NWES Ambassadors: How Our Patients See Their World

A Beauty to Behold

In 2012 my optometrist told me I was legally blind! When I could not recognize the face of my wife from 30 feet, I knew I had a problem. My distance vision was fuzzy, blurry and getting worse, fast.

Northwest Eye Surgeons to my rescue! I had cataract surgery on both eyes by the fine Dr. Matthew S. Niemeyer, MD, with a laser enhancement procedure about 10 months later. My follow up doctor was the capable Davina Kuhnline, OD.

With my new vision, I am back to mountain biking, rock climbing, bird watching, star gazing, and my favorite…looking at the beautiful face of my wife.

The staff, and I mean to say the entire staff, was supportive, professional knowledgeable and experienced. I had extreme confidence in their evaluation of my situation and my confidence was well placed. At Northwest Eye Surgeons, everyone does their job well, very well, and from the time you walk in the door, it shows. My highest recommendation goes to Northwest Eye Surgeons

A+ Vision

Over the last three years, my vision deteriorated rapidly to the extent that optical correction could no longer mitigate the problem. The deterioration from my cataracts was most evident driving at night- something needed to be done!

After talking with my optometrist and my eye surgeon, I elected to proceed with cataract surgery with additional Vision Correction. The procedure was straightforward and the operation itself was painless and without incident.

After my first cataract surgery, it was immediately apparent that the cataract had been a severe impediment to seeing the world. After completing surgery, I took and readily passed the vision test required to renew my drivers’ license, and now drive without glasses.

I can read without glasses, but find using ‘readers’ makes it easier. This is an acceptable tradeoff since I’ve been wearing glasses for almost 60 years. I just have to round them up occasionally, as the glasses disperse throughout my home and shop. I am very pleased with the results and commend all those involved in the process for a job well done!

Masterful Vision

Not only do I belong to the World Organization of China Painters, but I’m considered a master in this ancient art, with two pieces on display at the museum and headquarters in Oklahoma City. Perhaps my favorite objects to paint are beautiful, bold flowers.

When I had to stop painting china because of my eyesight it was a blow. As my cataracts got worse I found it increasingly difficult to complete the careful work of applying the paint and gold detailing to the china. I was also finding myself more dependent on my friend for transportation because my distance vision was so poor.

I decided to have cataract surgery with Vision Correction because it would allow me to see well enough for driving, and to continue to do the artwork that I love. Now, I only wear glasses to read. Everybody was really good to me. Dr. Cameron was very skilled.

When I met Linda, she was having difficulty seeing to perform the activities she enjoys, such as china painting, and other daily activities, such as reading, driving, and seeing people’s faces. In addition to seeing better after cataract surgery, Linda also wanted less dependence on glasses to see for her daily activities.

I recommended that in addition to removing the cataracts, we correct her astigmatism and sharpen distance vision to achieve her preference of only needing magnifying glasses for reading and china painting. It is rewarding to see that we were able to help Linda return to enjoying her artwork by performing cataract surgery with Vision Correction.

Bruce Cameron, MD

A Break From Wearing Glasses

For the last few years everything had gotten more difficult to see. I was far sighted but couldn’t see very far anymore. After my surgery everything was brighter and clearer. I thought my husband had changed the shower head because it was white with two small green lines and he said no it had been the same one for some time.

I wear glasses to read but it is so nice to not have to wear glasses continuously. I thank you all for the care and Dr. Rostov for brightening my life.

Anna Marie was relying on glasses for more of her activities and wanted to decrease her dependence on them. Since she was previously accustomed to seeing well at a distance without correction, and did not mind wearing glasses for close work, we decided that Vision Correction would suit her needs, and give her a break from continuous wear. I’m thrilled that she is noticing the small details that she could not see before.

Audrey Talley Rostov, MD

A Brighter World

I got cataract replacement surgery and then decided to do Vision Correction at the same time. It is just so great to be able to see long distance and not be reliant on glasses or contacts, which I’ve worn nearly my entire life.

One eye has great long distance, the other is more of a medium range, but that seems to work well. When I read small print it is easy to use ‘readers’ which are less expensive and come in fun colors.

It’s also true that the world is a little brighter- even my paintings are brighter. Sometimes, they came out a little dreary or dull before. I see better now to drive so am more confident, especially at night.

Bonnie used to be bothered by some of the most common symptoms of cataracts, including glare, fuzzy vision, and halos around headlights and taillights when driving.

Because Bonnie enjoys a variety of hobbies, ranging from reading to painting to hiking, and because she did not mind sometimes wearing a little bit of reading glasses, I recommended cataract surgery with Vision Correction. After having both eyes done, Bonnie is not longer dependent on glasses and contact lenses! It’s wonderful to hear that she is seeing the world more brightly and with more vivid colors, especially for her paintings!

Victor Chin, MD

NWES Gave Me My Sight Back!

I have always had bad vision, even as a small child. Kids would tease me for the coke-bottle glasses I would have to wear to school.

After my surgeries, for the first time ever, I was able to see colors and things again. Not only did my vision improve but it was better than ever! At 20/15, I said goodbye to heavy, unfashionable glasses that hung down my nose and looked forward to wearing trendy glasses. I also was able to pass my driver’s test with flying colors … what an amazing feeling to not be scared to merge or change lanes anymore! I’m so thankful for what NWES has given me … my sight back!

I Love My New Vision!

Thanks to the great team at Northwest Eye Surgeons, I am able to better enjoy life, especially hobbies and activities like designing and making silk floral arrangements, and walking the beautiful beaches of Whidbey Island with my husband and our dog, “Picasso.”

Since my cataract surgery with Vision Correction, colors are brighter as I select and arrange silk flowers. It’s easier and more enjoyable for me to navigate the driftwood-strewn beaches searching for treasures.

I appreciated the excellent blend of professionalism and personal warmth demonstrated by the entire staff at Northwest Eye Surgeons in Mount Vernon. I am eternally grateful!

Gloria had depended on glasses most of her life to correct her extreme near-sightedness/myopia. She wanted to minimize wearing her glasses at all distances, so we chose Vision Correction to give her the most independence. I’m excited that she is now able to create her beautiful floral arrangements and enjoy her active lifestyle without glasses.

Kristi Bailey, MD

Why Didn’t I Do It Sooner?

Vivid colors are the most amazing to me. My husband and I travel a great deal, going to see interesting places and beautiful art. Now, I really see the world in all its brilliance! Plus, I love not having to wear glasses except for reading or doing art.

I also notice a big difference when driving or riding in a car. As a driver, I was self-restricted from night driving because I just couldn’t deal with the lights. After surgery, I was more relaxed because I could actually see the road better.

I thought the slow change in my vision caused by my cataracts wasn’t that bad. I waited six months before following up on my eye doctor’s referral to Northwest Eye Surgeons. Why didn’t I do it sooner? My advice is get it done as soon as you can–this is one decision you won’t regret.

For a frequent traveler, a cataract can be particularly obtrusive. Diane was bothered by the blur and haze that can be worse when driving at night or in bright sun. I thought that Vision Correction would work well for Diane. She could wear glasses to enhance her ability to do her fine detail collage artwork, but would not longer rely on them for driving. After surgery, I was pleased to hear that se was enjoying her travels with new, vibrant eyesight!

Matthew Niemeyer, MD

More Vivid Details, Less Large Print

I got my first pair of glasses when I was nine. As an adult, my cataracts prevented me from driving at night and made it difficult to read street signs during the day. After the final check-up, I could see 20/20, and was so happy I started hugging the staff.

I can read regular books now, rather than large print formats. I see everything in 3-D and in such detail that I am sometimes overwhelmed. I love flowers and fill my patio containers with all colors and varieties. As they bloomed this spring, the more thrilled I became because the colors and textures were so intense in the sunshine, and seemed to glow in the evening light. Everything in my vision is now more beautiful, exciting, glorious, and spectacular than I ever expected.

Clearer Vision. Brighter Colors.

I wore glasses for 20 years, mostly for reading and seeing up close. About two years ago, my vision got worse and my eye doctor said I had cataracts. The surgeon I met with confirmed that I did need to have the cataracts removed, and asked me what did I want?—I told her that I didn’t want to wear glasses again. She explained some options and that she could do surgery so I wouldn’t have to wear glasses as much. I told her, “Let’s do it.”

All I can say is that all the people who were involved in the procedure were the greatest. My surgeon was very professional and caring. After I had both eyes done, my vision was so clear and the colors were brighter than ever. It seemed like I had an HD TV implant done, it was so crystal clear. I cannot express how much it has changed my lifestyle, and the things I like to do without the dependence of glasses.

Easier Driving on the Road & the Golf Course

I wore hard contact lenses for 40 years, and inserting and removing them daily was a bother. I also used reading glasses with my contacts. Now, I simply get up and start my day. Prior to my cataract surgery, I had to ask my golf partners to identify players on the next fairway when they said hello to me. Now I can see those other players clearly. I was disappointed that my golf game did not improve, but I can see the ball entering the hazards much better!

David was interested in reducing his need for glasses as much as possible. I knew he was accustomed to high quality distance vision while wearing contact lenses, and used to clear vision for reading when not wearing his contacts. Given his active lifestyle, I felt Vision Correction would be a versatile option and allow him to achieve the greatest independence from glasses. Though it didn’t improve his golf game, I’m happy to hear that better sight has added to his enjoyment on the course.

Aaron Kuzin, MD