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Robert Williams
Robert Williams was born in McAllister, Oklahoma. He met his wife Faye, an elementary school teacher, during his undergraduate work at Langston University. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Langston University and a law degree from Oklahoma City University, he worked as an auditor for the Internal Revenue Service and controller with the Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City and County, Inc.
Although Robert remembers experiencing light flashes as a child, he wasn’t diagnosed with glaucoma until after his college years. He had already lost some sight by the time he was diagnosed, and he lost his sight completely when he was 32 years old. Unfortunately, his sight loss could not be prevented with the treatments available at the time.
Being blind for over 25 years has not stopped Robert from being an active voice in his community. He is a Baptist deacon and has been actively involved in the church throughout his life. After moving to Phoenix, Arizona, Robert served as controller of the Maricopa County Community Action Program, a program which funded day care centers and other programs for the needy. Since 1987, he has been on the board of the Arizona Council of the Blind and was President from 1989-1993. For the last five years, he has served on the Governor’s Council on Blindness and Visual Impairment. Since its first meeting in 1997, Robert has also been a strong voice in the Glaucoma Research Foundation’s Phoenix Affiliate.
Robert emphasizes the importance of glaucoma check-ups, especially for African-Americans and for those with a family history of glaucoma. “Having glaucoma does not mean the end of an active life,” he says. “By taking initiative and being resourceful, there are many organizations and support groups available to help you live with your glaucoma.”