Help Ellie With Her Eyes

Hi everyone, I'm Elowens mom Terra and I'm raising money to cover the difference of tear duct shunt surgery for Elowen. She has needed this surgery for several months now and is finally on the books for next month. Pending we are all healthy she will be seen at Randall Children's Hospital for the surgery and will go under local anesthesia. Because insurance will only cover up to 60% of the procedure costs and the surgery can cost up to $6,000 I am asking if my community can pitch in around us. I'm a single mom on one income and doing the very best I can. I appreciate any and all help we receive and I'm looking forward to relief for my sweet girl.

An ophthalmologist can do different types of surgical procedures (sometimes in combination) to open a blockage:

probing using a thin metal instrument: The ophthalmologist gently passes a thin metal instrument (probe) through the tear duct to open the blockage. Then they flush the duct with sterile water to make sure the pathway is clear. This is the procedure most often used for blocked tear ducts.

silicone tube intubation: The ophthalmologist places silicone tubes in the tear ducts to stretch the ducts. The tubes stay in place for 3–6 months, then are removed either in the office or during another short procedure.