In December 2018, Belinda van Dyk’s world shifted in an instant when a retinal detachment left her right eye partially blind.

It was a life-altering blow for a woman who had always seen the world through colour, canvas and creativity.

“I have a built-in lens in my right eye, giving me sight in about two-thirds of the eye. It was challenging and traumatic as a young woman at that stage to have that happen unexpectedly,” she said.

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But instead of allowing the darkness to define her, the Benoni-based painter and counsellor turned her pain into purpose.

Emergency surgery and its aftermath forced her to confront a new reality. Depth perception changed. Light became unpredictable. Every day tasks required adjustment..

“The retina works on shadows. It affects depth. For example, it’s very challenging at times to distinguish between colours like black and blue.”

For an artist who had spent her life relying on detail and precision, it was a devastating adjustment. Emotionally, too, the journey was heavy, marked by fear, uncertainty and the anxiety that accompanies sudden vision loss.

“My first reaction on the morning of December 11 was, ‘ What if I go completely blind in the other eye? It felt like the contact lens had shifted, and it got dark from the top to the bottom. The trauma was excruciating,” said Van Wyk.

Yet it was painting that became her refuge.

“I’ve been a painter my whole life, so I started again. Strangely enough, I started painting eyes. I love painting eyes and faces and adding colour.”

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Returning to her easel was not just about art; it was about reclaiming control. Through brushstrokes and colour, she processed the trauma of her experience. And then something remarkable happened – eyes began appearing on her canvases.

What started as instinct soon became identity.

Belinda began painting eyes as a symbol of awareness, resilience and hope. Each piece reflects vulnerability but also strength – a reminder that sight is precious and that losing part of it does not mean losing vision for one’s life.

The eyes she paints are expressive, layered and deeply emotive, often drawing viewers into conversations about retinal health and the silent battles faced by those living with visual impairment.

“Life is about the visual. We get visually stimulated first, and then the rest follows.”

As a counsellor, she understands the emotional toll that partial blindness can bring. Her art bridges those two worlds – therapy and creativity – offering comfort to others navigating similar journeys.

Her involvement in this year’s Dis-Chem Ride for Sight at Boksburg Stadium on February 15 was a natural extension of that mission.

Once a patient grappling with the fear of permanent darkness, she now stands as an advocate for awareness and support for retinal blindness.

“Please take care of your eyes. I see people vigorously rubbing their eyes. Please don’t do that. Your eyes are truly the windows to the soul and add to one being unapologetically present and purpose-filled,” Van Wyk said.