Karen Van Dine’s Story
Artist Karen van Dine has weathered many challenges, including losing the bulk of her life’s work in a devastating fire. She has also endured a variety of vision issues and credits CPMC faculty member and North Bay ophthalmologist Dr. Jason Bacharach for sight saving treatments that began more than 15 years ago. Although she had been diagnosed with glaucoma in her youth, she had not received timely treatment. Luckily for her, Bacharach, a glaucoma specialist, managed her care for several years, before referring her to the Lions Clinic at The Eye Institute. Now she receives care closer to home while Dr. Bacharach continues to follow her progress.
Dr. Bacharach, a glaucoma specialist, is my primary opthamologist. When I first saw him I did not have insurance and my vision was deteriorating rapidly. I was terrified. I knew that without my sight I could not create art – I need my eyes to see the wonders of the world and use that inspiration to turn that vision into art.
Dr. Bacharach not only saved my vision – he saved my life… Be an advocate for yourself and choose life, not limitations.
Dr. Bacharach has been with me a long time and has ensured that my continuity of care is excellent. The loving kindness I receive is incredible. He supervises the residents so well – they always arrive prepared and I know they are familiar with my case. Nothing falls through the cracks. I don’t have to repeat my story because they already know it and that makes me know they actually care about me.
I know that if I didn’t receive treatment my vision would be gone – it was that serious and that scary. For others with vision issues I would say that knowledge is power. Don’t fear the unknown, instead know that there is help with your vision. Don’t suffer needlessly because help is available.
I identify with the phoenix that is continually reborn – this is the metaphor for my life. I am a spiritual person who believes that you have to be out there making things happen, you can’t just expect that things will come to you. Life is constant change. Judgement of life is what makes us suffer.
