Ever wondered what it’s like to design your own eye?

We sat down with CHECT members who’ve been through the incredible journey of having a bespoke artificial eye created just for them – and heard the fascinating, deeply personal stories behind what they chose.

Danni

Danni with a pink sparkly eye

This is my collection! I got my first bespoke golden coloured eye from the National Artificial Eye Service in 2022 after I came across an influencer from America on instagram with a different coloured eye – I was completely unaware that this was a service the NAE could provide until then, but I jumped at the chance to get one as I received constant insulting comments from people about my natural artificial eye, and I hoped it would give me more confidence to accept my differences and be myself. Since then, I’ve gotten at least one bespoke eye every time I’ve needed a fitting, and hardly wear my natural eye. I tend to go for eyes that look like normal irises but in different colours, and most frequently with glitter for an extra bit of shine. I’m so grateful to the NAE for my collection, and hope to keep building it ☺️. Here are some photos of me wearing my favourites:

Danni with a white bespoke eye
A handful of pretty eye designs
Josh
Joshua has one eye like a dinosaur
Josh chose this design as he loves dinosaurs and were hoping it will give him some confidence as he sometimes reflects back on having an artificial eye and gets upset about having to have one. Josh lost his eye at 18 months old and occasionally asks us if he can have his real one back! When he wears his dino eye he feels like showing the world “This is me”. He has since asked if he can own a whole collection of them.
Jude

Jude's bespoke eye is green like a reptile

Jude has been so excited to have a range of custom eyes. He has a Minecraft Eye of Ender, a galaxy eye and a Demon Slayer eye. Jude loves showing off the designs and has really enjoyed the positive attention they bring. They are often a talking point that enable people to ask Jude questions about his eye and he’s really confident doing this, which is great to see.

Dela-Rose

Dela-Rose's eye is pink with a heart in the middle

Dela-Rose chose that eye as it’s pink and glittery and she loves glitter, and the pupil heart is for her family and friends. She said it makes her feel special loved and happy.
And more of the cool designs from our members:
Katie
Katie has a 8 ball design
Theo
Theo has a plain white eyeball