Sarah Brandt reveals her struggles living without eyesight like Chris McCausland

In South Africa, Sarah Brandt, 50, and Chris McCausland, a finalist from Strictly Come Dancing, navigate the challenges posed by retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a hereditary eye condition. Sarah was diagnosed at 25, while Chris lost his vision completely at 22. Sarah's symptoms began with night blindness in her late teens, affecting her peripheral vision. As a mother, she expresses concern over how the condition might progress, highlighting fears of losing her independence, which was significantly impacted after she could no longer drive. Chris McCausland's journey on Strictly is made extraordinary by his capacity to master dance routines without sight, showcasing immense determination and resilience in the face of adversity. Sarah, who has around 4 percent vision in her right eye and none in her left, describes her daily challenges and heightened awareness needs when navigating her environment. She shares that meticulous planning is crucial as she provides directions to her guide dog, Pepsi, who assists her in moving about. Daily life can be exhausting as every task requires additional concentration. The rare condition not only runs in her family—her father also suffers from it—but it initially posed a mystery, with doctors initially believing that the genetic trait did not pass through family lines. Sarah recalls feeling somewhat in denial at first since the gradual loss did not seem as impactful initially. However, she acknowledges that the realization of potential complete blindness, like her father's sudden loss of sight, weighs heavily on her thoughts. As a resident in a country with limited public transportation, she realizes just how much her condition limits her independence and mobility. Sarah reveals her deep connection to her family, commenting on her emotional struggle with the thought of not being able to see her husband and son. She admires Chris's accomplishments on the dance show, expressing wonder at his ability to learn routines without visual cues and recognizing how demanding that must be. Despite the difficulties, both Sarah and Chris have turned their challenges into powerful sources of inspiration for others facing similar struggles with vision loss.