Help Mr. Bjornson See With Assistive Glasses

Hello, my name is J.R. Bjornson, some of you may know me as Blind Guy Comedy. I’m a legally blind stand-up comedian from Red Deer, Alberta, and for the past 8 years, I’ve shared laughs on stages across Alberta Canada using the one thing I’ve always had more of than sight: perspective.

But recently, I had the chance to try a pair of eSight Go glasses, a life-changing piece of assistive technology, and for the first time in my adult life, I was able to see the world in vivid detail.

These aren’t regular glasses. The eSight Go uses a high-definition camera and OLED screens to project enhanced images directly in front of your eyes. It’s like wearing a high-tech movie screen right up close, and for someone like me, it’s the difference between guessing and truly seeing.

What I Saw Changed Me

During the one-week trial, I attended a comedy show not just to listen, but to watch. I could finally see the gestures, the timing, the full performance. Did you know comedians wave their arms when telling a joke? I didn’t not until now.

After the show, my wife and I went to Tim Hortons our favourite spot. For the first time, I could read the menu on the digital screens (they change every 7 seconds who knew?) I even froze the screen and read it word for word. I never realized they had so many meal options.

And then something happened that still makes me emotional. As we sat down to eat, I looked at my wife the woman I’ve loved for 19 years and watched her enjoy her meal. It might sound simple, but to me, it was magic.

I saw her eat. I saw her smile. I saw her.

Why I’m Asking for Help

The eSight Go glasses retail for $4,950 USD. With the conversion to Canadian dollars, that brings the total to $6,732 CAD. After including border fees and possible tariffs, I’ve set my fundraising goal at $8,200 CAD. This will ensure I have the proper funds to purchase these incredible glasses.

Amazing Update! When I first launched this fundraiser, it was originally set at 8200 Canadian. I have learned that I got some wonderful news.

Thanks to an early adopter opportunity made available to me as someone previously familiar with eSight’s technology, I’m now able to receive the latest model at a significantly reduced cost. As a result, I’ve lowered the fundraiser goal to reflect this new amount. The updated price, with taxes and fees, brings the total cost to approximately $6,000 CAD. Which means we’re even closer to restoring my vision than we were before.

I wish they were covered by my healthcare plan unfortunately, they are not. And as a stand-up comedian, I don’t make a lot of money. In fact, over the past 8 years, I’ve made $2,550 from performing. These glasses could help me get closer to finding real employment one day. For example, with the ability to see more clearly, I may even be able to read a cash register.

It’s actually one of my dreams to be a cashier and assist people face-to-face. I’ve always loved people from all walks of life. Helping them, greeting them, serving them it’s what I live for.

What These Glasses Let Me See

I saw the flavors of slushies at the gas station. I saw my daughter’s smile and realized my 14-year-old son has long red hair.

I saw my dog Murphy’s tail wagging he’s my shadow, my best friend, and doesn’t believe in personal space.

I watched steam rising from boiling water while making Kraft Dinner.

I saw cows by the side of the road when my kids yelled, “Look, Dad, cows!”

I even saw a Wendy’s sign and thought, “Wow, Wendy has red hair? She’s a cartoon?”

The smallest moments became big, emotional milestones.

Let’s Make This Dream Real

If 165 people donated just $50 each, we’d be there.

With these glasses, I’ll be able to cook, shop, attend my kids’ activities, and yes perform comedy while seeing my audience for the first time ever. That’s been a dream of mine for years, and now it’s finally within reach.

Maybe one day I’ll have to rebrand as “Somewhat Blind Guy Comedy.”

Thank You

If you’ve read this far thank you. I’m not just raising money for a device. I’m raising hope. I’m raising independence. I’m raising visibility (literally and figuratively). Your support means everything.

If you can’t donate, that’s okay. A share is just as powerful. But if you can contribute, know that you’re helping someone truly see the people and world he loves maybe for the first time.