Welcome to Defending Vision by Matthew Cooper

Every blind person has been told they cannot do something. “You can’t see. How would you ever do…” “You don’t have good enough vision to…” In my experience, they are usually wrong. Most things do not require sight. One simply needs a vision and the drive to make the dream a reality.

Defending Vision is a platform where I aim to share my vision of living independently as a blind man. Covering topics including academics, career, hobbies, and personal stories, I do my best to show that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. The blog and upcoming podcast discuss this broad range of topics, issues, and stories. Specific projects are always under development and will be shared as they progress.

Who am I?

“I may not see any of it but I sure do have a vision for everything I do.“ — Matthew Cooper

Nice to meet you! My name is Matthew Cooper.

I doubt you have heard my name before. I am just another 30-year-old trying to live the American dream and hopefully make a positive difference in the world. Oh, I almost forgot, I am completely blind. That does not make what I do amazing or “inspirational,” but it sure has given me a unique perspective.

An amazing teacher once told me that I live in a sighted world and that world has low expectations for a blind person. Thankfully I have had support from family and friends to prove some of those expectations wrong. I never set out to prove anything, though. I set out to find my purpose and have fun doing it.

Today I am a successful electrical engineer with a degree from Stanford University. It has been an incredible journey already. Now I hope to teach others how to redefine blindness for themselves.