Climbing, Mr Dennard Lee said, is very much like life.

“Don’t look back, always look forward,” the 42-year-old said. 

Mr Lee is visually impaired. He was diagnosed with amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, when he was five years old. 

His vision worsened significantly after a car accident in 2008.

“My left eye can only make out some shadows, so I rely mostly on my right eye to see, but even then, most things are very pixelated.” 

Now unemployed, his vision loss has not stopped him from taking part in a sport he used to love – rock climbing. 

Now, he climbs roughly once a month, with the help of a guide. 

He told of how he had to adjust and accept that he is different, from learning to use a cane to get around, going at a slower pace on overseas travels, finding a community of like-minded people for support, and being grateful for all that he has.

“You will appreciate things more … a lot more than what you used to be. There’s a grateful heart in me now than it was before.”