CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Patients receive the "Gift of Sight"

Patients receive the "Gift of Sight"

By Hayley Wielgus

TYLER, TX (KYTX) - For 17 years, Dr. Robert Lehmann has devoted a day to patients who struggle to see but can't afford the cataract surgery they desperately need.

"Giving back something to the people who are unfortunate enough to fall through the cracks, not have insurance to be able to pay for the very needed procedure," Dr. Lehmann said.

About 30 patients come through Dr. Lehmman's operating room in just one day.

"The expression, it's better to give than receive, is born truthful today," Dr. Lehmann said.

"It's one of the most generous things anyone could do," Patra Moore said.  "People have a chance to see only because of what he does."

Moore, a Nacogdoches resident, loves her job as daycare teacher, but sometimes her cataracts get in the way.  The condition makes the lens of the eye cloudy and causes blurry vision.

"If I could see better, I could do my job even better," Moore said.

Moore said she has been overcome with emotion ever since she got the call she would be receiving the "Gift of Sight."

"I tried to keep myself calm," Moore said. "I'm still trying to keep myself calm, but I'm very excited."

During the cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an implant. It only takes a few minutes but the results can last a lifetime.

"If I can see better, I give him all the praises like the Lord," Moore said. "I know He gave him the knowledge and the skills, I'm going to be grateful."

Just in time for the holidays, Dr. Lehmann said patients will see better and that's a gift that keeps on giving.

Many patients are referred to the "Gift of Sight" program from their primary care doctor or optometrist.  This year, Dr. Lehmann was able to preform more cataract surgeries than any year before.