Severe Myopia (nearsightedness) and
Amblyopia (lazy eye) and Strabismus (misaligned eyes)
Celebrated For:
Hunter is a 17 year old male born with severe myopia (nearsightedness) and amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (misaligned eyes). He started wearing glasses at 16 months old to try to correct his vision. Currently, his vision in his right eye is 20/100, and the left is 20/50 with corrective lenses. He has endured many visits to specialists since his diagnosis. As a toddler, he received daily eye drops to blur the vision in his good eye to try and strengthen his weaker eye. He also was required to wear a patch over his good eye for up to 8 hours a day. He spent the majority of his toddler years trying to correct his vision. He will have surgery in July 2016 to try to correct the strabismus.
As a child, Hunter’s family worried about how he would adjust to school, would others accept him and would he be able to function as other children academically and socially. Despite recognizing he wasn’t able to do the same as his peers, Hunter did not let his disability define him or keep him from doing what he wanted to do. At 3 years old, he could identify every state and their capitol.
Hunter was academically commended in elementary school. In 6th grade, he signed up for the band. He has excelled in the band program and currently is the second chair trumpet player for the high school band. His vision is much worse at night. However, Hunter marches in the marching band every Friday night and never misses a step. Due to his vision, he has to memorize all the music, and he has to know what note to turn on when on the marching field.
Hunter has been a courtesy clerk for Brookshire’s Grocery in Troup since he turned 16 years old. Even though he may never drive, he didn’t let his vision keep him from getting a job. The customers always comment about his smile, his manners, and his positive attitude. Hunter is socially outgoing and was voted class favorite his sophomore year. He hasn’t allowed his vision to keep him from participating in social activities with his friends.
After graduating from Troup High School in 2017, Hunter plans to go to college and major in accounting.
“Hunter has been an inspiration to so many in his life. He has never let his low vision define him or determine what and where he will go in life!”