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News & Stories

Vince Cortez

October 25, 2018

Photo of Vince Cortez

Pursuing a Dream Career Thanks to Renewed Sight

Vince Cortez had 20/20 vision. But when he was 18, his eyesight deteriorated and, by 22, he was having trouble reading road signs and couldn’t see the ball while golfing or playing softball. His ophthalmologist informed him that – because he couldn’t order contact lenses with the necessary grade level and curvature – a cornea transplant was the best solution. Vince received a double cornea transplant in 2010 and 2011.

“They called me ‘Squints’ in college because I had to squint in order to see anything. It was amazing and life-changing to get my vision back—it felt as if I had super powers! I could see the hair follicles in my arms, read street signs, and read things on TV from across the room,” he said.

His gift of sight allowed him to pursue a career as a barber, opening two barbershops within one year and now working on a third, which wouldn’t have been possible without his corneal transplants. He is most proud of being able to coach his son’s baseball teams.

“I registered as an organ and tissue donor so that maybe one day I can give someone the life-changing opportunity I was given,” he added.

Read more on: Recipient Stories

More News & Stories

Steven Beech
Cornea Donor – A Final Act of True Joy On May 28, Steven Beech succumbed from injuries he sustained as a victim of a hit and run. He was 38 […]
Randall Miller
As my health improved, my eyesight in my surgically repaired cornea got stronger. With that, [I found] the push to understand and live a healthy lifestyle. Not only did this transplant help me take back my vision: It propelled me to a new way of living!

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