Eufemio’s Story
It is not difficult to understand the anxiety associated with surgery. Eufemio S. said he was initially uneasy about his procedure at Pacific Vision Surgery Center.
He lives in Atwater in Merced County. On a good day, that is still more than a two-hour drive from San Francisco. Eufemio says the long drive only compounded his stress.
Surgery was recommended when he was diagnosed with a nasal pterygium in his right eye. He was treated by pterygium excision and autograft. The surgery was performed by Chief Resident Dr. Ahmadreza Moradi and Dr. Bernd Kutzscher as attending.
“I was really very nervous,” Eufemio said. “I don’t doubt that all of the doctors have plenty of experience, and the clinic was beautiful and so clean. But I don’t mind saying I was scared.”
In addition, Eufemio had already been waiting for surgery for nearly a year, due to restrictions and delays associated with COVID-19.
The condition of pterygium is a vascular pink tissue that can grow from the conjunctiva onto the cornea. If it grows into the line of vision, it interferes with a person’s sight. Pterygiums are most commonly found to originate from the inner (nasal) surface of the eye and extend toward the pupil. This condition is often directly associated with long-term exposure to sunlight, particularly ultraviolet rays without proper protection.
Eufemio said he arrived nervous, but ready. Laura Coleman, Clinical Director, welcomed him the morning of his procedure.
What I remember most vividly is the person who came to talk to me not long after I arrived. She saw that I was nervous. She talked so calmly. She brought me a warm blanket. That simple gesture made everything so much better.
Once a patient is calm, doctors are able to get to work that much faster. Dr. Kutzscher says working at PVSC has a variety of outstanding benefits for both patients and physicians alike.
“From a physician’s point of view, the new surgery center has all of the latest operating room innovations,” he said. “From a patient point of view, the new surgery center is very quiet and peaceful. The surgery center allows the patient to immediately relax and feel confident in the procedure.”
Eufemio was thrilled with the results of the procedure. He is able to drive again, spend time with his family and work. He is thankful for the excellent care he received.
Pacific Vision Foundation covers costs of surgeries of uninsured patients through our Patient Assistance Fund. Contact philanthropy@pacificvisionfoundation.org to learn how you can help.
