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Legacy Devers Eye Institute gives the gift of sight

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to learn about this sight-stealing disease that affects more than 3 million people in the United States. Legacy Devers Eye Institute is internationally known for research in the prevention and treatment of glaucoma, and our care providers are celebrated experts in glaucoma treatment.

One patient whose sight was saved at Legacy Devers is Jeannette Chavez. Finding the best eye care was never simple for her. Living in the small town of Sitka, Alaska and having a history of eye disease, Jeannette was used to traveling far from home to receive treatment. But as her eye problems worsened, it was more difficult to find the right doctors.

In 2013, Jeannette and her husband moved to Vancouver, Washington. While seeking treatment for advanced glaucoma, Jeannette discovered she also had severe inflammation and corneal failure in one eye. Her quality of life began to deteriorate rapidly as she was losing her sight and experiencing terrible physical pain. Jeannette recalls it as a scary experience, saying “I was in crisis mode the whole time.”

Jeannette was eventually referred to doctors at Legacy Devers Eye Institute who were experts in the care she needed to treat her glaucoma and other eye issues. Thrilled to have finally found the right team of specialists all in one place, Jeannette and her husband were grateful their move landed them close to Legacy Devers.

Now retired, Jeannette and her husband enjoy traveling in their RV and hiking. Jeannette is thankful for her restored sight to enjoy these activities. “I feel like every day with vision is a blessing,” she says, “I am so glad I can still see the beauty of nature.”

Contributions to Legacy Devers help provide expert eye care to anyone who needs it. Donations also help fund research and education to ensure the best possible treatments and experts are available to our patients. You can give the gift of sight by making your donation today.