Doclee's Eye Surgery

On a fateful day in late 2010, Darren was doing what he does best - restoring a vehicle. He was not new to welding - he had quite a few years of professional employment under his belt. However this particular machine malfunctioned. The oxygen regulator blew out at 3000 PSI, causing the metal attachment on the hose to pop off with great force. The piece shot into his face and broke his nose and cheekbone in three places. It cut his eyelid three quarters off, detached his iris and retina and shattered the lens. This resulted in damage that was, at the time, considered permanent. Several procedures later, doctors have since placed fluid in his eye to keep it solid. They performed corrective surgery on his eyelid. They did all they could but at that time were not able to completely reconstruct the inside of the eye.

Currently, he is blind in that eye.

The GOOD NEWS is that Doc recently took a trip to Georgia, where he has become a candidate for a brand new procedure that could greatly improve his eye function. This doctor is going to attach a Human Optics prosthetic iris and corrective lens.

(This procedure is part of a clinical trial to obtain FDA approval for the prosthetic, which means that, while insurance will cover the cost of the procedure, the actual prosthetic is a $5000.00 non-covered expense). This will be great for Doc as this whole ordeal has been very stressful for him and his family, as well as hindered his previously active lifestyle (no depth perception).  Anything helps! We appreciate it if you can help!