As the Mudgee volunteer support group was being recognised for 29 years of fundraising yesterday, local resident Robert Hughes told his story about dealing with vision impairment.

Mr Hughes’ sight began to deteriorate in 2010 when he began to see odd colours and black clouds. His eyes also became bloodshot quickly and described eye movements feeling like “rubbing against sandpaper” before having the odd blackout.

After seeking medical help for his glaucoma, Mr Hughes then sought the assistance of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

The volunteer organisation has provided Mr Hughes with a cane as well as an orientation and mobility instructor to teach him how to best use the instrument. The Mudgee resident has also been provided with a special vision-impaired GPS instrument on his mobile phone to help him around.

Occasionally Mr Hughes has been accused of faking his vision impairment but he and mobility instructor Gavin Stait said there can often be confusion among the community about who may need a cane and guide dog.

“Glaucoma takes away your vision from the outside in or what many might know as a tunnel vision effect,” Mr Stait said.

“What Robert may be able to see one day he might not be able to see the next. It depends on several factors including light, weather and time of day.”

Mr Stait not everybody who owns a cane or guide dog is completely blind.

Mr Hughes said even the footpath can look odd at times because it blends with other objects.    

He encouraged people to enquire about local Guide Dogs services as it was a free service and works with people of all backgrounds.