals in Peru have catarats surgery for maybe one thousand dollars. so estimating $1000+ 700 (plane ticket) + 200(extras) + acomodations (100). TOTAL of 2 thousand dollars for everything.

[@OliviaDurant]

OMG!!! 🤯

[@AngelicaCline-i6d]

As some half paralyzed at 40 from a stroke. I absolutely want a cure. I can get around with a cane also still drive but have limited use of my left leg and some small movement in my left arm. So no not all people are okay with their disability. Also have dyslexia If you have a learning difficulty or disability does not make a person dumb. They usually just need a little extra time and support and can contribute society as much as anyone else. Not always but usually.

[@AmericanBaker]

That look Molly gave when Olivia described the color transition in the Wizard of Oz. As if to say... "The Wizard of Oz is in black and white AND color....?" 🤣

[@sweettea018]

My grandma is a low-vision specialist. I'm very nearsighted (7.00 but it's fully correctable, even though my contact lenses are super expensive) and once I casually mentioned to her how I wanted to get surgery once my sight stabilized. She freaked out a bit and told me this was not a decision to make lightly, because the psychological impact of messing with one of your senses can be huge, and that I should think it through carefully, consult with doctors etc. I can't imagine how it must feel like to see for the first time at 36. Doctors should have advised her to seek counseling and helped her adapt.

[@ericagoehring1089]

Interesting...I wear hard contacts that are not disposable. I love them! Thank you for sharing your story, Olivia.

[@lynndragon2536]

I’m not blind but I have bad light sensitivity which makes me do things like wear UV sunglasses in stores with horrible fluorescent lights and I’ve had people give me such judgy looks

[@Positivekitten]

I am visually impaired and I also have that same light sensitivity so I wear sunglasses in grocery stores or other places that are really bright, so I know what you mean! I also get the”judgey looks” because I need to read things very close up, since glasses don’t correct my issue.

[@herika006]

Many years ago I read a story about someone getting eye surgery and thus getting his vision. When he got discharged from the hospital, he was so confused that he ended up closing his eyes to walk home.

[@meaganfeik6564]

As far as I can remember, I have never had a sense of smell. That affects taste alot. I can taste sweet/sour/salty/spicy or whatever the 4 major tasts are, but not really difference between like rosemary and sage...if that makes sense. For me food is a ll about presentation at the start, then mostly texture (there are food textures I just despise).