Hi Keith

        Thanks for the great page full of good information. I was diagnosed with
this disease last October. At 32 years old, this was very devastating news
to me. Unfortunately, Ihave it in both eyes. In November of 97, I had the
submacular surgery in my left eye. At that time, my vision was 20\400. As
of this week, it's improved to 20\40. My right eye became active in April
98 and I had surgery in that eye seven weeks ago.

        I am familar with your doctor, Matthew Thomas. My doctors belong to a
group called Retina Vitreous out of Toledo, Ohio. One doctor in the group,
Dr. Samuel Pesin has studied with Thomas from what I understand. I have
been so pleased with my results.

        Before my second surgery, my doctor asked me if I would be interestied in
joing the current trial being conducted on submaculat surgery, Since I had
had such good results with the first, I decided not to join the group and
run the risk of being in the observation. Like you, I did aggressive
research on this disease after my diagnosis. Submacular surgery seemed to
be my only hope. From what I understand, there has been a study on the
reoccurance rates of patients who have had subnacular surgery. Are you
familar with this study?

        Thanks again for this wonderful page!

Lisa Ford

[Keith's note: I attempt to answer Lisa's question in the "Questions and Answers" section of the main POHS page.]