One doctor’s personal and professional story

Edmund Farris MD, CMO of MYZE

The day was finally here!! I was nervous and excited at the same time. August 10, 2012, the day of my corrective eye surgery. My wife Jean drove me to the surgery center after a morning of discussion about preparing the kids for the upcoming school year. When we arrived, we were told my surgeon, my former partner, was on his way. I took my mild sedative and waited for it to relax me. One more trip in front of the machine to confirm my measurements and I was escorted into the laser suite. I laid down on the table like the one my patients use when I performed surgery on them — but this time I was the patient. My partner told me exactly what was going on — a topical anesthetic — a speculum to hold my eye open and “look directly at the light”. I obeyed all directions and then felt a suction device applied to my eye and the procedure started. A few more steps and the first eye was done. The second eye same as the first. Light eye shields were taped over my eyes. I sat up and read the clock on the wall through hazy vision — like looking through stained glass, but I could see the clock! I was given my post-op instructions to take all my drops and not rub my eyes (duh), and I met Jean in the waiting room. It was over — all there was to do now was wait for my vision to clear and go on with my life as an ophthalmic surgeon.

Let me digress a bit here and tell you a bit about myself. I am a fellowship trained glaucoma specialist. At the time of my surgery, I had been practicing for 15 years post fellowship. I was the Chief of Glaucoma Services at Bellevue Hospital and the Manhattan VA Medical Center in New York. An Associate Clinical Professor at New York University, I trained residents in glaucoma and cataract surgery. I also had a very successful private practice in Westchester County New York. I was on speaker boards and was a key opinion leader for all the major pharmaceutical and surgical ophthalmology companies. I helped launch many glaucoma medications and surgeries and delivered lectures and papers all over the world. In short, I was a very happy, well educated and respected Glaucoma Specialist. And I was also what many would consider to be an excellent surgeon. I say this not to brag at all — notice the past tense — I WAS all of these things.

The day after my surgery I took pictures of how my eyes looked — this was all expected.

I wanted to document my recovery. I placed my drops as instructed. Things were very hazy, but I had faith that in a few short days my vision would clear.

NEXT: The first month and beyond