Help Mr. Bjornson See With Assistive Glasses: My Journey

J.R. Bjornson
Jun 21
3 min read

Hello! My name is J.R. Bjornson. Many of you know me as the creator and performer behind Blind Guy Comedy, a legally blind stand-up comedian based in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.

For the past eight years, I've been sharing my life and laughter on stage, turning my challenges into comedy. Blind Guy Comedy isn't just a brand, it's how I make a living, file my taxes, and pursue a dream that seemed impossible for years: seeing the world more clearly.

Living Blind, Laughing Loud

I was born legally blind. Prescription glasses have never worked for me. So I built my identity—and my stage name, around honesty. “Blind Guy Comedy” gives people a heads-up: you’re about to hear the world through the eyes of someone who can’t see it all… but can sure laugh about it.

My comedy is rooted in real life. I share stories about growing up blind, parenting five kids, trying to navigate the world with limited sight, and finding humour in even the weirdest moments. I believe laughter can educate—and connect—all of us.

A Glimpse of a New World

Recently, I was given a one-week trial with the eSight Go glasses. These high-speed, high-definition devices use a camera to project real-time images onto OLED screens in front of your eyes.

For one incredible week, I saw clearly.

I saw my wife’s face.I saw my five children.I saw my dog, Murphy.I cried. I couldn’t help it.

For the first time ever, I could read the digital menu at Tim Hortons. I could see the person taking my order. I could choose snacks at the gas station by reading the labels myself. These little moments, things many people take for granted, felt life-changing.

Vision on Stage

One night, I went to a live comedy show wearing the eSight Go. I didn’t just hear the comedian, I watched them. I saw how they moved, who they pointed at, how they used their hands to tell stories. I saw what I’ve never seen before in my entire stand-up career: the visual rhythm of comedy.

I didn’t want to blink in case it was all a dream.

The Goal: $8,200 CAD

The eSight Go glasses retail for $4,950 USD, which works out to about $6,732 CAD. When you add shipping, border fees, and possible tariffs, the total comes to about $8,200 CAD.

That’s my fundraising goal.

In eight years of comedy, I’ve made just over $2,500. So now, I’m asking for help, from anyone I’ve ever made laugh, and from anyone who believes in giving someone the gift of sight.

Help Me See My World

When I reach this goal:

I’ll be able to see my audience while performing stand-up for the first time.
I’ll be able to read menus, go shopping, and watch movies like never before.
Most of all, I’ll be able to experience true human connection, seeing someone’s face when they talk to me.