Francisco'S STORY

 A 40-year-old landscaper with advanced diabetes was referred to the Masket Foundation Clinic with a very complex history involving his Right Eye (RE). It sustained complications of diabetes and glaucoma that resulted from blockage of the main blood vessels in the eye. Following glaucoma surgery, he developed an advanced total cataract that greatly limited his vision. Unfortunately, he also had compromised vision in his Left Eye from diabetes. Both of these conditions made it very difficult for him to work and to drive. He needed intricate complex cataract surgery for the RE; however, in his HMO medical plan the assigned  surgeon indicated that the surgery was too risky and difficult, leaving the patient desperate for help.

Fortunately, the patient’s employer is familiar with and very supportive of the Masket Foundation and asked if we could see the patient. As it turns out, the Foundation cares for many patients from HMOs where the necessary care is not given because of cost or complexity; in essence, these patients are underinsured. For the case at hand, after our initial evaluation and in preparation for cataract surgery he was treated by Dr. Liao, a vitreo-retinal surgeon who volunteers his skills for the Foundation. Shortly thereafter, successful complex cataract removal was carried out by the Foundation Fellow, Dr. Tiffany Shahrooz and volunteer surgeon Dr. Sahar Bedrood with Dr. Masket in attendance. Surgical management of such cases is important in the training of our Fellow, and consistent with the Mission of the Foundation.
Following surgery, the patient has experienced gradual improvement of vision although he has significant diabetic retinal disease. He is back to driving and working and very grateful for the help that he received.