The 20-year-old had been trying to get a job for three years when the busy Atlas Cafe Restaurant, in Newcastle, decided to give him a trial run for the apprenticeship position.

After his trial, owners Rebecca and Bartholomew Connors, insisted Mr Carter would get the position.

"He had a better attitude than anyone who had applied, and in the end that is all that matters," Ms Connors said.

Mr Carter, who is legally blind, cooks by memorising the placement of items in the kitchen, smelling and savouring the food as he goes.

"I can see colours and I always make sure I've got everything ready before I start," he said.

Vision Australia has also played a significant role in allowing Mr Carter to work at the restaurant, supplying talking measuring utensils and an oversized clock, among other things.

Over the four months he has worked at the cafe, he has learnt to prepare salads, make wraps and perform kitchen duties alongside Mr Connors.

"He's a bit of a Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen, always expecting the very best of Tony," Ms Connors said of her husband.

But Mr Carter always gave his best.

"It's the only job I've ever had and I don't want to lose it," he said.

Mr Carter has never cut himself at work, but says it happens all the time when he cooks in the family home.

Mr Carter is from one of about six families in the world to have the eye condition known as ectopic lenses.