Margot, a 16-month-old baby born without eyes due to Bilateral Anophthalmia, is thriving with the aid of the charity Guide Dogs. Her parents, Laura Duffy-Moss and John, have benefitted from the support and guidance of Kate Reed, a senior habilitation specialist from the charity, helping Margot develop through her other senses. Despite the diagnosis, Margot’s family remains optimistic about her future, including forthcoming operations for cosmetic prosthetic eyes. They praise the potential of technology and the invaluable assistance from Guide Dogs in supporting Margot’s development and future aspirations.

In another account of overcoming sensory loss, Eliza Barry Callahan, an artist and author, detailed her struggle with sudden hearing loss in her novel “The Hearing Test.” At 24, Callahan developed severe hearing loss in her right ear, later diagnosed as an autoimmune inner ear disease. Despite facing numerous challenges in managing her condition, including various treatments and setbacks, Callahan has been able to maintain some of her hearing. Her novel draws from her personal experiences, offering insight into the complexities of sudden hearing loss and the importance of determination and support in facing such challenges.

Separately, Robyn Davis, a bereaved mother, shared the tragic experience of losing her baby, Orlando Davis, 14 days after his birth by emergency Caesarean section at Worthing Hospital. The baby passed away due to a fatal brain injury, which the family attributes to a lack of action by the hospital’s midwives despite Davis’s concerns during labor. The family is pursuing legal action against the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust for alleged negligence and lack of safe maternity care. The Trust has expressed condolences and committed to cooperating with the investigation, highlighting the need for accountability and thorough examination in such devastating cases.