It has been an awe-inspiring journey to read and engage with the powerful voices of these poets, who have shared their experiences of visual impairment and vision loss. Each poem is a testament not only to their profound resilience but also to the creative expression they’ve cultivated. On one hand, I have learned so much—like a student, gaining insights into the lived experiences of vision loss. On the other hand, I’ve been deeply moved by the raw struggles and triumphs they convey. What strikes me most is that these artists have found ways to express themselves with a stunning clarity, originality, and beauty that far surpasses expectation. The heart of this book beats with their stories, and through these poems, my own heart has shifted, humbling me to appreciate the light these great voices shine into the world. It’s a privilege to be part of giving these brilliant young people a platform for their voices to be heard.

James A. Levine, MD, PhD, Professor

President, Fondation Ipsen