Brightside is more than just a support group; it's a place of hope and connection for those navigating the challenges of vision loss. Founded by someone who understands firsthand the isolation and uncertainty that can accompany a diagnosis of Stargardt Disease, Brightside was born out of the need for a community—a safe space where individuals facing similar journeys could come together, collaborate, and uplift each other.
Welcome to Brightside!
Four years ago, I was diagnosed with Stargardt Disease, and it completely shifted my world. Suddenly, I found myself grappling with uncertainties and feelings of isolation. In my search for a supportive community that truly understood my experiences, I realized there was a significant gap. That's when I decided to take matters into my own hands and create Brightside—a space where individuals facing vision loss could find comfort, understanding, and connection.
At Brightside, my goal is simple yet profound: to foster awareness, education, and a sense of community. I believe in the power of positivity and shared experiences to uplift and inspire. Through Brightside, I'm dedicated to providing a platform where individuals can come together to share insights, offer support, and celebrate resilience.
Join me and the Brightside community on this journey of empowerment and possibility. Together, we'll navigate the challenges of vision loss with strength & courage.
Hi! I'm Eavan!
Our Mission
At Brightside, we believe in the power of unity, positivity, and shared experiences. We understand that feeling alone in your struggles can be overwhelming, which is why we've created a welcoming environment where you can find understanding, compassion, and friendship.
Our mission: Whether you're seeking practical advice, emotional support, or simply a place to share your story, Brightside is here for you. Our community is built on the foundation of mutual support, empathy, and resilience. Together, we strive to turn challenges into opportunities, and darkness into brightness.
Join us at Brightside and discover a community where you can connect, collaborate, and thrive—not in spite of your vision loss, but because of it.
"I was diagnosed with Stargardt Disease around 13 years ago, and joining Brightisde has been one of the best things for me as I live with low vision. It's amazing to know that I can share my high's and low's with people who truly get what I'm going through. The sense of community and deep understanding is so comforting, and helps me accept my condition. Overall, this group has brought me hope and inspiration, and a sense of knowing that everything will be ok, and I can do whatever I set my mind to!"
Lindi
Seb
"Brightside has been a great community to join! Whether it’s listening to others or sharing common experiences, Brightside has created a culture like no other. It has been refreshing to surround myself with extremely positive people who inspire me. I’ve become more comfortable sharing my story while meeting some incredible people and can’t wait to see the community grow!"
2/9
Debbie
"There is a bright side to everything, even dark things like blindness and low vision! The Brightside community offers that illuminating spark to my dark through a safe and caring community chat. I get inspired by the members and share in their proud accomplishments. I truly take joy in the amazing things they do. I also share my blind life and feel the sincere interest from others! So grateful to have this space! I am also grateful for the raw honesty the group shares as well. This helps us all grow and face our challenges with strength and confidence. Knowing I am not alone in my concerns, fears and questions is life changing. Thank you Brightside Crew!"
3/9
Megan
"Brightside is the community I’ve been waiting 16 years for. I’ve lived in isolation with low vision, and this group has given me hope that I can live a fulfilling life just the way I am. No more hiding or masking my disability!"
4/9
Sarah
"Joining Brightside was such a blessing for me, finally having people I could relate to about my vision and they would understand was such an important aspect that I was missing in my life."
5/9
Graham
"Most people I interact with don’t know about or don’t understand my vision. The brightside group is a welcomed change where for an hour every month i can chat with fabulous people who instantly understand where I’m coming from."
6/9
Izzy
"I found Brightside only a few weeks after being diagnosed with very quickly progressing vision loss. In a few short weeks I was unable to drive, read, recognize faces, or travel independently. Meeting other people who have been living through similar experiences has been so instrumental in my ability to move forward in a positive way. I am able to process and grieve the things that feel difficult, and most importantly, I am able to see all of the amazing things that I can do! Having peers and mentors who are blind and low vision has been such a huge resiliency factor for me in my journey!"
7/9
Ana
"While I was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease 10 years ago, Brightside has been the first community I’ve joined where I feel comfortable sharing my story and connecting with others who are going through similar experiences. Through this incredible group and support system, I am trying to build confidence in talking about my condition with others and taking on new every day challenge. I also hope I can be a resource for others who may be struggling and are new to their journey with vision loss."
8/9
Christie
"Brightside is a group I never thought I needed. I am 37 and have been legally blind since birth secondary to Ocular Albinism. I have always just adapted and made things work which I recognize now takes a lot of resiliency but it was my "normal". Brightside has given me a space to learn, receive and give empathy to others with similar struggles, a platform I have never had. Brightside has given me a voice, a space that I can speak freely about my accomplishments and also my struggles. I am so fortunate to have found Brightside and grateful to this beautiful community. I look forward to growing friendships and supports!"
9/9
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