What an AMAZING journey it’s been for me. I was born prematurely which resulted in a retinal detachment (completely blind) and strabismus in the left eye. I grew up being teased because of the strabismus. I was treated as if I was cognitively and mentally impaired because of my appearance. Every eye care professional I sought out in the 44 years of my life said, “There’s nothing we can do about the strabismus”; “It’s cosmetic surgery and medical insurance will not cover it”: “the left eye is not viable and correcting it with surgery will not result in any significant changes to your vision in the right eye” I encountered “No” time after time, visit after visit over a span of 44 years. I began to experience double vision, “subtle drifting outward” in the right eye. I never gave up hope and believed that one day I will find an eye care professional that would say “Yes”. Sure, enough that day finally arrived.
I had a recent visit with my optometrist whom referred me to Dr. Rupa Wong. At the initial visit with Dr. Rupa Wong, she assessed my left eye for the possibility of surgery. At the second visit, I couldn’t believe my ears when she said, “I can help you”. I had to have Rupa repeat herself because I couldn’t believe the words that was coming out of her mouth. A wave of emotion from disbelief, joy, excitement, and relief washed over me. I truly belief that God lead me to the perfect place & time and eye surgeon whom would take care of me and correct the impairment.
After surgery, I saw the significant difference immediately. My eyes were now asymmetrically aligned. A week later, in my right eye I no longer had symptoms of double vision!!! A week and a half later I was able to insert my prosthetic colored contact in the left eye. Also, I finally saw myself in the mirror. I cried overwhelmed with gratefulness and joy. I FINALLY looked like a normal person.
I am forever grateful to Dr. Rupa Wong, the Honolulu Eye Clinic staff, pre-op and post-op staff for their hard work, care and genuine concern throughout the whole process and making a dream that seemed impossible become possible. No word could ever do justice in describing how grateful I am to Dr. Rupa Wong!!! Dr, Rupa Wong has been blessed with skillful hands and care; and with each surgery she leaves behind with each patient a signature of hope, a legacy of healing and a life forever changed!!