“It is such a gift to be able to see,” says corneal transplant recipient Kiki Karatheodoris, an artist from Tuscaloosa. A genetic condition caused Kiki’s vision to decline, making even simple tasks more challenging. Kiki is an artist who struggled to continue doing what she loved as her vision continued to fail.
Kiki’s eyesight was restored through corneal transplant surgery, and she opened her first solo art show in the summer of 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Kiki says, “I remember the day after my first DMEK surgery when the nurse removed my bandage, and I realized already I could see better! I couldn’t restrain myself; I was exuberant! The hope in my heart that I will be able to continue my life as I knew it seemed possible and attainable. I cried with JOY.
The gift of sight I received was made possible by the work of Advancing Sight Network (now Precision Ocular Network). It was a true gift, made possible by the kindness and generosity of the donor family, and then received and made ready by your wonderful staff to be given to me. It felt like love. The best way I can think of to show my gratitude is to always support your work and continue making art with JOY!