I'd first try being curious instead of encouraging them towards something they seemingly don't want. Ask them how you can help in general, not just in terms of their eyesight. I can say after I had surgery on my right eye, I wasn't keen on having it on my left because it was so initially painful, and there wasn't any vision to save in the left anyway. Perhaps they are ok with the way their life is now and are concerned about how they'd react to having vision again. If they have disability insurance, they might be worried about how they would support themselves after the surgery—best wishes for both of you.

I think I wouldn't do that, too. It feels scary only thinking about it. I've worked so hard to integrate being blind into my identity, I've grieved losing my sight so much, and I've come to terms with it. Suddenly gaining my sight again would be so confusing. People would expect from me that I can do everything on my own suddenly, without realizing that I've pretty much forgotten/ never learned how to rely on sight... The feeling of going outside alone and having to see all the people's faces and being expected to react properly and all the things you have to be aware of... Naw...

Surgery for macular degeneration?? Are you sure about that?

What does their doctor say? Do they feel it is risky? All surgery carries with it some risk, and some people prefer to stay with the lower vision they have than risk losing more.

Not exactly my situation, but I hope I can provide some perspective. Maybe they’ve adjusted and are fine the way they are. Maybe they don’t want to deal with the pain and long recovery. Don’t force it upon them or be pushy because it’s going to create a wedge between you two.

> and see things through their eyes

Nice.

Now then, imagine feeling the world without gloves for 10 years, but then wearing gloves for the next 40 years. Taking those gloves off, after 50 years of life, would be a very jarring sensation, don't you think?

I don't know why your family member is refusing surgery, I know many of us would jump at the chance of full eyesight. But that doesn't mean everyone would.

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