GoodHeart | Dr Shanea Bailey’s journey through vision loss to medicine, advocacy

At just 31 years old, Dr Shanea Bailey has endured years of surgeries, progressive vision loss, and immense physical and emotional strain, but those challenges have not defined the limits of her story. Instead, they have shaped her path to becoming a medical doctor and a passionate advocate for persons living with visual impairment in Jamaica.

Born at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital and raised primarily in Old Harbour, Bailey describes herself as the product of a disciplined and supportive household. She grew up alongside her older brother and twin sister, guided by parents who prioritised structure, resilience, and hard work.

“My parents ensured we were well taken care of, even through difficult times,” she told GoodHeart. “They are conservative and strict disciplinarians, which I am grateful for, because this shaped me into the disciplined and determined person I am.”

Her educational journey took her from Marlie Mount Primary School to Glenmuir High School, and eventually to The University of the West Indies, where she completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. 

Although she briefly dreamed of becoming a teacher during primary school, medicine remained the calling that stayed with her for most of her life. Ironically, that dream was shaped by her own experiences as a patient.

“My desire to pursue medicine began in the offices of the doctors who cared for me throughout my many visits for check-ups, tests, and surgeries,” Bailey explained. “I was deeply inspired by their intellect, compassion, and genuine care for their patients.”

Bailey was diagnosed in early childhood with Marfan syndrome, a disorder affecting the body’s connective tissues. In her case, the condition severely affected her eyesight. Her lenses were dislocated at birth and later removed during childhood. As she grew older, the condition weakened her retinas, leading to multiple retinal detachments starting at age 15.

Her parents and teachers first realised something was wrong when she had to hold books extremely close to her face to read. What followed were years of surgeries, recovery periods, and missed school days.

Despite those setbacks, she remained determined to pursue medicine. Even during medical school, while classmates navigated demanding schedules, she battled severe eye pain, uncertainty and the growing reality of vision loss.

“There were times when I questioned if my decision to enter medical school was the right one because of the strain my eyes endured,” she admitted. “In those moments, my faith that God did not carry me this far to leave me, allowed me to remain steadfast in achieving my goals.”

Eventually, post-operative glaucoma caused severe optic nerve damage, resulting in the loss of her vision, though she still retains some light perception in both eyes. Even so, Bailey remains unwavering in her commitment to medicine.

While acknowledging the limitations visual impairment can create within such a highly visual profession, she believes patient care extends far beyond sight alone. Her goal is to focus on the chronic management of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, utilising clinical techniques, assistive technology, and collaborative support systems to safely and effectively care for patients.

“I would never compromise a patient’s life to satisfy my own ambitions,” she said. “The focus should always remain on safe, high-quality care.”

As she prepares to establish her practice, Bailey views this next chapter as larger than personal achievement. For her, it represents the possibility of creating pathways for others facing similar circumstances.

“The past four years have been challenging, particularly as I tried to chart a path that was largely unknown in many respects,” she reflected. “However, I am grateful that my experiences may help open doors and create possibilities for others.”

Now serving as patron of the Everyone’s A Winner Road Race 2026, taking place on Father’s Day (June 21), Bailey hopes her story will encourage greater awareness around blindness, accessibility and the barriers many visually impaired Jamaicans continue to face in education and employment.

Her message to young people, particularly those navigating disabilities or adversity, is, “I hope my journey shows that challenges or disabilities do not have to define the limits of what a person can achieve,” she said. “With determination, perseverance, and faith, it is still possible to realise your ambitions.”

Looking ahead, Bailey hopes her journey contributes to a society where people with disabilities are empowered to live with dignity, independence, and opportunity. More than anything, she hopes others see possibilit[ies] where society too often assumes limitations.

 “Challenges and disabilities do not have to prevent someone from achieving their goals and making a meaningful impact,” she added.

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