James O'Brien had been blind in his right eye since the age of 18 following an attack in a London suburb by a boy who sprayed ammonia in his face.
Today, at 44, he is the first patient to regain his sight thanks to a pioneering treatment by the English National Health Service, based on stem cells from the healthy eye, and he has recovered his sight.
Returning to see from both eyes after all this time means everything to me. I was able to see my wife and children clearly for the first time.
Frontier surgery
The doctors of the Moorfields Eye Hospital of London removed the damaged tissue from James' right eye and sprayed it with cells grown in the laboratory. After a few months of recovery, a donor retina was added (soon it will also be possible to do without donors).
A bad assault
James O'Brien's acid attack occurred in the 90s: without any reason or trigger, James and a friend were joined by a person who sprayed ammonia on them.
The acid ended up in James's eyes, nostrils and mouth.
Luckily, the help of a passerby and plenty of water saved at least his left eye: a fundamental circumstance, which 25 years later allowed James to regain sight in both eyes.
Huge impact
James actually agreed to be a guinea pig for this treatment. The success gives all patients a new perspective. It will have a huge impact on their lives.
Sajjad Ahmad, surgeon and ophthalmic consultant
The innovative technique that restored the English patient's sight was carried out within the National Health Service by the surgeon and ophthalmic consultant Dr Sajjad Ahmad, at a total cost of over 100.000 euros.
