At first glance, Mikayla (Micky) Camp was like any other teenager. Full of energy, ambition, and talent. A dedicated student with a wide social circle, Micky especially excelled in sport. Her athleticism shone brightest on the netball court, where she regularly represented her hometown in regional competitions and travelled to Perth for state-level games. Netball was her passion, and she played with skill and determination beyond her years.
But at just 14 years and 3 months old, Micky’s life changed dramatically. One day, she came home and told her mum she could no longer see the board at school. A fiercely independent young woman, Micky took it upon herself to book an optometrist appointment. What started as a routine check-up quickly escalated when the optometrist noticed serious concerns and referred her urgently to an ophthalmologist and for an MRI.
Over the next five months, Micky endured a barrage of tests. Including multiple MRIs, a lumbar puncture, and extended stays at Perth Children’s Hospital. All the while, her vision continued to deteriorate. Finally, in October, the diagnosis came: Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare, genetic condition with no cure, typically affecting males more than females.
The news was devastating. Micky’s world shifted overnight. Her independence, her schooling, and her love of sport all suddenly felt out of reach. She had to relearn how to live, study, and cope – all while processing the emotional weight of losing her vision.
The Struggles and Triumphs at School
School became incredibly challenging. Micky not only faced the practical difficulties of adapting to her vision loss, but she also encountered bullying from both peers and, sadly, some teachers. Despite this, a few dedicated educators stood out. One of her early champions was teacher Jason Seal, who offered emotional support and encouragement during some of her lowest moments.
A turning point came when mathematics teacher Mr Nicolas McBeath discovered a simple but transformative solution: uploading all her coursework onto an iPad. With the ability to zoom in and read content, Micky regained her ability to learn. Then, Mrs Tracey Myers, an education advocate, stepped in to support and coordinate efforts between teachers to adapt learning materials.
With this support, Micky re-engaged with her education. She joined the VET program in Year 11 and 12, spending three days a week at Albany Senior High School, one day at TAFE, and another gaining practical experience at Spencer Park Primary School as part of her Certificate III in Education Support.
Her hard work and perseverance paid off. In 2023, Micky graduated with distinction, earning the Top VET Student Award and completing two Certificate III qualifications in Sport and Recreation and another in Education Assistant.
Rewriting Her Story in Sport
Sport had always been Micky’s outlet and identity. Losing her sight put that part of her life on hold. She had once played competitively against women much older than her, showcasing unmatched talent in netball’s GA and Centre positions.
However, after her vision loss, any mistakes on the court were attributed solely to her disability. The joy of the game dimmed, and eventually, Micky made the heartbreaking decision to step away from netball.
But her story didn’t end there.
The local netball president reached out, offering her a place in a lower-grade team with a coach who truly saw her potential. That coach, Chelsey, offered the support and belief Micky needed to return to the game she loved. Her team went on to win every match that season, including the grand final.
Looking to the Future with Purpose and Passion
Today, nearly four years after her diagnosis, Mikayla Camp is legally blind – but she is living proof that vision loss does not mean the end of ambition.
Micky is now employed full-time as a qualified Education Assistant at a disability school, where she supports students every day with empathy and strength drawn from her own journey. In 2024, she’s taking on new challenges, playing A2-level netball—the second-highest division in Albany.
Mikayla’s resilience, passion, and drive inspire everyone around her. Just three years ago, she was ready to give up on school and sport. Today, she’s a graduate, an athlete, and an advocate for what’s possible.
