honoring the GIFT OF SIGHT

Cornea Transplant Gives Amateur Photographer New View on Life

Dave Parker suffered from an eye disease called Fuch’s Dystrophy, an ocular disease in which the cells in the corneal layer, called the endothelium, gradually die off causing vision loss. Eye drops and ointments might help relieve the symptoms of Fuch’s, but ultimately patients will need a cornea transplant to restore their vision. 

About a year and a half ago, the Fuch’s Dystrophy had progressed to a point where he needed to have surgery.
A dedicated amateur photographer, Dave was engaged in furthering his expertise and was taking classes at a local community college. The professor asked if Dave could see the different colors in an image and Dave couldn’t.
He knew at that point that something needed to be done. Dave’s ophthalmologist referred him to a cornea surgeon who performed the cornea transplant surgeries on each eye, a few months apart. 

Since the surgeries, Dave has been able to take pictures and participate in photography classes with ease. He says he is, “very fortunate that the technology was developed so that he could have the surgery successfully.” When Dave wrote to his donors’ families, he included pictures he had taken to show that their loved one’s gifts were helping him in his everyday life. One of those photos was featured on the front of our holiday card that we sent out to our mission partners.

Dave’s story is a reminder of the often-overlooked blessings that sight grants us. Losing the ability to do the little things like driving, getting dressed, and enjoying a hobby you love can impact your life. Through our mission to change lives by saving sight, Dave can do those little things again.