Oisin McVeigh
Night lenses changed my life | Oisin McVeigh
We had the chance to speak with 17-year-old Oisin McVeigh, also known as Osh, along with his mom Grainne. Osh is a promising young rugby player based in Scotland. Unfortunately, his deteriorating eyesight was starting to impact his rugby potential. His mom explored options and came across night lenses. Here’s their perspective:
Q: Osh, can you share what it was like on the first day without anything in your eyes?
A: It was strange. I could see a bottle of shampoo across the room without needing glasses! It felt weird and surreal.
Q: How has life changed for you without glasses?
A: Life is much better without glasses. I don’t have to worry about them slipping off, getting lost, or breaking. Especially with wearing masks due to Covid, not having glasses has been really convenient.
Q: As a rugby player, how has your experience changed, and how do you expect it to change in the future?
A: All sports are much easier now. In rugby, I need to be observant, to see what’s happening on the field. It was challenging when I couldn’t see across the pitch or identify players. Having clear vision is extremely useful and will greatly improve my game. I needed lenses or sports glasses to enhance my performance, but I didn’t like the hassle of dealing with them, like losing a lens or getting dirt during a match. Night lenses are the perfect solution.
Q: How was the adjustment to using night lenses, inserting and removing them?
A: It went well. Initially, it was a bit annoying, like with anything new, you need to figure it out. But it quickly became easy. I thought it would be tough, but it’s not—it’s actually really simple. Now I don’t even think about it.
Q: What did your friends think? Did they notice that your glasses were gone?
A: Yeah, most people didn’t realize that my glasses were gone! They find it hard to understand, they think it’s odd. However, I have a few friends at school and teammates who are now interested in learning more about it.
Q: I heard you’re also into rowing. Have night lenses been helpful there?
A: I do coastal rowing with large offshore skiffs. While my rowing wasn’t directly impacted by my eyesight, it’s now much better to be able to see everything around me.
Q: Would you recommend night lenses to other rugby players, sports enthusiasts, and teenagers your age?
A: Absolutely, I’d wholeheartedly recommend these lenses to my friends. They’ve made a remarkably positive difference in my life!!
Q: So, mom, how did Osh end up with night lenses?
A: Osh is a talented rugby player, but he wasn’t using glasses or lenses on the field, and it was baffling to us how he could play without proper vision. We realized that he needed something to enhance his eyesight in order to improve. However, he wasn’t enthusiastic about wearing lenses during sports due to concerns about them falling out or getting muddy during games. He also didn’t want sports glasses. By chance, we came across information about night lenses, and at first, the idea of a lens changing eyesight overnight sounded strange, even crazy. We delved into the details and decided to give them a try, and now here we are!
Q: Night lenses are often misunderstood. How did your family and friends react?
A: Well, there’s a funny story here! Osh got his lenses on April 1st. I messaged my sisters, all of whom are short-sighted, telling them about these lenses that Osh wears while sleeping and wakes up with perfect sight… They all thought it was an April Fool’s joke and didn’t reply. Now that they know it’s real, they think it’s amazing.
Q: Why was it important for you as a parent to provide Osh with night lenses?
A: There are two important things for me as a parent. Firstly, stabilizing his eyesight. My own eyesight is -13, so I understand how much it can impact one’s life. I used to be a strong swimmer, but I gave it up because of my poor eyesight. I tried goggles, but they didn’t work well for me. I used to enjoy water sports like water-skiing, but I had to give them up too. Secondly, I wanted to offer Osh choices and opportunities. Night lenses have opened up new possibilities for him, and that’s fantastic. He doesn’t have to give up things he loves due to poor vision, day lenses, or glasses holding him back. Hopefully, for his rugby and beyond, this will be the best gift we could provide as parents.
[Editor’s note – Osh was polite, articulate, and a wonderful young man – so you’ve given him more than just good eyesight, Grainne!]
We asked Osh to do a selfie vid to tell you about his experiences in his own words. Filmed by his mum and with his puppy in support – over to you Osh…