Dan was diagnosed with Keratoconus about 28 years ago, while living in Kansas and had a cornea transplant in his left eye then. That cornea lasted until October 2017, when it suddenly rejected. In February 2018, he underwent surgery for a second time in that eye. Dan said the second transplant made a huge difference in his life. He has the best vision he’s ever had.

He describes the two surgeries as night and day difference due to technique and technology. “Back in the day, it was a long drawn out procedure. My surgery lasted 9-10 hours, I had 97 individual stitches in my left eye, and I had to stay a few days in the hospital. The second time around, I was in and out. It was so simple and successful.” 

His right eye has shown a slight disease progression but not enough at this time to require a transplant. “I can still correct it with glasses. There’s always a chance I may need a replacement cornea but not at this time.” 

He is extremely thankful for advances in vision-related surgeries. He and his wife monetarily support vision research programs.

Dan is retired and lives in Colorado. He spends his free-time with his grandkids, watching their activities. They frequently travel around the state, and he takes photos of things he sees: sunsets, sunrises, mountains, horses and their babies. “It’s nice to be able to see everything…better. Not that I couldn’t see before, but everything is clearer now. It’s made what we do easier and higher quality. I can take off my glasses and still see some things.”