Owen’s Vision Loss Journey

Owen lives in Lower Hutt with his guide dog Porter. Life is busy in the best way. He plays blind indoor bowls, spends time on the computer accessing financial services and researching, volunteers in the community, and is an active member of the Lions Club. Socialising keeps him connected, and sport keeps him competitive.

Guide dog Porter joined Owen in February 2024. He is Owen’s fourth guide dog.

Owen was first diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa when he was 18. At the time, he was working at NZ Post repairing phones. He began to notice something was not quite right with his vision.

Today he can still see outlines, shapes and shadows in good light. Although, poor lighting makes things much harder.

Coming to terms with the diagnosis took time.

“The hardest part was accepting it,” Owen says. “There was a stigma around using a white cane. I felt embarrassed.”

Despite this, Owen kept working and stayed active. What mattered most to him then still matters today – working, socialising and being part of the community.

At 19, Owen connected with Blind Low Vision NZ. Many years later, he travelled to Auckland to join the Adult Rehabilitation Unit. There he learned adaptive daily living, mobility, and communication skills, including typing.

Back when Owen was in his thirties, people who were blind often had to leave home to learn these skills. Today, Blind Low Vision NZ supports people across the country, often meeting them in their own homes and communities.

Something important happened while he was there.

“I met other people who were going through similar things,” Owen says. “After that, I realised it wasn’t as bad as I first thought.”

During that time, Owen also formed a close friendship that stayed with him for many years.

That sense of connection helped him realise new possibilities.

During his time in the programme, a member of the Guide Dog Services team spoke to the group. That conversation planted a seed. As Owen’s vision continued to change, he decided to apply for a guide dog.

In 1989, he was matched with his first guide dog, Omar.

Immediately, Owen felt freer.

“When I got my first dog, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders,” Owen says. “Using a cane felt quite slow for me. With a guide dog, I could move more freely and more quickly.”

That first partnership changed how Owen moved through the world. Since then, guide dogs have been part of his life for more than three decades.

Omar was followed by Zoltin, a golden retriever lab cross, then Poolie, and now Porter. Each dog brought their own personality and working style, but the goal was always the same – helping Owen travel safely and confidently.

“It’s just gone from strength to strength,” Owen says. “He does everything I want him to do and he’s very laid back and chilled.”

At home, Porter is affectionate and relaxed.

“He likes to snuggle up and sit on my lap in front of the TV when he’s not working. Porter and Poolie have a bit of rough and tumble, but they get on really well.”

For Owen, the impact is clear.

“Having a guide dog has given me a heck of a lot of independence,” Owen says. “I can go out and do things and travel independently.”

That independence has supported Owen to stay active in the things he enjoys most.

He is a passionate blind indoor bowls player and has won 11 national titles – something he considers his greatest personal achievement.

These days, Owen lives independently and stays closely connected to his community. He volunteers with Blind Low Vision NZ and with the Lions Club, giving back and supporting others.

Reflecting on his journey, Owen says the support he received made a real difference.

“It’s opened up a lot of doors to independence.”

He also hopes that by sharing his story, people gain a better understanding of retinitis pigmentosa and how it develops over time.

“For many people, vision loss doesn’t happen all at once,” Owen says. “It changes gradually.”

For Owen, that gradual change shaped his path – from learning new skills, to having a guide dog, to staying active in his community.

Today he continues to do the things that matter most to him: staying connected, giving back, and enjoying the independence that helps him live life his way.

If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, call Blind Low Vision NZ on 0800 24 33 33 or use the Make an Enquiry form on our Contact Us page.