The Eyes of Me: Where are They Now?

Last night, Independent Lens aired the documentary The Eyes of Me, which follows four visually impaired teenagers in Texas as they face the usual challenges of adolescence while simultaneously learning to navigate a world designed for the sighted. Interested in knowing what happened to some of the students since the film was completed? Learn more and read their updates below:

CHAS - Chas and his girlfriend Ashley had a baby boy, Chas Jr., in December of 2008. Chas Jr. was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, the same cancer of the retina that his mother Ashley had as a child. Chas Jr. spent much of 2009 undergoing chemotherapy and doctors are hopeful that he will be cancer-free and that they were able to save some of his sight. Chas Sr. continues to struggle from month to month with bills and the rigors of being an independent young adult and family man. He has worked off and on at the Lighthouse for the Blind and the only real constant for him has been his music. One2Cee plans to release some new music in conjunction with the release of The Eyes Of Me. Chas has yet to complete his GED.

DENISE - During her sophomore year, Denise's mother decided to bring her back to Dallas to attend her zoned high school. This arrangement didn't work out too well for Denise and she ended up leaving that school as well. Denise lives with her mother and little sister - she still sings in her church choir and is taking some life skills classes and is looking for the right job training program.

MEAGAN - Meagan continues to take core curriculum classes at Austin Community College and she continues to achieve all A's and B's. Meagan began working part-time at Texas School for the Blind students (TSBVI) as a substitute teacher and has since been hired on full-time as a Resident Advisor. On a daily basis, Meagan is working with teen girls in the TSBVI dorms, serving as a role model to students only a couple of years her junior. She plans to continue for another year or two before trying to transfer to a four-year school to complete her Bachelor's before pursuing a Master's and a career as a licensed professional counselor.

ISAAC - Isaac moved to Fort Worth, Texas, for his final two years of high school. He has matured a lot and had many successes, graduating in May of 2009. Isaac and his Seeing Eye dog, Rolex, are currently living in Austin where he is strengthening his independent living skills at an adult rehab center and his goal is to attend a four-year university next year. 

Learn more about the film >>