Esight

My name is David Stephenson, and I’m 32 years old with a loving wife and 3 wonderful kids at home. I support my family as a self-employed mechanic. I have always had problems with my vision as far back as I can even remember. I was outfitted for glasses in kindergarden and later, when I was old enough for the doctors to take me seriously (3rd grade), I was diagnosed with Retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic eye disease that causes degenerative vision loss and light sensitivity. Upon further examination I was declared legally blind with a prognosis of total blindness by 18 years old. While I don't notice much difference in my vision loss from day to day, I do remember what it was like to see brighter colors and clearer pictures when I was younger. As of yet there is no cure for this rare eye disease. My parents and I have spent much of my childhood in and out of eye clinics locally and out-of-state exhausting every possible treatment. All of these were unable to prevent me from losing further site. It seems now that my vision has plateaued, and I have reached a stage where I am likely to remain for some years.

While there is still no immediate cure, there is a product on the market which can help me achieve 20/20 vision. This product is called E-sight. It is a lightly crafted pair of glasses outfitted with LED screens and self-focusing video camera that is worn on the head. Though they are not James Bond sleek, they do offer me the opportunity to see better, further, and in more detail. I went to a private demo with my sister and was overwhelmed with joy when I was able to see her face clearly and even read half of the letters on the 20/20 line of the eye chart. I would love to translate this experience to the rest of my life and be able to see my son's face, my step-daughters' Winter Guard competitions, and even something small like being able to read a book or my own menu at a restaurant.

The price of these E-sight glasses are $10,000. I have received partial assistance for this product through a private organization and have a remaining balance of $6,800. That makes for an expensive pair of glasses--a pair I unfortunately can not afford. I am not one to ask for handouts, but how can I not when the possibility of normal eyesight is right here within reach?

Life has been a long and hard road, but with the help of a great family and good friends I have successfully made it this far. I love my life and love my work, but it’s not the life I would have chosen for myself. With your financial help I will be able to enjoy the remaining eye site I have for as long as the good Lord will let me. Please consider making a donation of any amount or, if things are financially tight for you as well, consider saying a prayer for me that I might keep my vision or a cure might be found.

If you're interested in helping others like me, consider donating to American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). It is a wonderful organization that helps expand possibilities for people like me through research and providing resources.