A Life Journey with Usher Syndrome
Born with Usher syndrome, a Mass. Eye and Ear patient says his diagnosis was the best thing to ever happen to him. He’s dedicated his life’s work to inspiring others through travel and adventure.
Archive for Patient Stories
Silencing the Sounds in Her Head
Maryjane Behforouz, of Indiana, spent years trying to ignore clicking sounds in her head. Then one day she found Dr. Tina Stankovic, an ear surgeon at Mass. Eye and Ear, who listened very carefully to her story. All diagnosed her with sensorineural hearing loss, or a loss of sensory cells in the ear. Unfortunately, there was little they could do to bring Maryjane's hearing back.
What’s Behind Her SMILE?
An alternative to the Lasik procedure — SMILE — is becoming more popular. A Mass. Eye and Ear patient shares what it’s like to have the latest technique in laser vision correction.
Facing Skin Cancer
When diagnosed with her third bout of skin cancer on her face, a Mass. Eye and Ear patient turned to Dr. Jessica Fewkes and the Center for Skin Cancer and Mohs Surgery for help.
Dancing Through Life: A Journey Back to Sight
Blinded in a horrific accident at work, Mass. Eye and Ear patient Wayne Vinson traveled to Boston earlier this week to share his journey to regaining his vision at our annual Founders' Day celebration.
Two Months After Gene Therapy, Jack Sees Brighter, More Clearly
Jack was born with an eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa associated with RPE65 gene mutations. On March 20, 2018, he was treated with a newly FDA-approved gene therapy drug known as Luxturna — and the results are life-changing.
Smile On
Six years ago, a brutal attack left Melissa Dohme Hill near death — and impaired her beautiful smile. In this guest post on Focus, she beams with gratitude for her physician, who brought a smile back to her paralyzed face.
Overcoming Hair Loss
When Brenda Mottram began losing her hair to female pattern baldness, she turned to Mass. Eye and Ear for life-changing hair restoration surgery.
Regaining Independence Through Low Vision Rehab
A non-cancerous brain tumor brought Mary Bolger irreversible (and uncorrectable) vision loss. Through vision rehabilitation, Mary has regained her independence.
She Lost Her Vision in One Eye to Glaucoma. Doctors Raced to Save the Other.
Diagnosed with a rare form of glaucoma at age 15, Alex LeClair reflects on her journey with the sight-stealing condition.
A Voice Saved
When Abby was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at age 15, she worried that surgery to remove her thyroid gland may destroy her greatest gift — her singing voice.
Lending an Ear
Shawn was born with microtia, also known as “little ear,” on his left side. In August, he had life-changing ear reconstructive surgery at Mass. Eye and Ear.
