She thought she would not be able to have a job or a normal life anymore due to her disability.
"I thought my independence was in jeopardy ... You think you can’t do things again like go to work or do the things you loved doing when you had sight," she said.
However, through the support of her employer and Blind Low Vision NZ she understood she could adapt to her new reality.
"It was hard at the beginning because you have this voice in your head saying that you gonna lose your job — but I learn to trust the people I’ve worked with and I think they learn to trust me.
"Having bosses and team-mates who supports and understand you makes a big difference."
Ms Anstice worked for 10 years at the Ascot Park Hotel’s kitchen and two years ago she decided to leave her comfort zone and applied for a position at Nichol’s Garden Cafe.
It took a bit of time to find the courage to apply as she was scared people in her new job would not have the same kind of understanding.
However, she said it was the best decision she had made.
"At the moment I left the trial, I knew I got the job. I could feel there was a welcoming environment and everything was about me communicating to them and being open and honest about my condition."
Her boss, Nichol’s Garden Cafe owner Rebecca Stevenson, said Ms Anstice’s disability never came into play.
"She applied for the position which was available and that was it.
"In hospitality we all talk about having that person that is your all-rounded, your superstar. Liz is that person for us.
"She makes her job in the kitchen well and [goes] above and beyond to help the other girls in the floor, always with a big smile on her face."
Ms Anstice said she was lucky to find people who understand her in her pathway.
With this thought in mind, she has joined forces with Para athlete Hannah Pascoe to promote the first dining in the dark dinner in Invercargill.
Ms Anstice said the event on September 30 would have tables of nine people who would be blindfolded to have an experience living in their world for the evening.
"It will help the public to have an understanding of what is like to be blind, but still doing day to day activities just like anyone that has sight. How we can still go out for dinner, have fun and still party."
Ms Stevenson, who will be one of the volunteers of the night, agreed.
"The minute you walk in your eyes will be turned off. You will need to trust the people that are around you."
Ms Anstice hoped this would be the first of many events of this kind as it was very important for the blind community to have the understanding of their own community.
"My colleagues and my family understand what my life is but it is so important the public have this understanding. They see us walking with a guide dog or white cane, but they [don’t] know what it is like to live that way.
"Yes, it is scary at the start but there is support out there and you learn how to accept it and use your other senses."
