Ipswich partially-sighted teenager Keigan Curtis off to Edge Hill University after smashing A-levels

A partially-sighted teenager is one step closer to his dreams after smashing his A-Levels.

Keigan Curtis, 18, of Ipswich, has not let stickler syndrome – a rare genetic disorder which is robbing him of his sight – deter him from academic success as he gears up to head to university in the coming weeks.

He is off to study sociology at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, Lancashire, after securing an A*, A and C in sociology, psychology and geography, respectively, from Copleston Sixth Form.

Despite finding revision difficult, Keigan said he wanted to ‘prove everyone wrong’ and show his disability would not stop him from living his life to the fullest.

Ann Curtis, Keigan’s mum, said: “He did it, he overcame such serious obstacles. He did really well and we’re all super proud of him and he has our full support going forward.”

Keigan described a feeling of elation on opening his results last month.

“I’m looking forward to having new experiences, meeting new people, learning new things, overcoming new obstacles and challenges,” he said.

“I’ve been in contact with some of the people I’ll be sharing flats with, they seem really nice. I told them I was visually impaired and they’ve offered help where needed.”

Keigan said he was left with a fear of the unknown as his start date loomed, but felt it was a natural progression in his life.

Keigan was first diagnosed with stickler syndrome aged 13. He is now blind in his left eye and vision is fading in his right.

He described his condition as stable, he takes drops for a glaucoma and visits hospital every three months.

Thankfully, he said, eye facilities at hospitals in Liverpool and Manchester – not too far from his university— were good, so he would be in safe hands.

He will continue yearly appointments at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge.

Keigan told SuffolkNews he struggled with his revision and had 100 per cent extra time for exams – with some lasting up to five hours.

He was given flash cards to take home and spent much of his revision time watching videos.

However, he said he found the process of doing his exams exhausting and due to having scribes, it was difficult to go back and check previous answers.

Geography revision, in particular, which involved maps and graphs, was the most difficult subject to study for.

Keigan said he was motivated by the support from his school and his desire to go off to university.

In preparation, Keigan has been undergoing mobility training.

However, Ann said Edge Hill University was also implementing measures, including supplying Keigan with a laptop with a microphone for recording lectures and text-to-speech capabilities.

Extra lighting has also been installed at his halls of residence.

“The university has been great, we can’t fault it,” Ann said.

SuffolkNews previously spoke to Keigan and his family after Ann set up a fund-raiser to fulfil Keigan’s childhood dream of visiting Japan.

So far it has raised £3,500 of £20,000 – with them looking to holiday there in 2026. Ann said they would continue to appeal for money when possible while Keigan was studying.

You can donate to the fund-raiser using this link.

Keigan has tried to live as normal life for a teenager as his condition will allow, often holidaying with friends, going to the pub and watching his beloved Ipswich Town play.

While he was not 100 per cent sure what he wanted to do after university, he said he was getting apprehensive as the date grew nearer.

“I’m apprehensive,” he added. “In August when I got results, like ‘yeah, going off to uni’, but it’s becoming more of a reality now as each week passes.

“But it’s what I want to do and I’m never going to stop. My stuff is ready and I’m looking at transport in case I need to come home.

“Overall, I’m really eager to get going.”