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Artist draws on her own experiences
An artist who fought to save her eyesight is writing a booklet to help other people in the same position.
Diana Copeland, 67, of Old Sax Lane, Chartridge, was left fearing not only for her eyesight but for her ability to continue with her art after being diagnosed with glaucoma.
Her father and grandfather had the disease and despite diagnoses, treatment in hospital and laser surgery her eyesight got worse.
Last year she had major surgery at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and although her sight has been saved in one eye, she will have to be closely monitored to ensure the condition does not worsen.
She has written a booklet called Glaucoma and Trabeculectomy (correct) which is published by The Bucks Association for the Blind (BAB).
And to celebrate her love of painting, she is entering an exhibition in Waterside.
Her paintings are already being enjoyed by patients at High Wycombe Hospital in the Children's Ward.
Her surgeon, Brad Bowling, admired her work and asked her for a piece.
The works to be displayed in Waterside are called A Vision of London, a painting in surrealistic style, and a bronze bust of Joan of Arc, in flames, another futuristic creation.
Mrs Copeland, who worked in Thailand and Australia for the UN said: ""I have fought against the odds and hope that my experience can only help others similarly afflicted. I have been inspired by many people including Mr Bowling, who has been there for me with all of this.
"For me it is about enthusiasm, a question of having a certain zest for life."
The exhibition will be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, at The Art Exchange in Springfield Road. Opening hours: noon until 7pm on the Sunday, and 5.30pm on November 16.
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