Patient Stories

Experience some of our featured stories from volunteers, donors and supporters.

Esta’s Story – Please don’t wait!

January 30, 2024

I was born with amblyopia left eye and astigmatism, and decades later developed cataracts and floaters. Despite Ophthalmic exams, I went undiagnosed with my vision declining to legally blind in left eye and severe symptoms effecting ...

Sarah’s Story

November 30, 2023

I am 31 years old and was diagnosed with Fuchs' Dystrophy about 4 years ago. It was a shocking diagnosis to both my doctor and me. I was told at 27 years old that I will lose my quality of life because my vision will go, and that I ...

Skipster’s Story

November 13, 2023

I was diagnosed with Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy (FCD) in 2008 at the age of 56. I learned that it was a gradually progressive disease which, eventually, would likely lead to significant visual deterioration and need to be addressed with ...

The Corneal Dystrophy Foundation members helped me in my darkest days

October 20, 2023

The Corneal Dystrophy Foundation members helped me in my darkest days. I am a partial corneal transplant recipient. The surgeon had reassured me that fewer than one percent of transplants fail. Well. My first transplant fell into that ...

Seacynth’s Story

September 2, 2021

About five years ago, I was diagnosed with Fuchs’ Dystrophy. Needless to say, I was terrified of going blind. I was so upset, that I couldn’t even google my diagnosis. I was lucky to have a friend offer to do research for me ...

Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy (EBMD)

December 2, 2017

Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy (EBMD), is the most common of the corneal dystrophies. Ii is also known as Map-Dot-Fingerprint Dystrophy and Anterior Basement Membrane Dystrophy (ABMD), .Since it was first described by ...

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Bob's Memories

Bob’s passing is indeed a great loss to not only all those of us who knew and loved him, but to the literally thousands of patients with Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy who benefited from his founding of the Corneal Dystrophy Foundation and the shared knowledge he brought to everyone through the Fuchs’ Friends online community.

During the 20+ years that I knew Bob, he always was a bright spot of enthusiasm and optimism, whether it be by email, telephone or in person. Bob Bellizzi was a manifestation of the truth that one person can truly change the world. What a wonderful life he had and what a contribution to the world he made.

Bob and I shared many smiles over the years, and I will miss him dearly. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Director, Corneal Services Devers Eye Institute Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology Oregon Health Sciences University Portland, Oregon, USA