Event Marks One Year Anniversary of Program for the Disabled

Dr. Durrie leads effort to take free vision correction program to the national level

OVERLAND PARK, KS.  (November 17, 2004) ­ Focus on Independence, a free vision correction program for disabled individuals, celebrated its first anniversary today with a special luncheon honoring the patients, their families, and the Durrie Vision staff and doctors.

"Words cannot express how much this means to me and my family," said Barry Elbasani, one of the fifteen patients treated in the program over the past year. "Dr. Durrie, you are a great friend.  Thank you so much for helping all of us."

Durrie Vision provides free vision correction, such as Custom LASIK, for individuals who have sustained injuries (such as spinal chord paralysis) and lost the ability to use their arms and hands for tasks such as handling glasses and contacts.

Dr. Daniel Durrie had the idea for this program when watching Christopher Reeve on television. "I noticed someone helping him with his glasses," Dr. Durrie said. "I realized that we can help people in a similar situation regain some of the independence they lost."

GOING INTERNATIONAL

Dr. Durrie is leading the effort to take the program beyond the Kansas City area. "I have identified several doctors around the country and other countries who have the expertise, technology, and their hearts in the right place to successfully conduct this program," he said.

FOR INFORMATION

For more information about Focus on Independence, contact Durrie Vision at 913-491-3330.