Susan Sullivan’s story with Wills Eye Hospital began more than 60 years ago, when, at the age of six, her family cat scratched her cornea. The issue went untreated for some time, to the point where when she eventually saw physicians at both the Police and Fire Medical Clinic as well as at Wills Eye, there was not much that could be done. She eventually went blind in her left eye.
A decade later, in 1975, Susan’s father heard Wills Eye physicians were pioneering the process of cornea transplants. Through fierce advocacy by her father, Susan found herself with an appointment to see Peter R. Laibson, MD, the first full-time physician at the hospital (then located at 16th and Spring Garden Streets in Philadelphia) who was fellowship-trained in cornea.
Dr. Laibson believed Susan to be an excellent candidate for the procedure and added her to the transplant list. In March of 1976, the call came that a cornea was available.
“I don’t remember much about the operation, but every day afterwards I could see shapes and color a little bit better,” Susan shared. “On the ride home after the transplant, we went down Kelly Drive and the colors were so vivid. I remember it every time I’m on the road today.”
When it came time for Dr. Laibson to retire, Susan began seeing Christopher J. Rapuano, MD, the current Chief of the Wills Eye Cornea Service.
“I was nervous when Dr. Laibson was getting ready to retire. I’d had him in my life as a doctor when I was a child, up through having children of my own. He was wonderful and always made me feel comfortable, like everything I needed could be accomplished at Wills Eye”, said Susan. “Dr. Rapuano has been the same. I never feel afraid to ask questions, he always takes the time to answer them and make me feel calm and prepared.”
As Susan got older, she eventually developed cataracts. Dr. Rapuano advised her she would also need another transplant, as they do not last indefinitely. Because of this dual need, it was recommended that Susan be seen by Beeran Meghpara, MD, who presently serves as the Co-Director for Wills Eye’s Refractive Surgery Department.
“I felt very comfortable with the hand-off,” shared Susan. “I knew Dr. Meghpara is well respected nationally and I could put my trust in him.”
At the same time, she was also developing glaucoma in both eyes. This landed her in the office of Dr. Jonathan Myers, Chief of the Wills Eye Hospital Glaucoma Service, who was in full support of a second corneal transplant with Dr. Meghpara. That successful surgery took place in 2021.
“I always recommend Wills Eye to everybody,” Susan shared. “They have a world-renowned reputation for good reason. They doctors just know everything about eyes and they truly want to help you.”
Susan was able to join Wills Eye Hospital leadership for a ceremonial ribbon cutting of its newly renovated Cornea Service. In the room were the shepherds of her ophthalmology journey, Dr. Laibson and Dr. Rapuano.
“People who can donate to Wills Eye should give what they can,” Susan encouraged. “They take their work very seriously. Not only are they interested in a positive patient outcome, but they take pride in what they do. I have the utmost faith in all my doctors.”