Help Julie Hunt See Again!

Hi, my name is Julie.

I need your help with funding for eye surgery so that I can SEE again!

Over the past year, I noticed some blurring and some sensitivity to bright lights. I put off going to the Optometrist due to getting Shingles and Covid.

This fall, I was in the process of getting my Class B CDL License to become a Polk County School Bus Driver. After passing the written part of my tests, I failed the vision test for my right eye.

So, I made an appointment with Dr. Kevin Dorsett at Lakeland Eye Clinic. I was diagnosed in both eyes with astigmatism, near and far sightedness, and cataracts. I have a mature cataract covering the right eye and I'm unable to see anything with it. It's only a matter of time before my left eye will be completely covered and the vision will be gone in it, too!

Dr. Dorsett presented me with three options. 

Due to my astigmatism, near and far sightedness, Dr. Dorset recommended a precision removal of cataract and lens replacement on both eyes with a cost of $3500 per eye. While my family’s insurance covers a portion of lessor surgeries, (details below) it does not cover this advanced treatment which treats both the cataracts and astigmatism and would result in vision without the aid of future glasses ( as an additional cost). 

My quaIity of life would be so immensely improved by these surgeries. If anyone can help, it would be so appreciated.

I am so excited to get my Class B CDL License to be able to drive a Polk County School Bus. Our county school district is in desperate need of bus drivers. I have been assured that a position will be available once I finish passing my eye exam and test.

Having my full eye sight and being a productive human being means the world to me. I can't even begin to express my gratitude and ‘thank yous’ for your help & encouragement! I can assure you that I will pay it forward.

The funds will pay for the recommended laser surgery ($3,500 per eye, $7,000 total), medications, and any medical necessities that may arise from surgery. Any extra funds will be used for medical costs incurred up to this point and in the future.

   Surgery option details:

1) Traditional cateract surgery by hand. This would not correct my astigmatism or my near and far sightedness. After out of pocket deductible (about $700 currently), co-pay (10% of total cost) and co-insurance, our insurance would cover remaining costs. New glasses would be required and the last two pair of glasses have cost out of pocket almost $500.00 for each pair.

2) Laser assisted surgery with incisions to treat low astigmatism, laser cataract softening and removal with precision. Glasses still needed for intermediate and near vision. Our insurance does not cover. Cost is $1,500 to $2,500 per eye. Plus I would need new glasses.

3) Premium Intraocular Lenses (these lens replace the lens on my eye) Excellent vision for most distances without glasses! Laser cataract softening with precision. Advanced measurements and custom planning correction. Our insurance does not cover. $3,500 per eye. No glasses needed. Astigmatism corrected.)