Sue Scott, 65, was an English teacher and started having trouble with her vision when she lost sight in one eye. Three years later, she had lost sight in both eyes just one year before she was due to retire.
"I woke up in the morning and had a black spot in my eye. I was told I had macular degeneration and a very rare eye condition."
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK. It's the most common cause of sight loss in people over 60.
Watch Sue's video
'My world fell apart'
"All of a sudden I had to stop doing the things I loved, things that I had done all my life. I had to stop teaching, stop driving, stop going to the theatre...it was devastating. It's such as shock.
When my sight went so did my favourite conversations.
Being a bookworm, I was distraught when I lost the ability to read. I missed book club and all the lively discussions. I have always been an avid reader and I've spent many years teaching children to read. Just the thought of not being able to read again was totally devastating."
How RNIB helps Sue
"Thanks to RNIB Talking Books now I'm back in the land of the living. Talking Books was truly a lifeline for me, especially in the early days when I was getting used to the idea of being blind, trying to find a new life and new routines.
I just find books and reading so relaxing. They fire your imagination and enable you to experience different emotions, places and give you an insight into other people's lives.
I like to be able to read what everyone else is reading. Part of the fun of books is to chat about them with friends. It's disheartening to know that there are so many books in print that I will never be able to read".
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A third of our vital work helping people with sight loss is only possible thanks to people continuing their support through a legacy gift. Find out how you can leave a gift to RNIB in your Will.