In focus: Surgeon brings world into focus for local patient

A few weeks ago Ruth Jackson of Mt. Vernon wasn't able to see well enough to do the things she enjoys doing. Jackson had trouble reading due to her impaired vision, and even driving was increasingly difficult.

The problem was a mature cataract had formed on her right eye, which clouded her vision and impaired her ability to lead a normal life. "It was very, very difficult for me," she said. "It had grown to where, for me, it was really bad."

Jackson's husband is ill he's struggled with heart problems and kidney stones and because of that the couple is in the process of paying back hospital and doctor bills. The Jacksons both retirees are on a fixed income and, after the bills are paid, have little left for things like elective surgery.

But the ladies in Jackson's fellowship group noticed how she held reading material close to her eyes and required extra light when she tried to read. Fran Bunch, who had cataracts removed a year earlier, decided to take action. She called Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center, which had done her eye surgery, and told them about Jackson.

"I was hoping I could wait until I was 65 to get on Medicare," Jackson said, "but it wasn't working for me."

Shortly after Bunch made the call to Mattax Neu Prater, the 64-year-old Jackson was contacted by an employee of the eye center and was told that they had consented to provide their services for free.

"I was absolutely overjoyed shocked," she said. "I've tried every way to think how I could get this done, and, to me, it was a miracle."

Dr. Kenneth Neu removed Jackson's cataracts April 17, and while she's still in the healing process, lights are now brighter, colors are more vivid and Jackson can see well without glasses. Jackson is expected to have 20/20 vision after she gets her prescription.

"I have no words," she said. "I'm elated. I never had anyone do this for me of any sort. I'm the one who's given, and to be able to have it given into my bosom is really an honor and a treat."

The procedure took just one hour and involved removing the cataract and replacing it with a lens implant.

That implant should allow her to focus in the distance "hopefully with little or no glasses," said Neu.

Jackson's surgery is the first complementary eye procedure Neu has done, although other doctors at Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center have offered their services for free before. The procedure normally costs $3,700.

Neu hopes to offer one free surgery a year.

"I feel like I've been given the gift to help people see, and to give my appreciation back I like to do something like this," Neu said. " It's our way of helping the community out. It's a goal to do this."

Even on a daily basis, the doctors help people out by offering free samples of eye drops. When it comes to offering a free eye procedure, according to Neu, a screening process is in place to make sure the patient is truly needy.

"We find out who's definitely indigent and needs help versus someone who might drive up in a Cadillac and say they need help," he said.

Neu is aware of the need that's out there for financial help when it comes to health care. He hopes that by offering an occasional free service he'll be able to make a difference.

"I'm just thankful to be able to help some people who need our help," he said, "and I know the other doctors here at Mattax Neu Prater feel the same way."