Young Blind Girl Miraculously Gains Sight at LEGOLAND in Goshen

A legally blind girl can now see clearly after visiting LEGOLAND New York in Goshen.

The Hudson Valley's brand-new theme park is quickly becoming the hottest destination on the East Coast. And while it's getting rave reviews from visitors, one girl's recent trip to LEGOLAND New York has been truly life-changing.

11-year-old Arianna Rivera has keratoconus, an eye condition that causes distorted vision. Rivera, who is legally blind, had no idea that her recent trip to LEGOLAND would result in her being able to finally see clearly for the first time in her life.

Rivera traveled to the Hudson Valley with her mother, father and two brothers. The trip was a much-needed lift after a rough couple of years. Arianna's father, NYPD Officer Joshua Rivera, was hospitalized with COVID-19 in March of last year. The Riveras also lost family members during the pandemic.

The fun day at LEGOLAND was supposed to be the beginning of a new chapter for the family, but little did Arianna know that a truly life-changing present was waiting for her inside the gates of the park. LEGOLAND officials and eSight secretly teamed up to surprise the 11-year-old with a gift that allows her to finally see clearly.

At a surprise ceremony, Arianna was given an eSight device. The head-mounted glasses instantly allowed Arianna to see with 20/20 vision from seven feet away for the first time in her life. After putting on the eSight, the young girl couldn't contain her excitement, exclaiming “I can’t stop looking at everything!"

The Riveras were treated to a VIP experience at the park that included priority access on all of the rides, a private session with a LEGOLAND New York Master Model Builder and lunch as Smokey's Brick-B-Que.

LEGOLAND New York Resort Divisional Director Stephanie Johnson said that the company was thrilled to give Arianna this unforgettable moment.

We want every child who visits LEGOLAND New York Resort to know it’s a place built for them. To see Arianna enjoying our theme park for the first time fills all of us with joy, and we hope to welcome her and her family again and again.

Rivera says she dreams of one day becoming a voice actor and artist. Thanks to her new eyesight, the LEGO fan is closer to that dream than ever before.