by Nathan Anderson
Born with albinism, Daymion Winfrey has limited vision, plus his eyes are sensitive to light since the condition causes a lack of melanin in his iris which prevents his eyes from blocking out light. However, the multi-sport athlete has not let these challenges limit his successes. Wearing special light-blocking contact lenses, he reached the longtime goal of becoming a state wrestling champion.
“Although being visually impaired is a part of who I am, I have done all I can, so it doesn't define me,” he said. “Throughout my daily life, I partake in tasks like others however, some tasks are slightly modified. I always try to remain independent and find a way through obstacles.”
As an advocate for youth empowerment, Adia Winfrey, PsyD, understood the importance of her son’s vision early on and enrolled him in the Alabama School for the Blind (ASB) with the hope that he would not only be able to overcome vision issues resulting from albinism, but also so his success could positively impact others experiencing vision disparities.
“From the time Daymion was in kindergarten, I wanted him to be a voice for youth with albinism,” she said. “Once I entered politics, I recognized the impact Daymion could have as it relates to advocacy and even legislation. The wealth of experiences he had at the ASB continued to foster this.”
ASB is a part of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB) and provides visually impaired students with a comprehensive education that develops them into independent, productive members of society.
Through ASB, Daymion has succeeded academically and become a high-performance athlete in many sports, including wrestling and football.
In February, Kathy Weise, OD, MBA, and Abigail Witmer, OD, noticed Winfrey's athleticism and wanted to see if new novel contact lenses used to enhance athletes' vision by blocking up to 72% of light would benefit him.
“UABSO has a decades-long history of providing eye care at AIDB,” Weise said. “Daymion has received annual comprehensive eye care since he started school there. After hearing that he was a linebacker, running back and wrestler for his high school, I thought Daymion might be the perfect patient for these lenses.”
After Daymion put on the lenses, Weise recalled Daymion expressing that he felt like he was seeing the world for the first time.
“There was an immediate difference in how I saw the world on a sunny day,” Daymion said. “Without a hat or shades, it is nearly impossible to walk outside without having my eyes in a tight squint due to my light sensitivity. With the lenses, I can look around with a less painful sensation to the eyes from the sun.”
A month after receiving his new lenses, Daymion won the Alabama state wrestling championship in the 138-pound division. 
“The goal of winning the state championship had been something I was working towards for over half a decade,” Daymion said. “Wrestling has been a big part of my life ever since I began the sport, so finally ending a season at the top left me feeling like I was on top of the world.”
He plans to continue wearing the contact lenses and advises other people with light sensitivity to try them as well.
“I think other people who suffer from light sensitivity should be aware of the technological advancements we are being presented with as time goes on,” Daymion said. “These lenses are a game changer in my everyday life, and I plan on using them in the future. I hope others can see how they have impacted my life and give them a try.“