Darts professional Ryan Searle has secured a sensational place in the World Darts Championship semi-finals at Alexandra Palace, achieving this sporting high while managing a significant hereditary eyesight condition that also affects his children.
Heavy Metal's Ally Pally Triumph
The player nicknamed 'Heavy Metal' has been in brilliant form throughout the tournament, dropping only two sets on his path to the last four. His latest victory came on New Year's Day, with a commanding 5-2 quarter-final win over Jonny Clayton, known as 'The Ferret'. This result books Searle a semi-final clash against either the defending champion, Luke Littler, or Krzysztof Ratajski.
Following his win, the 38-year-old from Somerset spoke openly about his vision challenges, aiming to inspire others. "Just a message for people out there. Obviously I can’t see people particularly well," Searle told Sky Sports. "Other people that try and play darts, if they can’t see particularly well, try not to let that hold you back. I try and be an inspiration for them."
Living and Competing with ADOA
Searle lives with Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA), a rare genetic disorder. He received the diagnosis only in 2024, which he says has helped him understand and manage the condition. He explained to Darts News earlier this year that "DOA basically means there’s reduced blood flow to my damaged optic nerve."
The world number seven has previously described dealing with blurred vision during matches, sometimes needing to ask the caller what score he has hit. He is only just legally permitted to drive, wearing contact lenses or glasses to meet the requirement, which makes his precision on the oche all the more remarkable.
"It’s only over the last 18 months that I’ve realised what the diagnosis is for my vision. It’s been bad for as long as I can remember," Searle admitted. "To have a diagnosis for it is really good... There’s no cure for what I’ve got so I’m stuck with it."
A Personal Mission for a Cure
The condition is hereditary, and Searle has passed it to both his children. He shared that while his son is less affected, his daughter's vision is significantly impaired, and she is registered as visually impaired. This personal connection has fuelled a passionate mission to raise funds and awareness.
"I’m trying to raise money for the Cure ADOA Foundation. It’s something that means a lot to me," Searle stated in a press conference. He revealed that through an interview with ViaPlay during the championship, €15,000 has already been raised for the charity, and he hopes to generate much more.
The Cure ADOA Foundation explains that ADOA causes an energy deficiency in optic nerve cells, leading to their breakdown and resulting in visual impairment or even blindness.
"Obviously I have it and it’s an hereditary condition so I’ve passed it to both my children," he said. "If I can raise a lot of awareness for that and try and find a cure for it, that means a lot to me."
With his semi-final run, Searle has guaranteed himself £200,000 in prize money and is now just two wins away from the historic £1 million top prize. However, he remains grounded about his chances. "No. Not yet," he replied when asked if he was dreaming of the title. "Obviously I’ve got two really tough games left... We’ll see what happens."
Ryan Searle's story is one of extraordinary sporting resilience, turning a personal challenge into a platform for inspiration and meaningful change, all while competing at the very pinnacle of world darts.
