Ira's Corneal Collagen Cross-Link

Dear Friends & Family -

My Nephew Ira Jackson is in danger of going blind. He needs Corneal Collagen Cross-Link Surgery to save his sight. He was diagnosed 8 years ago with Keratoconus; his Corneas are irregularly shaped and over time, separate the different layers within the eyes, weakening them. Eye Drops, a combination of both hard contact lenses and glasses have helped stave off his condition worsening.

Recently, he was referred by his Doctor to The Casey Eye Institute at OHSU. His condition has got to the point where he is in danger of losing his sight in the near future. Corneal Collagen Cross-Link Surgery involves adding Collagen around the edges of the Cornea, smoothing and strengthening the different layers within the eye.

Cost is estimated at $12,000. This is a new procedure, just recently approved by the FDA. Unfortunately Ira is on the Oregon Health Plan and this procedure is not currently covered.

He has had some unfortunate circumstances over the last two years; his Family has been torn apart by personal tragedy.

I need your help to ensure that Ira will not go blind.

Thanks for your consideration.

Doug Whittlesey