Tiffany's Story - Diagnosed with Congenital Glaucoma as a 4 month old!

Imagine, if you will, being diagnosed with a major eye problem as a 4 ½ month old child. Tiffany Frederickson, a 4th year medical student at the University of South Dakota, shared her story recently, when she learned of Northern Plains Eye Foundation’s new program, the Christmas Gift of Sight. Tiffany’s pediatrician astutely picked up on examination that her right eye was bigger than her left and sent her to see an ophthalmologist who diagnosed her with congenital glaucoma. “I am eternally grateful to the eye doctors,” Tiffany said of her Rapid City eye care professionals.

Frederickson felt fortunate that a specialist in Texas, who was doing what was then considered cutting-edge surgery, came up to Denver to do her surgery, a trabeculotemy. “Now they do the same thing with lasers,” Tiffany related. She was 6 months old when they did her first surgery, which they had to stop in the middle of, and she waited 6 months before they could try it again. Then every 6 months follow-up exams were required until Tiffany hit high school. “I hated doctors so much when I was little,” Tiffany shared, adding
that her eye doctors were surprised when she chose medicine for a career.

Tiffany’s case was different in that only one of her eyes was affected (she explained that this type of glaucoma usually impacts both eyes). “I have no limitations,” stated Frederickson. “I’m near-sighted, but everyone in my family is nearsighted.” Her eye disease did have a big impact on her entire family, though. She remarked on the sacrifice of her parents to ensure she got the care that she needed. Her Dad actually put off his college education. That is where Frederickson feels that an award such as NPEF’s Christmas Gift of Sight can be so helpful in assisting a family in need. Tiffany reflects on the many different things she has done in her life, “…I was a professional artist, a professional seamstress and a microbiologist…and I couldn’t have done any of that without my sight.”

Stories like Tiffany’s, and needs of our neighbors in the Black Hills prompted the launch of a brand new program —our “Christmas Gift of Sight”—sponsored by NPEF with the cooperation of local eye care professionals. “Christmas Gift of Sight” will provide a sight-saving surgery to one individual in the Black Hills region with demonstrated financial need. By the time this newsletter goes to press, our very first recipient will have received news of his/her very special Christmas present, as applications were due on December 15th. This award is only for a significant eye disease or condition that severely impacts vision, and an eye doctor recommendation is required. A Selection Committee made up predominantly of eye care professionals will decide the first recipient of this eye surgery.

We are also asking the Black Hills Community to come alongside us to help a neighbor in the Hills see Christmas in a whole new light. In this Christmas season, take a minute to reflect on the many joys of Christmas we take in through our eyes—from the more obvious delight in bright Christmas lights and decorations, to seeing a child’s face light up with excitement, to contented looks of family and friends gathered ‘round a holiday table, to reading the words of a familiar Christmas song or hymn. Yet, even as you read this article, someone—maybe a neighbor of yours—is losing their eyesight and unable to enjoy these Christmas sights. Join us in helping give the best present yet—the Gift of Sight!