Dave “Elvis” Reynolds, center, with Richard Rosen, MD, left, the Belinda Bingham Pierce and Gerald G. Pierce, MD, Distinguished Chair of Ophthalmology, and Vincent Sun, MD
Patient Dave “Elvis” Reynolds sent the following letter thanking the team at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai for restoring his vision:
Let me begin by saying I am not a medically oriented person. At 65 years of age, I do not know my blood type. Even as a two-pack-a-day smoker since the age of 15, by the grace of God, I’ve been medically fortunate. However, earlier this year I had my day of reckoning. Suddenly I had difficulty seeing out of my right eye. Like everything else in my medical life, I thought it would clear up on its own. I wasn’t so lucky. I lost 95 percent of my sight in that eye. I contacted my “goddess” of Emblem Health representatives, Vivian Martinez, who guided me to Eye Specialists of Westchester, where I met Aaron Cohen, MD, “Bones”, who convinced me that I immediately go to his alma matter, the “Enterprise” of all eye facilities, the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai.
This is where I met the incredibly cool Vincent Sun, MD (“Spock”). It’s an understatement to say it was a life-changing experience for me. A 33-year-old with the technique, expertise, and bedside manner of a 63-year-old! If it wasn’t for Dr. Cohen “Bones” and Dr. Sun “Spock”, I would have never met Richard Rosen, MD, “Captain Kirk”, one of this country’s “gurus” of retinal surgeons. I am beyond grateful to three wise men, along with so many other medical professionals, examiners, nurses, and general staff too many to name specifically.
I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to the talented and personable Julia Fallon, MD, who I’ll dub “Uhura”. She tested, guided, and supported me, and gained my confidence upon introducing me to the amazing Dr. Sun. All of these incredible people, as well as my wife, Rena, and cousin John, accompanied me through every minute of all eight of our visits. One and all got me through my first medical crisis—a 45-minute eye surgery, appropriately on St. Patrick’s Day, as I’m Irish. Within one week of my ordeal, Dr. Rosen’s magic hands worked yet another miracle to his long and astounding resume: I can see! I now have 20/30 vision.
Two months later, I’m very happy to report to the “Bridge,” and all systems are a go! Thank God for “Captain Kirk”, “Spock” and “Bones”—Dr. Rosen, Dr. Sun, and Dr. Cohen—for whom I’m forever in debt. May you all live long and prosper! I would like to conclude with a special mention to my doctor and friend, Dr. Vincent “Spock” Sun. Dr. Sun graduates this June, and his residency will come to an end. The institution will unfortunately lose one of their best, as he’ll be returning to his family in Canada to further work his magic and continue to do great things for O Canada. Congrats, Doc! You’ve earned and deserve it. It’s been a humbling experience and my pleasure in meeting you in my lifetime. I wish you and yours all the very best!
Sincerely and gratefully to you all,
Dave “Elvis” Reynolds