IF YOU ARE READING THIS LETTER, KNOW THAT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF HOPE!

My story begins in the 1996-97 timeframe when I initially had a Lasik procedure done. The surgery did not correct my vision better than 20/60 and also created a “hazed” field of vision. I was informed that this would not be a problem and that a second procedure could improve the results.

After waiting until 1998, a second procedure was done with slightly better results, although the “haze” was still evident.

My vision never got better, but turned for the worst over the next several years as the acuity continually regressed and the aberrations (haze) progressed.

I was gravely concerned because I was at a point of no hope from any doctor. No one knew what could be done and I was on a path that would soon lead me to loosing my functional sight which meant that I would not be able to drive or possibly work.

In 2003, my wife came across an article in a healthcare magazine which addressed the subject of people who suffered from refractive surgical complications. I began contacting the doctors who were interviewed for this article and was connected to a rehabilitation network website.

This is how I got connected to Dr. Kenneth Maller in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I can tell you without any hesitation that Dr. Maller is by far the most astute doctor I have ever worked with as it relates to my condition. This includes a number of optometrists and ophthalmologists at different clinics, universities and private practices.

I will tell you that there are not any “holy grails” for someone suffering from a loss of sight as a result of a refractive procedure, but Dr. Maller was able to restore my functional vision and helped me regain my ability to have a normal life by creating contact lenses that are designed for someone who has experienced this trauma.

This solution may sound simple but once you realize the complexities of comfortably fitting and refracting an irregular cornea, you will understand the gift that Dr. Maller possesses in dealing with this type of highly specialized treatment. There is a definite art to this science and Dr. Maller is truly a uniquely skilled “craftsman”.

I am located in the state of Michigan and have subsequently gone to other doctors who are closer and claim to be able to help patients such as me but, without question, no one has ever been able to fit a lens comfortably, let alone design a lens that can refract properly. Dr. Maller is highly sought after to train others in the profession, as well as by patients from around the world because of the skill, talent, knowledge and experience that he has.

Another gift that Dr. Maller possesses is his approachable personality. I have visited several doctors who have large egos and who are very poor communicators with their patients. Dr. Maller is by far the most approachable doctor I have ever worked with and he knows how to communicate with you in “layman’s” terms. I believe this is not only his personality but his genuine empathy that he has in working with individuals who have such complex, and sometimes hopeless situations. It’s been refreshing to work with someone who truly has both passion and sensitivity for their patients.

BUT MY STORY DOES NOT END HERE:
After visiting initially with Dr. Maller and working with him to restore my functional vision, I found myself at the crossroads again within a couple of years. I began to develop cataracts which were impacting my sight again. It was determined that I should have a cataract procedure to improve my field of vision.

WHAT CAME NEXT WAS HORRIFYING!
Because of the irregular corneas from the Lasik, the ophthalmologist was having a difficult time determining what lens replacement needed to be implanted into my eyes. You see, once you have had Lasik, there is not an accurate way to measure the lens as with the normal eye. There are different approaches to this problem but ultimately I ended up with an IOL (intraocular lens) in my right eye that was a +4 diopters and a lens in my left eye that was a -2 diopters. Even with the most advanced technological means of measuring the lens this was the result.

The only possibility of “balancing” the vision was to consider a second implant over the first. A “piggy-back” method that inherently has additional risk.

What I have learned about Dr. Maller over the years is that he is always the one who figures out and seems to understand the risk and implications of treatment better than any surgeon I have had. He is the one who informed me that I should consider a complication that may arise from a second implant due to a pre-existing condition that I had called “pigment dispersion”.

Once again, Dr. Maller took my personal phone call and consulted as a concerned friend.

Dr. Maller was able to create new contact lenses that helped overcome the additional challenge of having a major variance between both eyes and he was successful.

By the way, because I am in Michigan, it is hard to take a lot of time from work to travel to see Dr. Maller. But I would tell you that in each of my cases he has responded to the pressure of time and the pressure of getting an accurate prescription within a one week visit. Truly amazing when you understand what’s involved.

I am one who truly understands the frustration, the fear and the process. Dr. Maller is your best answer if you are suffering from any post-refractive surgical complication. I would strongly urge you to speak with him and know that there can be hope for a truly tragic situation.

Please feel free to contact me directly if you would like to talk or discuss anything related to your situation. I would be happy to share what I can in an effort to help you.

For those of you who may read this, DON’T GIVE UP HOPE…Dr. Maller is the BEST! Thank you Dr. Maller.

Sincerely,
Don Batdorff
Grand Rapids, MI

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