From Seattletimes · · 1m 30s
Ukrainian Soldier's Hope for Sight
Ukrainian soldier with one eye lost in war seeks vision through U.S. surgery.
In brief
Ukrainian soldier with one eye lost in war seeks vision through U.S. surgery. Ukrainian soldier Mykola Kasiuk, who lost an eye to a land mine in eastern Ukraine, hopes U.S. surgeons can restore his sight after two years of trauma. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Mykola Kasiuk's War Injury
Ukrainian soldier Mykola Kasiuk lost an eye to a land mine explosion in eastern Ukraine on April 16, 2024.
“I want to be able to see my children again.”
Surgery Hope for Sight
After two years of trauma, Kasiuk received U.S. surgeons from Vision for Ukraine to restore his vision.
Surgery Details
Surgeons used skin grafted from behind his ear to help the eyelid protect it, opening the possibility of a corneal transplant.
Surgery Under Threat
The surgery occurred under constant threat of Russian attacks with air-raid alerts and strikes disrupting medical facilities.
Family Impact
Kasiuk's wife Tetyana waits at home in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, while he lives with near-constant pain and blurred days and nights.
Children's Futures
His daughters pursue bright futures: psychology, art, and sixth grade, but he cannot see their progress.
Surgery Outcome
Doctors found Kasiuk has a fantastic result with movement restored in his eye but scarring may cloud his vision.
Uncertain Future
Whether Kasiuk will see again depends on healing, scar tissue, and potential stem cell treatments over six months.
Kasiuk's Hope
Kasiuk remembers the sun, blue sky, and clouds and hopes to see this beautiful world again.
At a glance
Ukrainian soldier Mykola Kasiuk, who lost an eye to a land mine in eastern Ukraine, hopes U.S. surgeons can restore his sight after two years of trauma.
