A North Staffordshire nurse and mum-of-two is using World Sight Day to raise awareness of albinism and challenge the stigma surrounding the condition.

Maya, 4, was born with oculocutaneous albinism, a rare genetic condition which affects the hair skin and eyes.

Now her mum Kimberly Perickathara, who works as a nurse, is calling for increased awareness and support of the condition which affects one in 17,000 people in the UK. 

Kimberly said: "Maya's condition impacts the production of melanin, the pigment that colours hair, skin and eyes and often results in significant visual impairment.

"Maya was born with no pigmentation in her eyes and has nystagmus, an involuntary eye movement that affects around 92 per cent of people with albinism. She also has no 3D perception meaning steps and uneven surfaces appear flat to her

"From a very young age Maya's found her own ways to adapt. When she was learning to walk she would use her hands to feel for steps or changes in flooring. She's incredibly independent, bright and funny, she knows no difference because this is her normal."

Maya, who is under the care of UHNM's ophthalmology and dermatology teams also receives specialist support at school from the local visual impairment service.

Kimberly said: "She uses braille, large print and different textures, and works with a habilitation officer to build her cane skills and independence. She loves school and has lots of friends.

"She enjoys painting, colouring, swimming and riding her scooter. Her favourite food is spaghetti- she's just like any other four-year-old."

Because bright light and glare can make it difficult for Maya to see, she wears dark prescription sunglasses and a low-peaked cap outdoors, even in winter.

Kimberly says one of the biggest challenges has been public misunderstanding of the condition.

Kimberly said: "Even when Maya was a baby in her pram, people would stop and stare or use the wrong language, which can be hurtful.

"Albinism isn't just about appearance, it affects vision too, and people need to understand that support and awareness make a real difference."

"We've had to learn a lot as a family, but we're so proud of Maya and everything she's achieving.

"She's teaching us, and others, that visual impairment doesn't have to be a barrier to living a full and happy life. With the right understanding and support, people with albinism and visual impairment can live full, independent lives , it shouldn't define or limit them."

Claire Carrick, head of orthoptics and refractive optometry at UHNM said: "Maya has been under our care since birth and we're now working with Kimberly and the local visual impairment team to ensure Maya are getting all the help she can get and her schooling is a good as it should be and is she able to work alongside her peers and keeping up with work and learning to her age range."