WHAT: Janice Gurvey, 46, can now see out of both eyes thanks to dramatic cataract surgery performed Thursday, Jan. 12, at Loyola’s Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. She had cataract surgery on her left eye on Dec. 29, and now, after the surgery on her right eye, has completely restored vision. “I was convinced I would be blind forever and would live in a care facility,” Gurvey said.
“My birthday was Jan. 4 and I was able to see my cake, candles and the faces of my friends out of my left eye thanks to the surgery,” she said. “I didn’t know what to wish for as I blew out the candles because I knew my wish had already been granted by my friends and Gottlieb Memorial Hospital."
WHEN: Janice Gurvey and Dr. Brian Proctor, an ophthalmologist, are available at 3:15 p.m. today for interviews at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, Eye Center, 701 W. North Ave., Melrose Park, Ill.
Media must contact Stasia Thompson in advance at (708) 417-5036.
WHAT: Today at 3:15 p.m., Gurvey will undergo a post-operation examination with Dr. Proctor, who performed both surgeries. Proctor examined Gurvey at Gottlieb on Christmas Eve and adjusted his surgery schedule after diagnosing her dire condition. “She was literally falling down and had to be cared for by neighbors because she simply could not see,” Proctor said. “This was the worst case of cataracts that I have ever seen in someone so young."
Gurvey had a rare case of incredibly fast-growing cataracts. “I was diagnosed in October and every day I would open my eyes and could see less and less until all that was left was shadows,” she said. The Schiller Park woman was unable to keep her job as a waitress due to her failing eyesight and was completely isolated when her caretaker boyfriend suffered a stroke and was moved to a care facility.
Neighbors and friends cared for Gurvey round-the-clock and helped her with food and even medical care.
WHY: See the dramatic difference in before and after pictures of Janice’s eyes.
Interview Janice about what she now sees and how her life has dramatically changed.
Talk with Dr. Proctor about the cataract surgery and Janice’s unusual condition.