TOKOROZAWA, Saitama -- Ten years have passed since Tomomi Shimizu became an international classifier who places para athletes in the appropriate category according to their impairment level in order to ensure fairness in Paralympic sports.
While she continues to work as an ophthalmologist at the National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, Shimizu visits international para tournaments held all over the world to examine athletes' eyes.
Classifiers are divided based on the type of impairment or competition. Shimizu is in charge of competitions in which visually impaired athletes participate. By measuring visual acuity with precision instruments and checking the condition of the eyes, the degree of impairment can be determined.
The results of judgments by classifiers also affects the career of para athletes. If athletes are classified to have lighter impairments than they actually have and they are assigned to a class for people with minor impairments, they will be at a disadvantage. The athlete then might not qualify for the Paralympics.
There is also the possibility that athletes who pretend their visual acuity or eyesight is worse than it actually is can gain an advantage.
"Our responsibility is serious," Shimizu said. "I'm always nervous."
While travel expenses are provided for her to go to an international competition, she has to take days off from the hospital, making her activities as an international classifier close to that of a volunteer.
When patients' eyesight deteriorates in adulthood, many become afraid of going out and tend to stay home. At such times, Shimizu recommends them to try various sports, including swimming and golf. Shimizu has seen many patients regain their contact with society and cheerfulness through sports.
"The success of athletes with various disabilities at the Paralympic Games will be an opportunity for many patients to take a step forward," she said.
Even among ophthalmologists, however, sports for the visually impaired are not well known. Shimizu is one of only two people in Japan certified as international classifiers in the field of visual impairment.
"First, it is important for doctors to know para sports," Shimizu said. "I want to continue my activities so that more patients can find their motivation in life."
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