With a keen interest in finance, Rahul Hatwal from Mumbai started his career as a Customer Support Executive in a BPO’s mutual fund department. Born sighted, Rahul led a carefree life, graduating in Commerce and enjoying financial independence soon after.

It was after five months in his first job that Rahul’s vision turned blurry. He struggled to read the content on his computer screen. After several hospital visits, Rahul was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, a deteriorating eye condition which affects the central part of the retina, leading to distortion or loss of sight.

Rahul spent four valuable years of his life seeking course correction until doctors advised him to invest in rehabilitation, as his sight loss was irreversible. Looking for information that could help him lead a life despite blindness, he came across Eyeway’s partner NGO, Enable India in Bangalore.

The Helpdesk counselor redirected Rahul to the Maharashtra center for individual counseling and career advice. To lead an independent life and restart his career, Rahul was recommended to undergo a five-month computer training program using screen reading software, at Victoria Memorial School for Blind in Mumbai.

To empower him to seek private sector employment, Eyeway counselor further advised him to enroll for an employability training program with Enable India. This course would equip him with communication skills, life skills, workplace etiquette and solutions, resume preparation, and most importantly, building aspirations.

Additionally, Eyeway connected Rahul with a blind professional working in the finance sector, to help him with practical tips on preparing himself for a career in this domain. Lucky to have his family’s support, Rahul aims to make up for the lost time, with continued intervention from Eyeway.