Help save Bens eyes

Ben needs critical intervention to save his eyesight before its too late.

When Ben was 1 his parents noticed that he wasn't seeing properly. The went to seek help at a recommended local optometrist, and their concerns were dismissed completely. They searched for 6 months for a second opinion, and were consistently told he was too young to be tested.

Finally, their lovely Plunket nurse Charlene was able to find a locum optometrist who would see him. He immediately sent a referral to see the specialist at Waikato Hospital. After 6 more months of waiting Ben was finally seen. Within seconds the specialist confirmed their fears, saying he was having severe difficulty seeing. At 2 years old he left that appointment with prescriptions of -5.5 and -6.

Ben is now 3 and has specialised lenses sitting at -6 and -6.75. His eyes are growing too fast and are at risk of retinal detachment, or splintering of the back of his eye. Without correction and intervention he could lose his vision at a young age.

It is recommended to start red light therapy which has been proven to shrink the size of the eye, to improve and save his vision from worsening. This therapy is not fully funded in New Zealand and will cost $3500 NZD. Bens parents both work in ministry with small incomes; his dad works for a non-profit Christian Camp and his mum works at the local church as a youth pastor.

Any donations will be greatly appreciated. Please help us to save Bens eyes.