A Whole New Life: Jeffery's FAFTB Story

FAFTB Blog Header - Jeffery's FAFTB Story

Jeffery's life changed trajectory in a dramatic way just over a year ago. And the result was total blindness.

Jeffery was a victim of a gun violence incident in January 2025. The bullet exploded his right eye, for which he now has a prosthetic, and severed the retina of his left eye. He cannot see at all.

And while the altercation obviously impacted his day-to-day living, the thing that he credits for his life is working with Brian at First Aid for the Blind.

"I worked with Brian and he changed my life in a matter of days," Jeffery said. "Brian told me 'Anything that you're going to come across, I've already been there, so call me and I'll do my best to walk you through it.' And he's done that.

Because Jeffery never anticipated vision loss would be in his life, especially in his thirties, he was amazed by the amount of assistance that is available that he had never know before.

"I had no idea about the tools that are available," Jeffery said. "No one expects to wake up one day and be blind. With me, [my vision] was there and gone. I had no idea. What am I supposed to do? Which way am I supposed to go? I had no idea until Brian showed me the contacts and resources."

Jeffery has found the assistive technology to be the most useful. He uses VoiceOver in his iPhone regularly, along with his Meta Ray-Ban glasses. These tools coordinate with apps like Be My Eyes and AI tools to help Jeffery identify where his is in the driveway and what is in the fridge. He also uses a pen reader and labeling system to find the clothes he wants to wear each day.

Jeffery has developed his independent living skills so well that he can now help with his dad's business from the computer, tablet, or phone, while also learning from his dad how to work on cars without vision.

"My parents are very active with me in all this," Jeffery said, appreciative of their support. "I showed them what I learned [in the training]. They've kept me motivated."

Optimism is at the core of Jeffery's attitude. He is a great example to those who are scared about living life without sight.

"I would definitely say it's very frustrating from the beginning, but don't ever give up and don't lose your faith and motivation," he said. "Life's not over. You can still learn and live your everyday life."

Jeffery is looking forward to learning more about using a white cane to get around, and he's considering other trainings and also getting back to work.

"I'm excited! It's crazy to say, but this incident ultimately saved my life," he said. "It gave me a whole new life in a sense. I'm excited to be learning something new every day."

If you are blind or low-vision and need support, please email admin@faftb.com.