Darren in seventh heaven
Joy for pupil who is registered blind
As exam results were dropping through doors this week, one Hamilton teenager could surely have been confident of success.
Darren Caldwell (16), a pupil at Uddingston Grammar, received seven As at National 5 level.
The feat was all the more remarkable as he is registered blind.
A Hamilton teen who has suffered a genetic eye condition since birth is celebrating this week after receiving seven straight As in his National 5 exams.
Darren Caldwell came out tops in English, maths, administration and IT, biology, physics, computer science and history.
The 16-year-old, who attends Uddingston Grammar - which has a visually impaired unit - was diagnosed with ocular albinism and is registered blind.
He also suffers nystagmus, which causes his eyes to shake, but is able to read and study using a variety of aids.
His fantastic results in this year’s exams has thrilled parents Clark and Elizabeth, as well as sister Kirsty (9).
Proud Elizabeth said: “We are absolutely over the moon for Darren.
“He is registered blind, and has had ocular albinism and nystagmus since birth. It won’t get any better or worse with time. He has light sensitivity while the nystagmus causes his eyes to wobble.
“At school, everything is enlarged for Darren to read. In first and second year, he used a camera to zoom into the board in classrooms, but now he uses a monocular to focus.
“We just can’t believe Darren’s results. He was saying himself that he was wanting to get As, but he wasn’t sure about English, but he managed that too.
“He is thinking about a career in computing, but its early stages really and he’s now also thinking about studying science.”
Uddingston Grammar head teacher John Mckay also had nothing but praise for Darren.
He said: “Darren is an outstanding example of a modern young man who has excelled in his studies. His examination success is but the tip of his many talents.
“He has much to be proud of and we are delighted to call him one of ours.”