Nothing can be more heartbreaking for a parent than hearing that no treatment exists for their child’s condition. Charity Tchida, a mother from Lexington, knows this feeling all too well. When her son Damon, now 10 years old, had a routine eye exam before entering preschool at age 4, he was diagnosed with double amblyopia, severe astigmatism, and deemed legally blind.
A Mother’s Shock and Determination
Charity was shocked by Damon’s diagnosis. “I was shocked,” she shared. Damon was a bright child, and despite his stubborn nature, he managed to function well in daily life. This diagnosis was not something she expected. Optometrists told Charity that there was no treatment available and that both she and Damon would need to adapt to his visual limitations. But Charity was determined not to accept this outcome.
At the time, the family lived in Fort Collins, Colorado, and began to explore vision therapy as a potential option. After six months of treatment, Damon began to show some progress. He was now able to engage with puzzles and Legos, activities that were previously impossible for him. The family held on to the hope that improvement was possible.
A Life-Changing Move to Kentucky
In May 2011, the family relocated to Kentucky, where they learned about Dr. Rick Graebe’s Vision Therapy practice in Versailles. Dr. Graebe, a specialist in pediatric eye care and developmental optometry, provided Charity with something she desperately needed: hope.
Upon examining Damon, Dr. Graebe assured Charity that his 30-week vision therapy program would yield noticeable results, provided they remained committed to the treatment plan. Charity and her family took this advice to heart. “We made this an important thing in our life,” she said. “We really had to be dedicated.”
Damon’s Remarkable Progress
By the 15th week of treatment, the results were undeniable. Damon’s acuity had improved dramatically, and his confidence soared as his reading skills sharpened. His attitude toward school and learning transformed as he became more comfortable with his vision. By the time Damon completed the vision therapy program, his amblyopia was entirely corrected, and his vision had improved to 20-25 with the help of his glasses.
For Charity, the most memorable moment came when Damon proudly read a chapter from a small-print Bible and excitedly exclaimed, “I can read this!” It was a moment of pure joy and triumph for the entire family.
Helping Others See the Light
The progress Damon made not only improved his life but also inspired him to help others. “Let’s help others too,” he told his mother, eager to spread the hope and healing he had experienced. Charity strongly believes that Dr. Graebe’s therapy has made an enormous difference in Damon’s life. “It’s huge,” she said. “God put him in our lives to help us, and for us to help others.”
Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam Near Lexington Today
Vision therapy can truly change lives. If your child is struggling with vision problems or if you’ve been told that there is no hope, don’t give up. Dr. Rick Graebe and his team at the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles are here to help. They serve the greater Lexington area and Somerset, offering specialized pediatric vision care and neuro-optometric rehabilitation.
Don’t wait to seek help. Call us today at 859-879-0089 to schedule an appointment and start your child on the path to clearer vision and academic success.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.