‘‘It was teatime, and my vision just went,’’ Mr Young said.

‘‘No warning. They tell me it was something to do with the retina.’’

The 74-year-old from Waverley was already blind in one eye when he suffered a retinal artery occlusion last November, which has left him with only 5 per cent vision in one socket.

But do you think that has stopped him moving?

‘‘With my cane, I still get out to the old-time dances a few times a month,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ve still got my radio show at City Park Radio too – just need a bit of help working the controls.’’

After approaching Guide Dogs Tasmania and completing a four-week intensive training period with an orientation and mobility specialist, Mr Young now catches the bus, and moves around confidently and safely in the CBD by himself.

Guide Dogs Tasmania client services manager Mary Langdon said Mr Young was a walking, talking example of the difference a simple white cane could make for a person with vision difficulties.

Ms Langdon said International White Cane Day on October 15 celebrated the capacity of blind and vision-impaired people to lead ordinary lives.

‘‘We’re not trying to showcase the extraordinary things that our clients are able to do through our services,’’ Ms Langdon said.

‘‘What we’re trying to do is showcase just how the vast range of services we provide can allow someone living with a vision impairment to function in society and live an ordinary life.

‘‘’White Cane Day is about being able to live the life that you choose, despite having a vision impairment. That is what we believe to be extraordinary.’’

To access more information about the services provided by Guide Dogs Tasmania, visit www.guidedogstas.com.au/our-services/overview/