Fall 2010 Newsletter - Houston eye Associates Foundation

VISION
Houston Eye Associates
Foundation Newsletter
Fall 2010
Life Changing Surgery
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his single father of four is grateful to be able to select the right
cereal box and school clothes for his
children after undergoing a very rare
case of bilateral corneal perforations.
James Larry Byrd, a Corpus Christi
native and self-employed painter,
went from full sight to darkness within 48 hours. During those dark hours,
he was in severe pain and didn’t
know if he would see his children’s
faces again.
An ophthalmologist in Corpus
Christi realized the severity of his
bilateral infection and immediately
referred him to a cornea specialist, Jeffrey Lanier, M.D., at
Houston Eye Associates (HEA) in Houston. Dr. Lanier was
asked to see Mr. Byrd immediately; he and his medical staff
waited after-hours to examine Mr. Byrd’s eyes and begin
treatment.
“I watched Dr. Lanier examine Larry’s eyes,” states Mrs.
Claudette Morgan, Larry Byrd’s mother. She had been
administering two different eye medications every 30 minutes, day and night continuously for
days in an effort to control the infecIt is hard
tion and save his eyes. “I heard everynot to cry as I
thing Dr. Lanier was saying, but the
watch him with
one thing that drowned out everyhis children
thing else was that the damage was so
reading, doing
severe he wasn’t sure if the perforahomework, or
tions could heal enough for Larry to
giving soccer
regain sight,” recalls Mrs. Morgan.
“He told us to come back in the
tips.
morning and he would check it
again.” Dr. Lanier was determined to
save Mr. Byrd’s eyes and restore his sight. The next morning
Dr. Lanier confirmed the perforations were starting to close
and fluid was filling the eye. “His smile had the confidence
and determination I needed,” said Mrs. Morgan. This is
only the second case Dr. Lanier has had with such a bilateral
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condition in his 40 years of practice.
Mr. Byrd was immediately scheduled for
surgery.
Being self-employed, Mr. Byrd did not
have medical insurance or the financial
resources for the surgery, cornea tissue,
medications or other ancillary fees. Dr.
Lanier referred him to the Houston Eye
Associates Foundation (HEA
Foundation). With the assistance of his
mother, Mr. Byrd completed the application, provided the necessary documents
and was approved.
Mr. Byrd is slowly healing and was
recently fitted with glasses. After an adjustment period, he will be able to drive again. “Larry works
hard to stay positive. I see emotional and physical improvement. It is hard not to cry as I watch him with his children
reading, doing homework, or giving soccer tips. He talks
about projects he wants to begin as soon as he is released to
work. I am grateful to Dr. Lanier and the HEA Foundation
who helped give my grandkids their father and my son
back,” Mrs. Morgan says. “I am amazed, relieved and overwhelmed with gratitude at the same time.”
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he HEA Foundation was created to help those in
financial hardship and who have nowhere else to
turn for their medical eye care needs. HEA physicians
and other partnering medical professionals donate
their office time and surgical/specialty services, while
the HEA Foundation pays for the surgical facility fees,
vision-saving medications, and ancillary services.
Without the support of the physicians’ donated office
and surgical time, the reduced, gratis and at-cost
rates provided by third-party medical professionals,
the HEA Foundation would not be able to help
restore the sight of patients like Mr. Byrd. The HEA
Foundation is fully funded by contributions from
grateful patients, individuals, private foundations
and annual fundraising events.
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Many thanks to the
following “Visionary”
physicians who donate
their surgery and
office time to those
less fortunate.
Without them, we
couldn’t do what we do!
General
Larry P. Alexander, M.D.
Belu Allam, M.D.
William S. Banks III, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Prajay Dhir, M.D.
M. Dolores Diaz, M.D.
Steven H. Dunn, M.D.
Lindsey D. Harris, M.D.
Kevin Y. Jong, M.D.
John M. Lim, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Aaron M. Miller, M.D.
Richard J. Ou, M.D.
Mitch M. Porias, D.O.
William H. Quayle, M.D., M.S.
Hayne J. Sheffield, M.D.
W. Colby Stewart, M.D.
Justus W, Thomas, M.D.
Fiaz Zaman, M.D.
Stewart L. Zuckerbrod, M.D.
Cornea & External
Diseases
John D. Goosey, M.D.
Jeffrey D. Lanier, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Alison Lin, M.D.
Justus W, Thomas, M.D.
Mark C. Vital, M.D.
Glaucoma
Jeffrey B. Arnoult, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Prajay Dhir, M.D.
Richard L. Kimbrough, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Fiaz Zaman, M.D.
Oculoplastics
Kenneth J. Hyde, M.D.
Richard G. Urso, M.D.
Robert B. Wilkins, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Pediatric
Carlos A. Gonzales, M.D.
James Z. Lai, M.D.
Malcolm L. Mazow, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Aaron M. Miller, M.D.
Kathryn H. Musgrove, M.D.
Refractive/LASIK
John D. Goosey, M.D.
Kevin Y. Jong, M.D.
John M. Lim, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Richard J. Ou, M.D.
William H. Quayle, M.D., M.S.
W. Colby Stewart, M.D.
Richard G. Urso, M.D.
Fiaz Zaman, M.D.
Stewart L. Zuckerbrod, M.D.
It is my pleasure to introduce myself as the new President of the Houston Eye Associates Foundation
(HEA Foundation). I take on this new position knowing that I have your support in our efforts to help
others as we restore their independence by preserving and restoring their sight.
I am also proud to inform you of our new mission statement that better reflects how your financial gifts
are being utilized.
Houston Eye Associates Foundation is committed to preserving and restoring sight with comprehensive
eye care surgeries, medications and ancillary services for individuals in financial hardship; and
supporting education and research initiatives for the benefit of the community.
We continue to help those who have been denied, especially those categorized as the working poor. This
group is making just above the guidelines for public medical assistance yet still cannot afford to selfpay their medical eye care needs and have nowhere else to turn. If HEA Foundation doesn’t assist them,
they run the risk of losing their sight, their independence, and ability to support themselves and their
families.
The HEA Foundation is special in that it goes beyond providing basic eye exams and eyeglasses, and
prides itself in providing surgical services to preserving and restoring sight.
When an adult or child requires further medical eye care services, this is where your financial support
makes a difference.
HEA Foundation’s partnering physicians and medical professionals donate all the time and services
required to assist the patient; however, without the financial contributions to pay for the surgery facility
fees, vision-saving medications, medically necessary contact lenses, prosthetics, laboratory testing and
other ancillary assistance required to restore vision, the mission goes unfulfilled.
We need your financial support as a compliment to the services donated by our physicians in order to
remove cataracts, treat glaucoma, repair detached retinas, perform strabismus procedures and corneal
transplants, and much more.
I want to thank my colleagues and their staff for their time and efforts caring for HEA Foundation
patients. I also want to thank you for supporting this organization as we continue preserving and
restoring the vision of hundreds of adults and children through the HEA Foundation.
Take a moment to visit www.houstoneye.com/foundation to learn more about the organization and how
you can volunteer or support our annual fundraisers, the 26th “Lookin’ Good” Shamrock Strut Fun Run
on Saturday, March 19, 2011 and the Eye Ball 2011 on Friday, February 11, 2011.
I look forward to growing and strengthening the HEA Foundation with your support.
Sincerely,
Mark C. Vital, M.D. - President
Retina
Michael A. Bloome, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Lindsey D. Harris, M.D.
Bailey L. Lee, M.D.
Paul C. Salmonsen, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Uveitis/Immunology
Susan E. Wittenberg, M.D.
Optometrists
Tia M. Budde, O.D.
Deanna Pena Garcia, O.D.
Monica L. Gonzales, O.D.
Mark F. Klaff, O.D.
Matthew Lahmeyer, O.D.
Michelle R. Levin, O.D.
Michael A. Pickering, O.D.
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“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor even
touched, but just felt in the heart.” – Helen Keller, 1891
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Golfing FORE Sight
A great golfing day was had by all during the 2nd
Annual Celebrity Golf Classic at Willow Fork
Country Club on Monday, October 11, 2010 in
partnership with Taping for the Blind. Raising
nearly $30,000, the event honored baseball
legend Bob Aspromonte, was co-hosted by Houston Astros announcers
Bill Brown and Jim Deshaies, and was chaired by Jerry Hanlon.
Golfers enjoyed an interactive golf tournament joined by many local
sports celebrities – Alan Ashby, Ken Aspromonte, Enos Cabell, Kevin
Eschenfelder, Jim Foley, Phil Garner, Paul Hamm, Kenny Hand, Terry
Puhl, Dave Raymond, Robert Reid, Steve Sparks, and Jimmy Wynn.
The scramble golf event included unique activities relating to vision.
Golfers were blind folded (Blind Drive) for their tee shot at one hole,
and participated in a putting contest using eye disease simulation
glasses at another hole. During the awards dinner, guests listened to
Bob Aspromonte’s inspiring story of his experience with a young nineyear-old baseball fan which he met through his charity work. The young
boy lost his vision when lightning struck the water fountain he was
drinking from while at baseball practice. The youngster requested and
inspired Bob to hit homeruns while he listened to the baseball games
from the hospital. Many thanks to Mr. Aspromonte, the co-hosts and
chair for all their time and efforts in making the event a success!
Thanks to all the generous individuals, companies and volunteers!
Gold Underwriter: MorganStanley Smith Barney
Silver Underwriters: Crowe Horwath • Enterprise • Betty and Jerry Hanlon
Home Sight • Memorial Hermann Home Health • Strasburger & Price
Blind Drive Sponsor - Adidas
Putting Contest Sponsor - Trent and Janet Balke
Par Three Hole-In-One Sponsor - Drs. James and Jenny Lai
Special thanks to: Adidas • Blue Bell Creameries • Boner Handcrafted Beer • CINTAS
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. • Demeris BBQ • Escalante’s Mexican Grille • Harry and David
James Coney Island • Dan White of Woodforest Golf Club
Thanks to all the following Hole Sponsors:
BBVA Compass - Wealth Management • Brownie • Rick Canady, CEO, HEA*
To learn more about
Edwards Jones Investments/Cam and Don Heathcott • Lindsey Harris, M.D. - HEA*
Garcia Hamilton & Associates • Gramercy Outpatient Surgery Center • Karen and Wade Jones Taping for the Blind’s
services, please call
Jeffrey Day Lanier, M.D. - HEA* • Richard Ou, M.D. - HEA* • Ken and Edie Purgason • Ellin Royds
(713) 622-2767.
Triad Energy Corporation • Mark C. Vital, M.D. - HEA*
HEA* - Houston Eye Associates
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N N N Gifts Made froM May 1, 2010 to october 31, 2010 N N N
IN MEMORY OF
Ms. Suseela Allam
Ms. Martha Louise Sharp Boyce
Ms. Michelle Loftin Bronstrop
Ms. Mary Lou Canton
Mr. and Mrs. L.G. Clinton, Jr.
Mr. Baron Flores
Jens C. Fraser
Mr. Luis Gomez
Mrs. S. Kamalamma
Ms. Carolyn Klaff
Dr. Thomas Lester
S. Viswa Mohan
Mr. John W. Payne, Jr.
Mr. Bernard Rosenblatt
Mr. William Ross
Ms. Jennie S. Schneider
Dr. Robert H. Stewart
IN HONOR OF
Dr. Jeffrey B. Arnoult
Ms. Jan Cahill
Ms. Julie Echols
Dr. Lindsey D. Harris
Dr. James Z. Lai
Ms. Wanda V. Martin
Dr. Charles Russo
Mr. Jared Marcus Selby
Sammy Sullivan
Dr. Justus Thomas and Kingwood Staff
VISIONARIES
Gifts $1000 & Up
Andrew Delaney Foundation
Barrios Technology
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry H. Deutser
The Ellwood Foundation
Fridley Family Fund
George & Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Holloway
Mobil Retiree Matching Gift Program
Mr. HB Young
Gifts $100 - $999
A-1 Lumber & Pallet (Donald Stephens)
Mr. Trent A. Balke and Dr. Janet M. Balke
Mr. Marvin Barish
Ms. Patsy Bell
Mrs. Grace K. Biven
Karl E. and Joan Melasky Blomquist
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Boisley
Mr. Charles R. Briney
Ms. Dorothy L. Clark
Ms. Shirley J. Donehoo
Mel and Margaret Dosch
Ms. Jenny M. Dunphy
Mr. Gus K. Eifler
Ms. Kim Emerick
Louis and Maxine Fantini
Larry and Nan Forney
Ms. Rachel Frazier
Ms. Lucille H. Gallman
Dr. Deanna Pena Garcia
Henry and Vera Garza
Ms. Elizabeth J. Geren and
Ms. Ann G. Lohmann
Robert and Jacque Gilliam
Mr. James M. Green
Carl D. and Faye B. Gregory
Col. and Mrs. Edward M. Hale
Dr. Lindsey D. Harris
Mr. Archibald Henderson
Houston Astros Baseball Club
Ms. Suellyn H. Kana
Ms. Reba Kent
Mr. Oliver Klinger
Mr. Henry Kohler
Ms. Deborah A. Korkmas
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VISIONARIES
VISIONARIES
Ms. Marina Labarrie
Ms. Mosell S. Lawson
George F.B. and P.G. Lehman, III
June and Tommy Lott
Martha and Kemp Maer
Ms. Lillian Mann
Mrs. Ellen Marino
Jack B. and Julia Wolf Mazow
William C. and Ann K. McCulloch
Mrs. Dorothy H. Meaux
Jeanne and Rudy Michalk
Mr. Sam Miller
John and Christy Murchison
Mr. and Mrs. John A. O'Neal
Dr. and Mrs. Richard Ou
Andrew and Bobbye Parsons
Mrs. John Payne
Katie and Wayne Payne
Mr. Robert W. Phillips
Ms. Adele H. Pieper
Ms. Susie Quintanilla Pomares
Dr. and Mrs. William H. Quayle
Mr. Richard Rankin
Ms. Joan C. Read
Brenda and Henry Rojas
Mr. Ramon L. Schneider III
Dee and Sharon Schrinner
Ms. Gail J. Serrell
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Simpson
Ms. Annie Bell Smith
Mr. Steven Spears and Dr. Alison Lin
James and Paula Suchma
Bill and Dot Thompson
Ms. Joeanne Dee Thompson
Mr. Thomas A. Thompson, Jr.
Dr. Mark C. Vital and Dr. Katherine Diase
Ms. Mary V. Waite
Patrick and Annette Walter
Sid and Jennifer Weaver
Ms. Elizabeth E. Wei
Mrs. Ben White
Mr. and Mrs. Gayle H. Wilke
Ms. Georgiann O'Neill Wilmot
Mr. Joseph C. Winkler
Randi and Sam Yocum
Mrs. Vera Garza
Rev. and Mrs. Oscar Gonzales
Ms. Marjorie C. Goodall
Ms. Gretchen Grace
Mr. Richard E. Grant
Ms. Ruth D. Guest
Ms. Betty Harbour
Mark W. and Kim Russell Heathcote
Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Henry
Linda and Jay Herson
Ms. Willene P. Hoffman
Constance and Alain Holderer
Mr. and Mrs. James H. Humlick
Mr. Kenneth Jacoby
Ms. Helen Keith
Mr. Mark J. Kelly
Lynette and Johnnie Kuder
Ms. Sharon R. Kuester
Ms. Agueda Lara-Smalling
Mrs. Maybelle H. Latimer
Mr. John T. Leimon
Mr. I.A. Lerner
Ms. Alee Mackey
Mr. Bock W. Mah
Ms. Rita Main
Mr. John R. Martin
Mr. David S. Mathews
Mr. James R. McCabe
Ms. Jane S. McCutchen
Ms. Judy McDyer
Cruse and Sharon Melvin
Sarala Menen
Ms. Julie Middlebrook
Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Morris
Mary E. and Don Morrison
Sydonia and Patricia Muscat
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Muth
Mr. Paul F. Nielsen
Edmund and Patrice O. Noel
Oscar Ray and Mary Ann O'Neill
Ms. Patricia O'Toole
Ms. Joann Palieri
Mr. D.W. Pamplin
Mr. Walter Parnell
Ms. Kathleen E. Phillips
Grace Ann and Leonard Potts
Mr. J.E. Powell, Sr.
Mr. Jose L. Ramirez
Mr. and Mrs. James R. Ramsey
Randalls Good Neighbor Program
B.K and Anu Rao
Ms. Sandra R. Rawls
Bob and Mary Sue Reeder
Ms. Teresa Reynolds
Patricia J. and Royce Robin
Ms. Dorothy M. Roeben
Ms. Mary Jo Rollins
Ms. Bernadean A. Rosenblatt
Mr. Ronald Rosenbush
Ms. Valerie A. Ross
Jerry and JoAnna Rudolph
Ralph S. and Helen H. Sawyer
Gary W. and Laura Self
Mr. Ellis E. Sheppard, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred P. Shire
Mr. Robert Sides
Ms. Catherine D. Smith
Philip and Mary K. Solari
W.A. and Linda Steiner
Carole and James R. Sydow
Richard S. and Shirley A. Thomas
Fr. Anil Thomas, SVD
Ms. Sylvia Tilles
Ms. Anh Tran
Nola J. Weaver
Ms. Dorothy Whyte
Ms. Sharon Widener
Ms. Olive Williams
Mr. James V. Withey
Roy and Joan Wood
Ms. Aileen I. Young
Herbert and Wendy Young
Gifts $1 - $99
Mrs. Rosemary Akers
Ms. Rita Albert
James O. and Margery C. Ambrose
Mr. Robert A. Anderson
Mr. Eugen Ansas
John R. and Longina M. Barrera
Arthur O. and Nancy H. Bentch
Sylvia and Henry Berti
Ms. Nancy B. Bowden
Ms. Doris Bradley
Dr. and Mrs. W.R. Brinkley
Ralph and Brenda Bronstrop
Ms. Betty Buie
Larry and Jan Cahill
Ms. Kathleen E. Caliandro
Ms. Grace Callaway
Mr. Noe Cardenas
Richard L. and Mary Ann Carson
Mr. Joseph D. Cashiola
Ms. Leona Cavalier
Terry L. and Norma P. Chesser
Ms. Mary S. Choroszy
Ms. Juanita R. Clark
Mark F. and Mary Joanna Crawford
Ms. Marilyn Daniel
Ms. Karen Ditto
Ms. Mary S. Dix
Ms. Mary E. Doran
Llewellyn O.and Sibbald A. Dowdy
Mike and Jeanne Drosjack
Ms. Cynthia F. Edmondson
Ms. Elizabeth D. Edwards (and Stefan)
Maxine and Donna Jean Elliott
Mr. Jose L. Flores
Mr. John J. Fraser, Jr.
Ms. Othelma B. Frazier
Manuel and Vera Garza
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D on ’ t
miss a night of visual Delights !
Houston
Eye
Associates
Foundation
and
Prevent
Blindness Texas are proud to
announce the 2nd annual Eye
Ball 2011 taking place on
Friday, February 11, 2011 at
the Omni Houston Hotel.
a generous supporter of
organizations committed to
restoring sight. We invite you
to participate in this fabulous
evening and join in our efforts
of supporting two local
non-profit
organizations
committed to helping others
regain their vision.
Chairman Franelle Rogers will
orchestrate a special evening
that will be eye-catching and
memorable as the event
honors Lynn Wyatt and Robert
Sakowitz in memory of their
mother, Ann B. Sakowitz,
To l e a r n m o r e a b o u t t h e
event, please contact
Claudia McCabe at
(713) 558-8740 or
[email protected].
The Houston Eye Associates (HEA) Foundation would like to thank Jennifer Sullivan for selecting the HEA
Foundation as her charity of choice as she recently completed the San Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in
honor of her son Sammy. While on a visit with Dr. Carlos Gonzales, her son’s pediatric ophthalmologist,
Jennifer learned about Dr. Gonzales’ involvement with the HEA Foundation and all the ophthalmology surgeries he and his Houston Eye Associates colleagues donate to those less fortunate. Many thanks to all
the family and friends who are supporting HEA Foundation in honor of Sammy.
Calling all “Lookin’ Good”
Shamrock Strut Runners!
Gather your running shoes and sign up to participate in the
26th Annual “Lookin’ Good” Shamrock Strut 5K/10K Fun
Run on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at Houston Eye Associates
Gramercy location. The popular 10K run will take place
alongside the 5K run/walk, following the Kids K run.
Don’t miss out on the great food, entertainment and massages available onsite during the ever popular post-race party. We are also proud to offer great top runner
awards and door prizes, so mark your calendar now!
Runners can begin registering for the race, December 8, 2010 at
www.houstoneye.com/foundation.
To learn about sponsorship or vendor opportunities, please call (713) 558-8740 or
email [email protected].
We look forward to Seein’ you at the race!
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Randalls Good Neighbor Program
Randalls will donate portions of their “donation dollars”
to various non-profit organizations from their Good
Neighbor Program. We invite you to visit any Randalls
Store Courtesy Booth to link your Remarkable Card to
5018, benefitting Houston Eye Associates Foundation.
5018
Thank you to those who have already linked their Randalls Good
Neighbor Program Card to benefit the Houston Eye Associates Foundation.
Each year the Foundation receives a contribution from the program.
The more cards linked to 5018,
the more patients HEA Foundation can serve!
“Houston Eye Associates Foundation is
grateful to Barrios Technology for their
generous $1,000 grant. 30 local non-profit
organizations were selected in celebration
of Barrios Technology’s 30th anniversary.
Many thanks to Scott MacKerron for
nominating Houston Eye Associates
Foundation. Thank you!”
The Houston Eye Associates Foundation is proud to
welcome the following new Board Members:
Janet Balke, PhD, Deanna Pena Garcia, O.D.,
Carlos A. Gonzales, M.D., Justus W. Thomas, M.D.
and Susan E. Wittenberg, M.D.
Invest in the Future
YOUR DONATION WILL HELP BUY:
You can help ensure the Houston Eye Associates
Foundation will continue providing the gift of vision
for many years to come through a planned charitable
gift. Following are ways you can make a difference:
$ 65
- One dose of a vision saving compounding medication
$ 240
- One pair of medically necessary specialty lenses
$ 300
- Foundation cost for a prosthetic eye
1) Name Houston Eye Associates Foundation in
your will.
$ 955
- Foundation cost for a cataract removal surgery
2) Set up a charitable remainder or lead trust.
$ 1000 - Foundation cost for glaucoma surgery
3) Donate your stocks.
$ 1200 - Foundation cost for a corneal or strabismus surgery
4) Name Houston Eye Associates Foundation as a
beneficiary of your life insurance.
$ 1500 - Foundation cost for retinal detachment surgery
For more information on planned giving contact
Claudia McCabe
at (713) 558-8740.
$ 2500 - Foundation cost for corneal transplant tissue
* Surgery, medications, tissue & lenses costs may vary based on patients’ needs
Please return this slip in the enclosed envelope.
Y E S , I WA N T T O G I V E T H E G I F T O F S I G H T !
Thank You for Becoming a Visionary!
❑ $25 ❑ $50 ❑ $100 ❑ $250 ❑ $500 ❑ $1000 ❑ $5000
❑ Other_____________
Name(s) for Recognition
❑ Check Enclosed (payable to Houston Eye Associates Foundation)
Address:_____________________________________________
❑ Visa
❑ MasterCard ❑ AMEX
❑ Discover
City:______________________State: _____ZIP:____________
Phone: (H)___________________(W)______________________
Card Number
Cell:________________ Email:___________________________
Name on card
HEA Physician:________________________________________
❑ In Honor of ❑ In Memory of
_____________________________________________________
Address:______________________________________________
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Exp. Date
Tax deductible to the
extent allowed by law
Signature
❑ My company has a matching gift program and I am enclosing the appropriate
completed form.
❑ Please send me information on planned giving.
❑ I wish to remain anonymous.
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MediCal
Corneal
Abrasions
A healthy cornea.
o
r
n
e
r
Corneal abrasion with a
potential sight-threatening ulcer.
S
harp, severe eye pain with redness, tearing, light sensitivity, and a
foreign body sensation can occur when the ocular surface is scratched.
This is a common occurrence and is usually due to a corneal abrasion.
The cornea is the clear, dome-like window on the front surface of the
eye; it is the structure on which contact lenses rest. The epithelium is a
thin carpet-like layer of cells that cover the cornea. These cells protect
the deeper layers of the cornea against infection and help to provide a
smooth ocular surface to focus light onto the retina. When these cells are
traumatized, the nerve endings that run in this layer are exposed, resulting in knife-like pain. This pain is similar to the pain experienced by the
exposed nerve endings in a tooth cavity.
If you experience ocular trauma with pain, or if you feel that there is
something in your eye that you cannot seem to get out, don’t delay and
visit an ophthalmologist immediately. They will examine the eye and
initiate antibiotic drops to prevent infection, if required. Negligence of
this problem could lead to more serious problems such as a potentially
sight-threatening corneal ulcer. Unfortunately, the only true cure for the
pain is complete healing of the abrasion, usually taking 24 to 48 hours.
Since prevention is the best medicine, try to avoid corneal abrasions by
properly using contact lenses and by wearing protective
eyewear anytime you are using machinery, striking metal
on metal (i.e., hammering), or working outdoors.
To request medical eye care assistance through the
Houston Eye Associates Foundation, you can download
the application directly from
www.houstoneye.com/foundation
or call (713) 558-8740
for an English or Spanish application.
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A post-operative cornea
with sutures.
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Executive Director:
Claudia McCabe
Non-profit Org.
U.S. Postage
Board of Trustees
PAID
Mark C. Vital, M.D., President
Deanna Pena Garcia, O.D.
Carlos A. Gonzales, M.D.
Lindsey D. Harris, M.D.
Richard J. Ou, M.D.
William H. Quayle, M.D.
Justus W. Thomas, M.D.
Robert B. Wilkins, M.D.
Susan B. Wittenberg, M.D.
Houston, Texas
Permit No. 4255
2855 Gramercy Street
Houston, Texas 77025
Board of Directors
Janet Balke, PhD.
Genie Byrd
Rosanette S. Cullen
Jerry Deutser
Carol Holloway
Marc N. Longo, M.D.
Rebecca Parsons
Steven G. Spears
S. Conrad Weil, Jr.
Lanier Whilden
“You don’t realize the blessing of your eyes until you
almost lose your eyesight,” states HEAF patient A. Payne.
Mission Statement
Houston Eye Associates Foundation is committed to preserving and restoring sight with
comprehensive eye care surgeries, medications, and ancillary services for individuals in financial
hardship; and supporting education and research initiatives for the benefit of the community.
Physicians of Houston Eye Associates and other partnering medical professionals donate their office
time and surgical skills and Houston Eye Associates Foundation pays for hospital and surgical facility
fees, vision-saving medications, medically necessary lenses, eye glasses, cornea tissue, laboratory
services, prosthetics and other ancillary services.
A Special Thank You
Without the support from grateful patients, generous individuals, private foundations and annual
fundraising events, we would not be able to provide comprehensive medical eye care to those less
fortunate. Thank you for allowing us to help others through the HEA Foundation.
Sincerely, The Houston Eye Associates Physicians
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