Patient gives back after receiving the gift of sight

For 30 years, John Schaffer had forged a successful career buying and selling investment properties, primarily in Southern California’s high desert area. In his “spare time,” he is a reserve deputy sheriff in San Bernardino County. A few years ago, he learned that he could very well go blind.

Dr. Roger F. Steinert, director of UC Irvine’s Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, and the university’s ophthalmology team saved Schaffer’s sight, enabling him to continue working and serving.

Schaffer was diagnosed with corneal dystrophy, a rare eye condition in which the cornea is altered without the presence of any inflammation, infection or other disease. “I had noticed that my vision was getting foggy,” Schaffer explains.

After seeing a succession of doctors and enduring unsuccessful treatments, Schaffer opted for a cornea transplant. But first he needed an eye pressure test. He ended up being tested at UC Irvine Healthcare, where he met Steinert, a world leader in cornea transplants.

“Immediately upon meeting Dr. Steinert, I was totally confident he could do whatever needed to be done,” Schaffer explains. “I received corneal transplants in both eyes, and now I have 20-20 vision again. If this had happened many years ago, I’d be blind now. It’s phenomenal.”

Schaffer’s corneal transplant, performed by Steinert, was a revolutionary procedure at the time. It was one of the first laser-enabled cornea transplants using the Intralase® Femtosecond Laser invented by two UC Irvine researchers and developed by an Orange County-based company known for innovations in laser vision correction surgery.

Schaffer, who is trained in hostage negotiation and special weapons and tactics, is able to continue his investing and volunteering. He also is committed to supporting the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute in any way he can.

“Dr. Steinert has the ability to change lives. He has seen me through my recovery and even recommended my contact lens doctor and the eye doctor I see now that I live in Tucson. The story just gets better as it goes on. I’m happy to lend my support.”