About this Short Film
I have a vision (Daniel Plant, Australia, 2013) is a intimate, first-person documentary in which Tracy Plan describes the changes to her sight and how she has reshaped everyday life since then. Delivered in a candid, often wry voice, the film follows practical steps — appointments, relearning computer access with Vision Australia, giving up driving — alongside new routines such as joining a gym, walking groups and climbing local hills with family and friends. Rather than medicalising her story, the film centres Tracy’s perspective, friendships and daily adaptations, offering clear insight into living with vision loss and the small pleasures and challenges of regaining independence. A grounded, respectful portrait well suited to Focus on Ability audiences.
Film Details
Film Transcript
My name is Tracy Plan and this is how I see the world.
Well, to start, September 2011, or actually maybe August 2011, I had black spots in front of my right eye. But hey, when you're busy — you've got nearly a 14-year-old, 16-year-old, life's going a million miles an hour — black spots in front of your eyes, why would you be concerned? So a few weeks go past and I think, "Okay, I'll go to the optometrist." I go to the local optometrist and he basically said what I was thinking: "Oh, you're stressed, you're 40, you're running around, two children everywhere, you're running a business, you'll be right," and off you go.
[Music]
And with that my right eye became extremely blurry. Many tests — I'm like, "Hurry up, hurry up, I've got kids to pick up." Very, very...
Yeah, that was the last time I ever drove my purple youth, but that's okay.
[Music] [Applause]
After a few months I had the courage and lovely Vision Australia came around, like they had done before, and on a huge computer screen I had to relearn how to use the computer. However, I'll be very honest: 19 months later I'm not the best at the big computer screen and the talking thing. That's my main aim in the next few months — to get on top of that.
And you know, life — well, I have the best group of friends, the best family. No one could ask for better. I probably have a little bit of a different lifestyle to what I had 19 months ago. The Tracy that could see probably would never have entered a gym or actually gone in a fun run. Last weekend, admittedly I didn't run — I went with two great friends in one of the 10ks. I just set myself a lot of goals like that. I started to climb the mountains — my son and I climbed Mount Coolum three weeks ago, which was an experience. Tracy that could see would never have done anything like that.
I joined the gym in the last — yeah, 14, 16 months. I just look at all the ability side of it, the ability. I go to the gym — I would never have gone to the gym in my wildest dreams. I go to the gym five days a week. I go to circuit classes, I go to two boxing classes, I go to a core strength class every day except Wednesday, and then I walk a couple of times a week and try to go for a big walk on Saturday morning early, at 6, 6:30, for an hour, an hour and a half with a group of lovely ladies. So that keeps me very fit and active and starts the day off more positive.
After going to the gym each day, two or three of us ladies would attend the local coffee club. We would know a lot of people there, and we would go there and then go into our groceries, and then, you know, half the day is gone. Yeah, I can't praise my friends highly enough.
[Music]
Yeah, they're always telling me I'm the inspirational one and that sort of thing, but you know, I think they're inspirational for taking me out and taking me shopping and, you know, write lives we play Marco Polo local.
[Music]
Yeah, it's all just a good laugh, you know.
Filmmaker
Plant, Daniel is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Plant, Daniel.
Mrs P. You Are An Inspiration To Everyone That Meets You My Darling Friend. Love You To Bits. Vicki Charles And Tristen. Xo
Well Done Trace Xxxx
Wow Tracey I Don't Know How You Do It. I Take My Hat Off To You And The Amazing Support You Have Of The Family You Are A Wonderful Person And A Heart Of Gold Keep Up The Great Work . I F You Smile The Whole World With Smile With You.
Truly Touching Story Tracey Is An Inspiration To Everyone Who Has Lost Their Sight
Such A Fantastic Film. I Work With Traceys Mum And Know The Heart Ache And Love That Is With You All. So Very Proud To Know Of You About You And My Love And Kisses Go To All Of You. Great Job Dan
Excellent
Tracey You Are So Amazing And Great Vid Plantos 3
This Is A Wonderful Film. Thank You Daniel And Tracey For Sharing This. It Really Does Put Things In Perspective And You Are Always Still So Positive. An Inspiration And Shows That Yes Keep Hope Xx
I Have Known Tracey And Her Family For Several Years Now And Have Watched Her Go Through This Never Have I Seen Her Waiver In Her Love For Family And Friends She Amazes Me Her Sence Of Humour I Mean Who Else Would Let You Take The Mickey Every Now And Then Her Ability To Take Each Day As A Challenge And Her Strength And Determination To Achieve Something New Each Day. She Attends All Her Daughters Cheerleading Competitions And Doesn't Give A Damn If She Has To Ask Is That My Girl To The Left Have Known Her For Several Years And I Am Very Proud To Call Her My Friend.. Daniel This Made Me Cry An Awesome Way To Show How Much Your Mum Means To You Well Done.
What Words Can Say What This Film Made Feel so Proud Of Tracy One Of The Most Wonderful person I Have Met And What She Has Achieveddaniel Thankyou For Making This Film It Will Encourage others. Not To Give Up But Push On tracy You Are An Inspiration Thankyou god Bless Michael Xo
Well Done Dan Im Proud To Be Your Grandad
What An Inspiration You Are Tracy And So Positive. It's Great That You Have A Lot Of Support .its Good That Daniel Made This Video .it Will Stop Me Wanting On About My Problems.a Very Good Video Daniel
So Sincere....so Heart Felt....hit Me
Amazing And Inspirational Video