A CONNAH’S QUAY family is appealing for help with raising funds to help a mother see her twin boys grow up with her own eyes.

Mum-of-two Vicky Chard experienced a stroke last July at the age of 34 and has been left with life-changing effects to her vision.

Her partner, Carl Smith, told the Leader: “After the stroke, Vicky can no longer look after herself fully. She can no longer work, drive or take care for our 18-month-old twins Kaine and Kaelan without help.

“Life has changed dramatically for us all but nothing compared to the changes Vicky has gone through.”

He explained how Vicky is registered partially sighted, and has lost the left-sided peripheral vision in both of her eyes, meaning she is no longer able to see - or be aware of - anything to the left of centre in both eyes.

Carl, 40, describes how heart-breaking it is for his partner to be missing out on seeing the wonderful life they share with family and friends in full.

He said: “I cannot imagine not being able to see the full smile of our gorgeous babies or not being able to see the full face of our loved ones.”

He also mentions day-to-day activities, such as watching television together, that have become difficult.

He added: “Vicky is often upset over the struggles that now come with everyday living, with sight loss as the leading factor.”

However, the couple were given hope for the future after being told about a pair of glasses at a recent appointment at Wrexham’s Maelor Hospital that could potentially improve Vicky’s peripheral vision to a standard that is extremely close to her eyesight prior to having the stroke.

OXSIGHT is a company that produces patented, smart glasses that address visual impairments caused by a variety of optical conditions.

Opticians and engineers have developed the specialised glasses to stream a live feed into HD video displays that are placed in front of the area of usable vision. Smart technology incorporated into the glasses can then work to expand the field of vision to up to 68 degrees, enabling people with low vision to see more of the world around them.

The life changing specs cost £4,000 for one pair and the family is looking for help to raise the funds to allow Vicky a chance to see as clearly as possible again.

Carl said: “Vicky can no longer work and is receiving limited benefits. I am struggling to work more than two days a week as I am also Vicky’s full-time carer, along with looking after our little boys.

"I am just about keeping things afloat, but I am not complaining. We have a home, food, friends, each other, the boys and plenty of love. Things could be a lot worse, but also things could be a lot better for Vicky. These glasses really would be a life changer for her.”

A fundraiser has been set up online with a target of £4,000 to help fully pay for a pair of these specialised glasses for Vicky.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.