Payton's Story 

At 10 weeks of age, Payton was diagnosed with Congenital Bilateral Cataracts, a condition that causes clouding in the eye. One week after her diagnosis, Payton underwent major eye surgery to remove the cataracts. Although this surgery was successful, Payton required two further operations to remove capsular phimoses in both of her eyes.

Now at 22 months old, Payton awaits her fourth surgery and is required to wear lenses in her eyes. Without these lenses, Payton’s vision is classified as legally blind. Mads recalls her family's longstanding connection with Vision Australia, as they generously contributed to support her grandmother, who faced severe vision impairment in her later years.

“Vision Australia has always held a spot in my heart.  From a young age I watched my grandmother lose her vision over a period of time. The joy she would get from meeting the guide dogs and the support she would receive in her home to extend her independent living was heart-warming. Now, as a mum to a young child born with severe vision loss, Vision Australia means a lot more to me” Mads explains.

This year, Mads and Payton will be walking 100k in support of Vision Australia’s 100K Your Way.

“100K Your Way is a cause close to my heart as all of the donations go towards helping other people who are just like Payton. As Payton grows up and begins to learn about her condition, we are dedicated to making her feel empowered and strong in everything she achieves” Mads explains.

 About Vision Australia 

Vision Australia is a leading national provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia. We work in partnership with Australians who are blind or have low vision to help them achieve the possibilities they choose in life.

We support more than 25,500 people of all ages and life stages, and circumstances. We do this through 35 Vision Australia centres in Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia; and through outreach programs in the Northern Territory and Tasmania.

We are a not-for-profit organisation and a major participant and partner in the international blindness community.

You can read more about Vision Australia on the website here.