Nathan - double corneal recipient, WA
Born with glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, Nathan's vision progressively worsened as he grew up. When Nathan was 7 years old, he lost vision in his right eye and was classified as legally blind. He used special eye drops to medicate his left eye into his twenties, but vision in that eye started to fade.
Nathan underwent several surgeries intended to relieve pressure in his eye, but unfortunately experienced post-operative complications. At this point Nathan’s doctors said his case was unique and listed him as urgent on the waitlist. Several months later, Nathan received his first corneal transplant. Unfortunately, the first graft failed. He underwent a second transplant the following year.
Despite Nathan’s difficult road to receiving corneal transplants, his second graft remains completely healthy. Thanks to his donors and their families who said yes to donation, Nathan continues to live an independent life.
‘Before the surgery, my sight had worsened so much that I had to give up work and I needed more visual assistance and more support, which was tough,’ says Nathan.
Before the sight in his left eye deteriorated, he was working full-time and living independently. The prospect of losing his lifestyle and independence was daunting.
‘I was so overwhelmed when I finally got the call for the first transplant. It was mid-morning, and my first thought was so much appreciation to the donor for helping a stranger.
‘Since this all happened to me, no matter what my day is like, it’s given me a better perspective on life and how fragile it can be. It’s also given me the ability to be grateful for what I have, because others can always be worse off. So, I consider myself very fortunate.’
The transplants have led to more opportunities for Nathan: his support company, Enable WA, recommended he participate in a podcasting course. He followed this up with a broadcasting course, which has led to live on-air broadcasting.
Speaking about his donors and their family, Nathan says: ‘What I would like to say to my donor family is, thank you. I am so grateful to my donor. Your family have suffered a great loss, and I will be forever grateful.’
