HEADSHOT OF KERRIE FIELD
KERRIE Field’s life was changed dramatically in 2005 when she had her optic nerve crushed by a tumour in her eye.
But the 20-year-old hasn’t let her lack of eyesight stop her from pursuing her dreams.
Kerrie is now studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Southern Cross University in Coffs Harbour.
“It’s really good. I love it. It’s exactly what I want to do,” she said.
Life at university is much different to high school, though.
“At school I would get a lot of support. I had a teacher’s aide and everyone was really helpful. But at uni there is very little support and it’s more difficult.”
Earlier this year, Kerrie won a bursary from Vision Australia which allowed her to buy the assistive technology she needed to help with her tertiary education.
“Vision Australia’s technology has made accessing work a lot easier. A routine has really helped getting around, making friends and getting support from lecturers,” Kerrie said.
“I hope to be a clinical psychologist and I want to be successful in my field.
“This bursary is really going to help me with my studies.”
Vision Australia’s bursaries are funded by members of the public. They ensure that people who are blind or have low vision have every opportunity to achieve the best possible tertiary education in any field.
There is now a wide range of assistive technology available for students who are blind or have low vision and the bursaries are used to purchase this equipment.
“When I first had to learn how to function with very little sight it changed my whole life,” Kerrie said.
“I learnt how to use a cane and now I rely on technology.”
