Stargardt’s disease is a rare inherited eye condition that was discovered in Gene Purdie when he was 16 years old. Although it usually begins in childhood, this illness can also be found in adulthood. Purdie had the illness from birth, but it wasn’t until the young man was in his teens that physicians were able to diagnose him.
Purdie’s ailment caused him to lose a sizable percentage of eyesight, and he is now regarded as legally blind. Certain areas of the field of vision are affected by the condition. This has caused Purdie to gradually lose the ability to view the center of his vision, only the periphery.
Even though Purdie’s vision isn’t perfect, the severity of his disease hasn’t stopped him from leading a regular life. Lincoln, his son, was born after he wed Joy, his wife.
In a letter to the “Rachael Ray” host in November 2015, Joy requested assistance in showcasing her husband’s expanding family. Ray and eSight had been working together to provide cutting-edge technology to those in need. Joy had seen an episode where a woman with Stargardt’s disease was assisted by the program to see her sisters smile for the first time in years.
Purdie has only been able to distinguish the contours of objects since being diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease. He has never been able to enjoy the pleasure of gazing into the lovely face of his wife or the endearing emotions that his young son makes.
Purdie knows he is missing out in many ways, especially his son growing up without being able to see him, but he is grateful for all the good things he does have in his life and makes the most of it by participating in a variety of interests and activities.
But once Purdie accepted an invitation to the “Rachel Ray” program and had the chance to test out a pair of cutting-edge spectacles that the technology’s creators were only beginning to experiment with, everything started to change. Purdie was able to see the world clearly for the first time as an adult, but his first glance was directed at his wife and children.
Joy was holding their young son, Lincoln, as she watched the performance from the sidelines. Purdie remarked, “Oh, she’s pretty,” upon seeing Joy. What a wonderful experience it was to finally be able to visit his wife! Joy sobbed as she realized that her spouse could now see her face. Despite the fact that they had been together for a while, it was the first time she had ever been able to recognize her husband’s physical presence.
The only reason that technology has been able to bring a loving couple and their child together in this touching moment is because it has reunited families.
Watch the video to see his reaction:
