The team at Good vision for life (Optometry Australia) is all about vision and eye health. That's why we took particular interest in Ken Brandt's story.
Ken Brandt has led a fun and adventurous life and had a successful business career despite having poor vision. He has now written a book about his experiences, Positive Vision: Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eyesight, which includes advice and anecdotes for others living with low vision.
Ken has had six eye operations, including a detached retina and cataract operation in each eye, and spent parts of his life legally blind.
Before retiring, he held senior management and management consulting positions in information technology and information security with firms and clients of all sizes in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. He is also a speaker and jazz trumpeter. Ken and his wife Judy Roberts Brandt have been married for over 20 years, lived most of their lives in New York City, and now live in Melbourne.
Ken is donating 10% of the royalties from his book to The Fred Hollows Foundation and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital.
Author Ken Brandt
Positive Vision book cover
"An entertaining account of adventures through low vision eyes"
Melbourne optometrist John De Francesco has written a review of the book for Good Vision for Life:
What author Ken Brandt lacks in vision, he makes up for in zeal, resourcefulness and creativity – an approach to life he has encapsulated in his new book, ‘Positive Vision. Enjoying the Adventures and Advantages of Poor Eye Sight.’
This book is a fascinating adventure biography about thriving with low vision, for all to enjoy. Whether it be exploring claustrophobic caverns in the Montana ranges or a hot pursuit in the streets of 1980’s New York, you’re sure to find Ken’s escapades captivating and humorous.
Throughout his life, Ken has endeavoured to transform all the challenges he has faced into positive life experiences. Humbling stories of triumph over every-day adversity fill every chapter. Jokes, tips and thought-provoking insights abound.
Ken not only finds innovative ways to solve his problems, but proves vision impairment can be a great strength which allows people to approach the world in enterprising ways. Through vivid storytelling and wholesome reflective pieces, Ken delves into many topics; from sport and public speaking to relationships and racial harmony, the book explores the benefits of poor eyesight in diverse situations.
With the enhancement of his other four senses, Ken also demonstrates how barriers can be broken and new abilities discovered, all lying on the other side of perseverance.
For optometrists and other eye health professionals, the book can help enhance their understanding of a patients' perspective. It also provides helpful advice and inspiring anecdotes for patients who are living with low vision.
A new appreciation for the hurdles and advantages of low vision is assured.
You can find this book online or in Australian bookstores.
See KenBrandt.com for more information.
Optometrist John De Francesco, far left, and ophthalmic nurse Robyn Thomas, far right, with some PNG patients during a volunteer medical ship visit this year.