Amanda Eddy, founder of Amanda Deer Jewelry, has turned her passion for dainty, affordable jewelry into a thriving business. Despite being born with glaucoma, a sight-threatening eye condition, she has built a successful career while managing her vision health. Learn more about Amanda’s entrepreneurial journey building a business while dealing with glaucoma.*

Living with Glaucoma Since Childhood

Amanda was diagnosed at birth with glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve, usually due to high eye pressure. Her father also has the disease and lost his sight as a child. Thanks to early detection and ongoing treatment, Amanda has managed her condition through:

• Multiple trabeculectomy surgeries, 
• Biannual eye exams, and 
• Daily, disciplined use of eyedrops for over four decades. 

Despite some vision loss in her right eye over the last few years, Amanda remains determined not to let the condition limit her life or career.

Glaucoma’s Impact on Her Craft

Creating intricate jewelry requires precise vision, something Amanda has had to adapt to due to her limited depth perception. 

“I’ve lost some sight in my right eye, and obviously, when you’re making dainty jewelry, you need your sight to do that, but it’s something I’m not going to let stop me,” she said.

Tools like magnifiers and visors, common among jewelers, have become essential. She also relies heavily on her skilled all-woman team, who help bring her creative visions to life. Amanda’s perseverance ensures that her business thrives while maintaining her artistic standards.

Evolving Glaucoma Management and Advocacy

As Amanda’s business has grown, so has her commitment to glaucoma advocacy. Partnering with the Glaucoma Research Foundation, she shares her story to inspire and educate others. Amanda frequently supports new parents of children diagnosed with glaucoma, emphasizing the importance of consistent eye care and offering hope for a fulfilling life. Her advocacy efforts complement her thriving jewelry business, which continues to resonate with customers nationwide.

*Okusami, L. (2022, August 16). An eye for jewelry: How entrepreneur Amanda Eddy defies glaucoma [Blog post]. Amazon Seller Stories. https://sell.amazon.com/blog/seller-stories/amanda-deer-jewelry 

Featured Image: “Amanda Eddy works on her jewelry.” An eye for jewelry: How entrepreneur Amanda Eddy defies glaucoma, Amazon https://sell.amazon.com/blog/seller-stories/amanda-deer-jewelry

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