Oisin McVeigh
Night lenses changed my life | Oisin McVeigh
We had the opportunity to chat with Oisin McVeigh, a 17-year-old rugby talent also known as Osh. He’s based in Scotland and had been facing challenges with his eyesight, which were affecting his rugby game. His mom, Grainne, explored various options and came across night lenses. Let’s hear their perspective:
Q: Osh, could you tell us what it felt like on the first day without any visual aids in your eyes?
A: It was quite strange, to be honest. I could see a shampoo bottle on the other side of the room without needing my glasses! It felt unusual and almost surreal.
Q: How has life changed for you since you ditched the glasses?
A: Life has improved significantly without glasses. I no longer have to worry about them slipping off, getting misplaced, or breaking. Especially with the mask-wearing due to Covid, not needing glasses has been incredibly convenient.
Q: As a rugby player, how has this change affected your experience, and what differences do you anticipate in the future?
A: All sports have become much more manageable now. In rugby, being observant and having a clear view of the field is essential. It used to be challenging when I couldn’t see across the pitch or identify players. Having clear vision is incredibly valuable and will undoubtedly enhance my performance. I used to rely on lenses or sports glasses to improve my game, but I didn’t like the hassle of dealing with them, such as losing a lens or dealing with dirt during a match. Night lenses have been the perfect solution.
Q: How did you find the adjustment to using night lenses, both putting them in and taking them out?
A: It went surprisingly well. At first, it was a bit irritating, as with anything new, you need some time to figure it out. But it quickly became second nature. I thought it would be a lot more challenging, but it’s not—it’s actually quite straightforward. Now I don’t even think twice about it.
Q: What did your friends think? Did they notice that you were no longer wearing glasses?
A: Interestingly, most of my friends didn’t even realize that I had stopped wearing glasses! They find it a bit hard to grasp; they think it’s a bit peculiar. However, I do have a few friends at school and on my rugby team who have shown interest in learning more about it.
Q: I heard you’re also into rowing. Have night lenses been beneficial for rowing?
A: I do coastal rowing with large offshore skiffs. While my rowing wasn’t directly impacted by my eyesight, having clear vision has made it much easier to see everything around me.
Q: Would you recommend night lenses to other rugby players, sports enthusiasts, and teenagers your age?
A: Absolutely, without a doubt, I would wholeheartedly recommend these lenses to my friends. They have made an incredibly positive difference in my life!
Q: So, Mom, how did Osh end up using night lenses?
A: Osh is a talented rugby player, but he wasn’t using glasses or lenses on the field, and it was puzzling to us how he managed to play without proper vision. We realized that he needed something to improve his eyesight and enhance his performance. However, he was hesitant about using lenses during sports because he was concerned about them falling out or getting dirty during games. Sports glasses weren’t something he wanted either. By chance, we stumbled upon information about night lenses, and initially, the idea of a lens altering eyesight overnight seemed unusual, even a bit crazy. We did some research, decided to give them a try, and here we are!
Q: Night lenses are often misunderstood. How did your family and friends react?
A: Well, there’s an amusing story here! Osh received his lenses on April 1st. I messaged my sisters, all of whom have vision issues, 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 respond. Now that they know it’s real, they find it astonishing.
Q: Why was it important for you as a parent to provide Osh with night lenses?
A: As a parent, there were two important things for me. Firstly, it was about stabilizing his eyesight. My own eyesight is -13, so I understand how much it can affect one’s life. I used to be a strong swimmer, but I had to give 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 because of 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 an exceptional 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…