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Hattie | Monocular Dr 👁️

@monoculardoctor

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Sharing life with 1 eye👁️, hEDS & psoriasis
🎭Amateur performer
🥈Adaptive Hyrox LDN
🥈🥉Adaptive cheer🌍
🥇Powerlifter🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
🇬🇧ParacheerGB
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HarrietStark

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I’ve been really lucky to welcome new followers on here recently, so I thought it was time for a little reintroduction/about me.

If you’re new; welcome. And if you’ve been here a while — thank you. Your kindness and support genuinely mean a lot.

I grew up navigating eye problems from just after birth, and in 2020 I had my painful blind eye remove (more on this in another post!) My remaining eye has its own complexities, but it’s carried me through life in ways I’m endlessly grateful for. Alongside that, I live with a mix of chronic health conditions that shape my day-to-day, and over the years I’ve learned (and am still learning) how to work with my body rather than against it.

Movement has always been a thread in my life. From childhood dance and gymnastics, to finding fitness/weights in 2015 to help my joints, to discovering powerlifting after eye surgery, and eventually stepping into cheerleading — which led to two adaptive world medals (which I still can’t quite believe!). More recently I tried adaptive Hyrox and ended up on the podium. Each chapter has taught me something different about resilience, joy and possibility.

I’m gluten-free and dairy-free thanks to my EDS, veggie by choice, and an all-round food lover. I adore animals (especially my rescue greyhound), and I’m powered by the people around me. Friends and family are my life fuel — the ones who hold space for me just as I am.

I love travelling and discovering new places, but also love the peace of home just as much.

Over time, this space has become a mix of disability awareness, adaptive sport, life with chronic health conditions, and the personal moments in between. I share my past and present journey— the challenges, the goals, the learning, and the everyday parts of life — in the hope that it adds understanding, starts meaningful conversations, and reminds people that you’re allowed to build a life you love, even if it looks a little different.

Thank you for being here and joining my journey ❤️

#adaptiveathlete #visuallyimpaired #psoriasisawareness #ehlersdanlos #prostheticeye #glaucoma #partiallysighted #adaptivesports A portrait showing Hattie, a pale brunette looking to the right of the screen, holding her blue prosthetic eye below her empty eye socket taken in United Kingdom by @monoculardoctor

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10 months ago

How are we ending week 4 of 2025 already?!
This year has brought about a lot of changes, I’ve been committing to myself (even if I don’t feel like it) to move/stretch my body, read my book and work on my breathing techniques every day - I’ve actually surprised myself and stuck to it! I genuinely think the biggest benefits have been pain reduction and belief in myself that I can be consistent.
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I’m blessed that my account has reached lots of new people this year so far, therefore I thought it was time for a quick ‘reintroduction’ to my eye history.
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I’m incredibly proud of the journey I’ve had, and still continue on! Being ‘different’ has made me who I am, taught me so much and allowed me to grow into the woman I am today. I can honestly say I’m proud of her! 😂
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#congenitalcataract #glaucoma #nystagmus #cataract #cataractsurgery #eyedisease #gymshark66 taken in United Kingdom by @monoculardoctor

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2 years ago

As I reflect on another year around the sun, having celebrated my birthday this month, I’ve chosen 10 highlights to practise gratitude for the good things that have happened, rather than getting too lost in the challenges and ways this year has tested me.

1. I got a new sparkly prosthetic eye ✨
2. I visited Thailand with my family, saw the most incredible buildings and had a close-up encounter with elephants at a wonderfully ethical rescue/sanctuary.
3. I had the privilege of playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast — my first return to the stage after an 8-year break to focus on my career, health, powerlifting and cheerleading.
4. I competed and podiumed in my first Adaptive @hyroxuk in London.
5. I had my photo taken by the incredible @martina.holmberg.92 and even made it into an art gallery!
6. I recorded a podcast with @charlieflounders sharing my experience of living with one eye and competing in adaptive sport.
7. I finally started singing lessons and, despite only having 5 so far, I’ve loved learning about my voice and practising my favourite songs. For the First Time in Forever is probably my all-time favourite to sing — absolutely channelling my inner @lauradawkes_
8. I’ve continued developing as a cheer coach while having a go at some new skills myself. We’ve taught workshops, won trophies and medals and watched our athletes develop new skills. I’ve been part of the @paracheer workshop developing the first Paralympic-eligible cheerleading showcase team, and have just placed my own adaptive team — set to be one of the biggest in the country!!
9. I’ve filled my year with fabulous shows and performances, from 13 Going on 30 and Cirque du Soleil to The Devil Wears Prada — with lots more booked!
10. I had the absolute honour of trying para cycling, piloted by @jdunhamf14 around the Manchester Velodrome. They even let my cycling-obsessed dad have a go — double core memory!

Despite its challenges, life remains a gift. To live it surrounded by my husband, family, friends, colleagues and, of course, my dog is incredibly precious to me. 💙

#adaptiveathlete #lifeinyour30s #visuallyimpaired #prostheticeye #adaptivesports by @monoculardoctor

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2 months ago

It’s taken me a long time to feel genuinely confident in my appearance — and I think one of the biggest things I’ve learnt along the way is that confidence doesn’t have to come from looking like everyone else.

Growing up with a visible difference, and then watching my appearance change again through surgeries, skin conditions and now wearing a prosthetic eye, has definitely shaped how I see myself. There have been plenty of opinions along the way too — some kind, some curious and some perhaps best left in the drafts 😂

But over time I’ve learnt so much more about myself: what I value, what makes me happy, what I want to prioritise and how I want to show up in the world. I’m also much more confident in choosing when I actually want someone else’s opinion — and taking advice from the people I’ve chosen to ask, rather than feeling like every unsolicited opinion needs to carry weight.

That applies to my appearance too. Sometimes I wear a prosthetic that matches my remaining eye, sometimes I choose the bright blue one, and sometimes apparently I add a bit of sparkle ✨

I definitely don’t feel confident every single day, but I’m proud of the relationship I’ve built with my appearance and with myself. The things that make us different don’t need to be dulled down to make other people more comfortable — literally or otherwise. 💙

#prosthetic #prosthetist #prostheticeye #visuallyimpaired #visibledifference

Video description: shows a pale brunette female in a while top and slicked back hair, opening her eyes in the sunshine, revealing a natural hazel and a prosthetic sparkly eye. taken in United Kingdom by @monoculardoctor

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2 months ago

I get asked a lot if I regularly take my prosthetic eye out.

Honestly, I don’t.

I can often feel if there is debris trapped behind the prosthetic as my socket is super sensitive and my eyelids are equally as sensitive as on my remaining eye. When I feel this, I’ll clean it.

I can use saline solution or cooled boiled water and my prosthetist advised me to polish it with a paper towel.

This prosthetic is actually much harder to get in and out than my last one, but practice for progress!! We continue to learn.

#prosthetist #prostheticeye #ophthalmology #eyesurgery #glaucoma

Video description: shows a close up of a pale brunette but slicked back hair in a green vest removing her prosthetic eye, the video moved to her dropped this in a freshly poured cup of cooled boiled water and manually cleaning it, followed by polishing it with a paper towel and reinserting it. taken in United Kingdom by @monoculardoctor

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2 months ago

As someone living with chronic health conditions, something I’m trying to be more intentional about is cultivating joy — making time for the things, people and experiences that bring a little more of it into everyday life.

Because life can throw a lot at us, and whilst we can’t always control the difficult bits, we can sometimes choose to make space for moments that are simply fun, interesting or make us smile.

This week, that looked like spending some time grooming rescued donkeys at Charnwood Forest. We learnt how they’re cared for, which different brushes to use and how to groom them properly — and, most importantly according to Nigel, we got to feed them apples. 🍎🫏

The donkeys were kept in a smaller space with us while we groomed them, but otherwise they’re able to roam and enjoy the space at their retirement home. Nigel was perhaps a slightly tough nut to crack initially, but once the apples appeared we seemed to become very good friends. Apparently the way to his heart is through food too, so we have that in common. 😂

I don’t think cultivating joy has to mean doing anything huge or pretending that the harder things aren’t there. Sometimes it’s just deliberately making room amongst everything else for the things that make life feel a little lighter.

And sometimes, apparently, that’s brushing a donkey called Nigel. 💙

#chronichealth #chronicillnesslife #ehlersdanlos #visuallyimpaired #cultivatingjoy

Video description: follows a pale brunette female as she meets and grooms a donkey, called Nigel, who enjoys apples. Followed by a gluten and dairy free afternoon tea at the cafe. taken in United Kingdom by @monoculardoctor

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2 months ago

A question I’m often asked is whether I can still cry without an eye — and for me, the answer is yes. However, it is not the same for everyone, depending on what their circumstances are.

I had an evisceration in 2020 for a painful, almost blind eye which was at risk of rupturing and had started to limit my life. It was an elective procedure, and I have a pinned post on my page with more about my conditions and background if you’re interested.

I didn’t have any problems with my tear ducts beforehand and my eyelids haven’t required surgery, so my ability to produce tears and cry from this side is unchanged.

The main difference I notice now is that the surface of the socket can become dry more easily than my remaining left eye, particularly with things like lots of screen time or air conditioning. Sometimes I need additional lubricating drops to keep everything comfortable and prevent the surface becoming too dry or sticking.

There are a couple of other things you can see in this video too; My nystagmus is still twitching away in the muscles that were once attached to my eye. The socket also looks fuller than one might expect because I have an orbital implant which was placed during my surgery, with those eye muscles wrapped around it. This allows my prosthetic to be a thin shape and still have some movement.

I am so grateful for my surgery and aware this puts me in a great position to answer people’s questions - so please feel free to ask more 💙

#evisceration #nystagmus #eyesurgery #ophthalmology #orbitalimplant taken in United Kingdom by @monoculardoctor

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2 months ago

Jumping on this trend because it brings me joy 💙

There are plenty of things I haven’t accomplished, things I’ve tried and failed at, and times I’ve fallen short of where I wanted to be. But there are also so many things I’m really proud of — and sometimes it’s nice to actually stop and acknowledge them.

This carousel is only a little selection. It doesn’t capture my family and friends, the home we’ve built, our rescued dog, the skills and knowledge I’ve gained, or so many of the quieter things that I value just as much as the bigger achievements.

Life is always going to be a mixture of things that work out, things that don’t, things we’re still working towards and things we never expected to achieve in the first place.

But we love a positive trend — and I’m very happy to take a moment to celebrate the good bits 💙

#adaptiveathlete #paraathlete #doctorswithdisabilities #adaptivehyrox #ehlersdanlos Close-up portrait of a pale brunette woman smiling at the camera, with her dark hair pulled back. She has one hazel eye and a bright sparkly prosthetic eye and is wearing a white top and a daisy necklace. taken in United Kingdom by @monoculardoctor

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2 months ago

Sometimes I can feel things on my prosthetic with my eyelids, sometimes I won’t notice and it’s only when I catch myself in a mirror!! And my right lens of my glasses is constantly dirty/smudged (anyone else 🙋🏻‍♀️)

Things like this tend not to bother me, I generally find them amusing. Just grateful to have this freedom of a plastic eye 👁️

#prosthetics #prostheticeye #ophthalmologist #ophthalmosurgery #heterochromia

Video description: shows a close up of a blue prosthetic eye with a mark on the surface, which is wiped off. taken in United Kingdom by @monoculardoctor

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2 months ago

After scratching the corner of my eye, I somehow managed to turn my prosthetic around — and genuinely didn’t realise quite how much I’d moved it until I opened my phone camera to check!

Having a prosthetic eye has honestly been such a positive change for me compared with what I had before, but it definitely still has its moments! I’ve struggled quite a bit with dryness during the UK summer heatwaves, especially with so much air conditioning, which has led to more itching and discomfort than usual — and is exactly how this whole situation started.

I’m just about used to this prosthetic now too. It isn’t a perfect fit for me — the iris and pupil sit a little low and the flatter surface makes my eyes look slightly more asymmetrical — but overall I’m finding it more comfortable than my previous prosthetic, which was a little too large.

Just another moment in the life of a prosthetic wearer!

#prosthetic #prostheticeye #prosthetics #ophthalmology

Video description: shows a close up of a pale, brunette woman who opens her eyes to reveal her right prosthetic is upside down and she manually turns it around back into place. taken in United Kingdom by @monoculardoctor

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2 months ago

I’ve had bilateral nystagmus ever since I was little, and I still have it in my remaining eye (there are some close-up videos on my page if you’d like to see what this looks like).

Even knowing that nystagmus doesn’t originate from the eye itself, I still didn’t really expect it to remain after having my right eye removed. The movement is still there within the socket, although the prosthetic on the front doesn’t visibly move with it because the movement itself is too subtle.

I hadn’t had useful vision on that side for a long time before the eye was removed, so it’s never really bothered me. I can occasionally notice the nystagmus in my left eye though, particularly when I’m tired.

The human body really is a fascinating thing, and I genuinely love continuing to learn more about it whether it’s my own or another’s 🤍

Video description: shows a close up of a large black eye without an iris, gently flickering (nystagmus) and the video jumps to a close up of the socket after the eye is removed making the same movements.
#nystagmus #nystagmusawareness @nystagmusnetwork #congenitalnystagmus #prostheticeye #ophthalmology taken in United Kingdom by @monoculardoctor

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5 months ago

The comparison of my latest before and after with my prosthetic eyes 💙

The blue ones are my favourite. I love how they look.

The old one (as you can see) was quite high, and ended up lifting my eyelid a little too high, this meant the surface would easily dry out and the eye wouldn’t close properly at night. There was also a small gap in the outer corner that meant air could sneak in and it dried out the back socket and caused increased sensitivity.

The new one however has almost gone the opposite way! It’s so flat my eye lid is a little lower than the other but it’s definitely more comfortable.

Whilst I do love both blues, I love the old one a little bit more.

The primary thing for me is comfort. Both eyes cosmetically considerably better than what I had before my eye was removed so the appearance bothers me less. It’s just a new look to try out for now and see how we get on!

Check out my sparkly one on my page too if you haven’t yet seen it!

What are your thoughts? 💭 ⬇️

Video description: shows a pale brunette compare her 2 blue prosthetic eyes close up to the camera, the newer much flatter than the older. She tries each eye in and looks to her left, up and right to show the movement.

#prosthetic #prostheticeye #optician #ophthalmologists #ophthalmosurgery taken in United Kingdom by @monoculardoctor

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6 months ago