Alex Patterson from Ballymoney in County Antrim began experiencing visual hallucinations 15 years ago after becoming severely sight impaired. He once saw a tiger on Royal Avenue in Belfast and insects on food. Elaine Orwin from Bangor in County Down started losing sight at age four and developed hallucinations a few years later, including dark clouds descending from her kitchen ceiling and brightly coloured glitterballs. She received a diagnosis in her 30s.

Both have Charles Bonnet Syndrome, which produces visual hallucinations in individuals with sight loss. Professor Tunde Peto of Clinical Ophthalmology at Queen's University Belfast stated the brain generates images to fill gaps from vision impairment. Orwin noted episodes occur with stress or tiredness and temporarily block peripheral vision.

Patterson uses techniques like blinking and breathing to manage symptoms. His guide dog Angus helps confirm hallucinations by not reacting. Patterson emphasised the condition involves the brain and eyes, not mental health.

Orwin participates in a County Down support group where older undiagnosed individuals fear dementia. Patterson credits his wife, daughters and a support group for his coping. Both urge those affected to seek information.

Professor Peto said patients feel relief upon diagnosis and clinicians need training to discuss hallucinations. The Royal National Institute of Blind People estimates one in five adults with sight loss develop the condition, affecting at least one million in the UK. No Northern Ireland-specific data exists.

An awareness event at Stormont on Monday will inform patients, healthcare professionals and MLAs about Charles Bonnet Syndrome amid an ageing population.