"Dr. Melki, you have made my visual life possible, my dreams possible.
When I arrived at Boston Eye Group last fall, my vision hovered between 20/300 and 20/400. The daily process of living was difficult, not to mention the frustration of trying to see intricate, abstract artistic ideas and translate them into reality through a camera viewfinder or across the surface of arches watercolor paper.
At this point, I met you, Dr. Melki, a physician with heart, a compassionate person who believes in hope and dreams, what '"can be". And you expressed that connection many times by visiting my hospital room when you were surely tired after a full schedule of surgery.
What is remarkable about you is a rare attribute in this world. You have and you posses the definitive expertise to remove an extremely "tricky" cataract in an abnormal eye, the only eye in which I have useable vision. You not only had the courage and confidence to tackle this risky procedure, but you also had the depth of humanity to smile warmly and express completely a belief in me, y future as a sighted person and "visual artist".
I was given a gift when you became my surgeon; when you so diligently guided my treatment. I would recommend you, and the Boston Eye Group, to anyone seeking a superb physician and exceptional care.
The final result of your efforts, your willingness, to fight for my ability to see the world, that result is the enclosed color-ink drawing, "Forced Lines," completed on 5/25/05. This "idea" led to full-scale, 22"x 30" drawing, which was completed on Memorial Day.
Because of your respect for me and your determination to give me better vision, I can now reach for my future as an artist; because of you, I can enhance life fully and with joy. What a miracle 20/80 vision is; how wonderfully you have changed my life."
Steven Peery
Artist