'We want to change the world for our Elsie' - parents of blind tot

Hayley Steinbach and husband Zak, of Kingswood Road, Basildon, have contacted the Government to push for more support in schools.

They also want more children’s books and toys made available with braille - the tactile system for blind people.

Elsie, one, was registered as blind last November after various tests.

Mum Hayley, 24, said she realised something wasn’t right when Elsie was four months old.

The worried parents took Elsie for tests at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, which showed the youngster could not see.

Hayley said: “Elsie wasn’t following things with her eyes, like other children were of the same age and younger.

“She’s been diagnosed with optic nerve hypoplasia, meaning she has an underdevelopment of the optic nerve.

“It is only about 50 per cent developed.”

Hayley said she was worried about the future and what it holds for Elsie.

She added: “Elsie is amazing and so happy all the time and has such a great character.

“I get upset about things she’ll never do like driving.

“Elsie is so fearless and loves motion such as swings.

“I am far more scared than she is!”

Speaking of the family’s campaign, Hayley said: “We are fundraising and raising awareness of the condition.

“We were considering stem cell treatment in China, but I am now unsure about it now.

“We also want to check if this it’s a genetic condition that could affect any children we have in the future.

“One of the biggest things we want is more access to braille, it is not on toys or kids’ books.

“I can’t just go to the town and buy toys and books.

“I also want it rolled out in schools more, so that she is not bullied and kids see it as normal.

“We’ve emailed the head of education in the Government but not heard back.

“I always tell her I won’t change her for the world, but I will try and change the world for her.”

To support the family in their mission, readers can log on to www.gofundme.com/elsies-eye-army