Survivor of child sexual abuse at an industrial school now fights for her eyesight

A visually impaired survivor of child sexual abuse at a vocational school is now fighting to save his eyesight.

William Gorry is clinically blind and has only partial vision in his left eye. He will lose his sight unless he comes to the United States for surgery. When he was 10, William and his six-year-old brother Thomas, who was severely disabled, witnessed them being sexually abused by two priests. He suffered 14 years of physical and sexual abuse at the Mount Carmel Industrial School in Moate, Westmeath, which is run by the Sisters of Mercy.

But after rebuilding his life as best he could, William has spent the last decade supporting other survivors and fighting for justice. Now the 62-year-old, CEO of the Residential Institutions Survivors’ Network, faces a new battle after being diagnosed with congenital aniridia.

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His partner Patrick O’Brien explained: “William is clinically blind and has a significant visual impairment of 1/60 in his right eye and can only count fingers in his left eye. He has recently been diagnosed with congenital aniridia and his condition is expected to deteriorate rapidly and he will lose his sight completely in four to six months.

“According to his treating ophthalmologist in Dublin, there is no effective option other than one offered by the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital in Boston.” The cost of treatment and travel amounts to around 55,000 euros and the US clinic requires full payment in advance before he can get an appointment.

Patrick has set up a GoFundMe page in hopes of raising the necessary funds William needs for the treatment that will save his sight. He said: “William has done so much for victims of child sexual abuse in institutions through his humanity that he is a worthy recipient.”

In 2017, William, originally from Daingean, County Offaly, went on hunger strike to protest the failure of the state and Caranua to support survivors, and in 2019 he spoke out on the 20th anniversary of the state’s apology.

Patrick added, “Let’s support William and give him a better future too.” To donate, visit William Goes to Boston or Goes Blind on GoFundMe here.

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