“I was looking in the mirror, and after covering one eye, I thought: ‘I can’t see a thing.’ It was terrifying.” – Gaye, who had a central retinal vein occlusion in both eyes
One morning, as Gaye was getting ready for work, she lost vision in her right eye – it was as if a blind had been pulled down, leaving her in darkness. In the frightening days that followed, Gaye was diagnosed at the Lions Eye Institute with a central retinal vein occlusion – a blockage of the main vein draining the blood from the retina, a condition that could have left her permanently blind.
Gaye and her husband, Milton
Gaye had effectively endured a stroke in her eye, caused by the blockage and subsequent bleeding.
For years, there was no effective treatment for Gaye’s condition and sadly, most people with the disease suffered permanent vison loss. But thanks to pioneering research at the Lions Eye Institute, she was given hope.
“I was terrified of losing my independence, but the incredible team at the Lions Eye Institute gave me a second chance,” says Gaye.
Professor Ian McAllister with patient, Gaye
With the help of a clinical trial led by Professor Ian McAllister, Gaye received a specialised laser treatment that restored her sight by creating a bypass for her blood to travel through. A few months later, when she suffered another occlusion in her left eye, she was again treated through the trial – giving her back the ability to drive, read, and enjoy life with her family.
Your Impact
Gaye’s story is just one example of how Lions Eye Institute research is transforming lives. Thanks to generous supporters like you, our researchers continue to make groundbreaking discoveries that bring hope to those at risk of losing their sight.
Every day brings us closer to the next breakthrough, but we need your help. Your gift could support the next life-changing treatment and restore vision for people like Gaye.
You can help us achieve the next sight-saving breakthrough. The sooner we receive your gift, the sooner we can put it to work restoring vision. Please give generously today.
Will you give the gift of sight today and bring hope to people like Gaye and future generations?
Your urgent gift can make a difference for people like Gaye.
A research breakthrough from the Lions Eye Institute saved Gaye’s vision. Please give the gift of sight by donating today and help us discover the next big research breakthrough.
Donations of $2 and over are tax-deductible.
