Barry Meinster

Barry had radial keratotomy several years ago. This procedure was once a common way to correct nearsightedness. He was able to see great for nearly 10 years. His vision then slowly deteriorated, and it wasn’t able to be corrected with contact lenses or glasses.

He wore sclera lenses for several years, which helped some. But his right eye developed an infection, and he could no longer wear that lens. He was blind in his right eye, seeing only light and dark shades. The doctor recommended a cornea transplant.

In February 2019 he underwent corneal transplant surgery on his right eye. “I am still in the recovery stage, but I can see! I don’t consider myself blind anymore.” His left eye still needs correction through a contact lens.

One of the things Barry is most thankful for after surgery is the fact that he once again has depth perception. Barry used to love to play tennis, but when he lost his sight in his right eye he had to give it up because he had no depth perception. Once his transplant heals, and he gets the all-clear from his doctor, he hopes to play again. He also shared that while on a hiking vacation, prior to surgery, he was teased for tripping over rocks and falling-not because he was old and out of shape but because of lack of depth perception. He is excited to get back to hiking as well.

Barry wrote to his donor family and received a letter back. The family thanked him for reaching out and was glad to hear their loved one was able to help Barry see and have wonderful experiences in his life. “That made me feel good. I am very grateful and understand the impact the donor has on my life.”

“My wife and I have both been registered donors for as long as I can remember. It’s also in our wills. But of course it means more now that I have directly been affected by it.”