In 2025, William "Bill" Lawrence was on the verge of giving up hope of recovering his failing eyesight. After months of visiting ophthalmologists and optometrists throughout South Florida without a diagnosis or treatment plan, he arrived at Wills Eye Hospital to see Christopher J. Rapuano, MD, Chief of the Cornea Service and Peter and Ruth Laibson Cornea Service Chief Endowed Chair.

"It was like I was in complete darkness and Dr. Rapuano turned on the lights," Bill recalled. "He spent a lot of time with me, explained what was going on, was reassuring, and came up with a plan of action. He didn't promise that my vision would get better, but said he would try hard to make sure that it wouldn't get worse."

Bill had developed long-term complications from shingles, which caused scarring and abnormal blood vessel growth in his cornea, severely affecting his vision and daily life. Frustrated and fearful that he could lose his sight, he sought a referral to the best cornea specialist his local optometrist knew.

"He told me to go to Wills Eye and Dr. Christopher Rapuano," Bill said.

Treatment began with a carefully coordinated, stepwise approach designed to reduce inflammation, improve the health of his cornea, and preserve his vision. Before long, Bill began noticing meaningful improvement.

"My vision has been getting better and better," he said. "I can enjoy the activities I love again."

Equally meaningful to Bill was the compassion he experienced throughout his care.

"Everyone I encountered was very friendly and warm," he said. "They took the time to talk to me, and I was treated really well. This made a world of difference."

When Bill learned that Wills Eye Hospital was completing a transformative renovation of its Cornea Service, he saw an opportunity to give back. His leadership gift through the Wills Eye Foundation helped bring the $3.5 million project across the finish line, creating expanded clinical space, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and an enhanced experience for patients seeking specialized corneal care.

"That was a very easy decision," Bill said. "Dr. Rapuano and Wills Eye have done so much for me. I was more than happy to support the project."

Bill's generosity reflects the profound impact that grateful patients can have on the future of Wills Eye Hospital. By investing in the spaces, technology, and physicians that restored his own hope, he is helping ensure that patients for generations to come receive the same exceptional care that changed his life.

Interested in learning more about supporting the Cornea Service or other priorities at Wills Eye Hospital? Contact the Foundation office at giving@willseye.org or 215.440.3154.