Throughout my time thus far at CES, it is hard to pick just one patient interaction that accurately portrays the sheer emotion, excitement, and gratitude displayed in the first moments of experiencing their new vision. From cataract surgery patients getting their ‘old vision’ renewed, to LASIK patients being able to wake up and see clearly without glasses or contacts for the first time, and every appointment in between, each moment is just as special.

In my short time here, I have been able to witness a patient arrive for a cataract evaluation in a wheelchair, seeing light perception only, and weeks later leave our office walking with 20/20 vision. I have spent time with many who come in filled with anxiety and fear, just to return for their 1 day post-op appointment nearly jumping for joy. I have even laughed alongside patients who exclaim that the first thing they need to do is repaint their bathroom walls after being able to more clearly distinguish colors (neon yellow vs a pastel yellow in one case) with clarity again!

Seeing each step of a patient’s journey is immensely rewarding, and while they might say we have changed their lives, there are many times where we would beg to differ in that they have changed ours. It is a blessing to be a part of these journeys every day, and to be reminded of both the great and simple joys we all have to be thankful for. To say moments like these bring myself and our CES employees joy would be the understatement of the year, and it is an honor to continue helping each patient see the world with clarity.