Monocular · 1832 — 2026
On living a full life with one working eye.
Field Marshal The Lord Roberts VC KG lost the sight of his right eye in early childhood in India. He went on to win the Victoria Cross, march from Kabul to Kandahar and command armies on three continents. Beginning with his birth in 1832, this study follows the discoveries, institutions and people that have shaped monocular life ever since — to the present day.
The Study
Eight chapters, 1832 to 2026
- Lord RobertsThe Field Marshal who lost the sight of one eye in early childhood and led armies for half a century.
- The EvidenceWhat medicine and research tell us about seeing the world with one working eye.
- Terms & ScopeMonocular, low vision, sight loss — the words, and where this study draws its lines.
- Timeline 1832 — 2026Developments, discoveries and icons from Roberts’ birth to the present day.
- OphthalmologyHow examining, treating and rehabilitating the eye changed from 1832 to 2026 — and who should answer which question.
- Living MonocularDriving, work, sport and the everyday adaptations of a full life.
- OrganisationsThe institutions that grew up alongside — and in service of — people with sight loss.
- How We Tell ItThe editorial principles behind this study.
- SourcesThe full reference list underpinning every claim on this site.