On April 10, 2026, I experienced something that changed my life in an instant. A friend asked me to check the time on my stove clock, and I realized I couldn’t see it with my left eye. I was shocked and scared, as I’ve had perfect vision for 60 years. I immediately called my eye doctor, Dr. Venessa Kim, who was able to see me the next morning thanks to a last-minute cancellation. After several tests, Dr. Kim was just as shocked as I was, and I couldn’t help but cry. I’m getting ready to retire and care for my first grandchild, arriving in December 2026, so this news was especially hard to hear.
Dr. Kim referred me urgently to the Nevada Retina Center, and I was extremely lucky to get an appointment with Dr. Chris Wu within a week. After more tests, Dr. Wu diagnosed me with a macular hole in my left eye. He prescribed three very expensive eye drops and gave me hope, but let me know there was only a small chance they would help. I don’t have insurance, as I couldn’t afford my employer’s plan after losing my previous job as a caregiver for autistic adults during the pandemic. I tried to save money for retirement, but now I’m facing overwhelming medical costs. Even with coupons, the medications were still a significant expense, and after two weeks, there was no improvement.
Now, I need emergency eye surgery to save my vision. The costs are daunting: catching up on health insurance premiums, a large co-pay, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and my monthly living expenses during the 4-8 week recovery period when I won’t be able to work. My living expenses are a major concern, and I’m worried about how I’ll manage. I am reaching out for help because I want to regain my vision and be there for my family, especially my new grandchild. Any support you can offer—whether it’s a donation or sharing my story—means the world to me. Thank you for your kindness and for helping me through this difficult time.
Dr. Kim referred me urgently to the Nevada Retina Center, and I was extremely lucky to get an appointment with Dr. Chris Wu within a week. After more tests, Dr. Wu diagnosed me with a macular hole in my left eye. He prescribed three very expensive eye drops and gave me hope, but let me know there was only a small chance they would help. I don’t have insurance, as I couldn’t afford my employer’s plan after losing my previous job as a caregiver for autistic adults during the pandemic. I tried to save money for retirement, but now I’m facing overwhelming medical costs. Even with coupons, the medications were still a significant expense, and after two weeks, there was no improvement.
Now, I need emergency eye surgery to save my vision. The costs are daunting: catching up on health insurance premiums, a large co-pay, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and my monthly living expenses during the 4-8 week recovery period when I won’t be able to work. My living expenses are a major concern, and I’m worried about how I’ll manage. I am reaching out for help because I want to regain my vision and be there for my family, especially my new grandchild. Any support you can offer—whether it’s a donation or sharing my story—means the world to me. Thank you for your kindness and for helping me through this difficult time.
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