DALLAS, TEXAS -
26 year old Adam Williamson gets around in a wheelchair now, but that wasn't always the case.
Three years ago, the avid dirt bike rider was tearing it up when he lost control and crashed. In an instant he became a quadriplegic, now he says even putting on his glasses can be frustrating.
"Because the dexterity is really limited, glasses were a real hassle to me, I'm having to deal with smudge marks, they scratched all the time."
And using contact lenses is even worse, so Adam did some research and found a group of vision correction surgeons called "Focus on Independence".
The doctors provide free procedures to people with spinal cord injuries. Dr. Jeffery Whitman jumped at the chance to help.
"Think about it, you have to put your glasses on you have to put your contacts in, take them out, as opposed to having someone do it for you. " Dr. Whitman says. "Here you are in a situation where you can focus on all those distances without putting anything in or on your eyes."
Adam is far sighted. Dr. Whitman implanted lenses that will improve Adams vision, now reading and seeing things near and far will be easier.
"We'd take a pin and I would stick it in his mouth and put a book up here and that is how he would sign his name."
Phil is Adam's dad. He's been with him every step of the way, including two trips to China for stem cell transplants. Today his sons daily routine became easier.
"So what other people see as a small change, for his that will be a big change, just any improvement in his vision will be a good thing."
Adam is still active, he even bungee jumps in a wheelchair. Now now that he can see better, he has a vision of the future.
"It's going to be one less distraction and less strain on myself."
"Because the dexterity is really limited, glasses were a real hassle to me, I'm having to deal with smudge marks, they scratched all the time."
And using contact lenses is even worse, so Adam did some research and found a group of vision correction surgeons called "Focus on Independence".
The doctors provide free procedures to people with spinal cord injuries. Dr. Jeffery Whitman jumped at the chance to help.
"Think about it, you have to put your glasses on you have to put your contacts in, take them out, as opposed to having someone do it for you. " Dr. Whitman says. "Here you are in a situation where you can focus on all those distances without putting anything in or on your eyes."
Adam is far sighted. Dr. Whitman implanted lenses that will improve Adams vision, now reading and seeing things near and far will be easier.
"We'd take a pin and I would stick it in his mouth and put a book up here and that is how he would sign his name."
Phil is Adam's dad. He's been with him every step of the way, including two trips to China for stem cell transplants. Today his sons daily routine became easier.
"So what other people see as a small change, for his that will be a big change, just any improvement in his vision will be a good thing."
Adam is still active, he even bungee jumps in a wheelchair. Now now that he can see better, he has a vision of the future.
"It's going to be one less distraction and less strain on myself."
