Support Dr. Jeffrey Arthur's Eye Treatment

Hello

This fundraiser is for Dr Jeffrey Arthur, a self employed mobile veterinarian in Phoenix, Arizona. He has an infection in his eyes that have rendered him blind. He is married to his wife with two young boys, Treygen 8 & Finley 4. Jeff is unable to do a lot of the things he loves, care for his patients, play with his boys, and get any decent amount of rest due to constant pain.

Starting on February 17th Jeff had some irritation in his left eye that seemed to feel like an eyelash or something that was slightly irritated. By the next day he was in a lot of pain and we went to the ER to seek treatment and find out what was going on. We saw an ophthalmologist the next day and they diagnosed him with a corneal scratch and tear/flap in the left eye. Over the next few weeks Jeff’s condition worsened with the right eye now affected. He wasn’t responding to treatment appropriately and we were eventually referred to a corneal specialist where he was diagnosed with acanthamoeba keratitis. This type of infection, acanthamoeba keratitis, is a rare infection that generally does not cause issues unless there is an opening to get into the cornea like a scratch or tear. The problem with this type of infection is it is a parasite in an area that is difficult to treat and is extremely painful as they lay eggs and grow in population.

Jeff has been in treatment for this now for about 4 months and has been in constant pain. We are under the care of some great doctors but this unfortunately is an infection that is slow to respond to treatment and his treatment can take about 6 months or longer. Right now Jeff is completely blind due to the inflammation that the infection has caused. Jeff will likely need a corneal transplant in both eyes due to all the damage that this infection has done to his corneas. Unfortunately, there is also a good chance the corneal transplant will fail and he may need multiple surgeries.

Since February we have had so many doctor appointments, ER visits, copays, medication changes, and over the counter supplies. These alone, with the lack of being able to work, have already dwindled our savings. This doesn’t even include the multiple surgeries/transplants, possible hospitalizations, and rechecks with specialists that Jeff will need over the next few months.

The good news is the studies have shown that his condition is curable. We are doing our best to hold onto that to get us through this difficult time. This has thrown our whole life upside down but as a family we have been able to band together to keep each other thinking positive.

Thank you for any donation you may give. I know that these are hard times for everyone and we are just one family of many going through hard times.

Jeffrey Arthur and Family