Eyes wide shut... let's help Eliza!

Eliza is just a little girl but life has already shown her that it can be very unfair. Our daughter was born with a genetic disorder called BPES, which greatly restricts her vision. Eliza has narrow eyes and epicanthus folds which limit her lateral vision, as well as ptosis resulting in her eyelids permanently covering a large part of her pupils and severely impairing her eyesight. Last year Eliza underwent surgery during which the inner corners of her eyes were cut in order to remove the epicanthus folds and enlarge her field of vision. This year in September she is due to have a second operation during which she will have silicone slings inserted to raise her eyelids. 

Unfortunately, Eliza’s epicanthus surgery resulted in thick scarring in the corner of her eyes. Wherever we go, people stare at my darling girl and children make cruel comments about her strange eyes.  Even though she’s only 2, Eliza is fully aware that she looks different and always tries to hide her eyes by covering them with a hat or her hand. She doesn’t like looking at herself in the mirror and I’m devastated that my darling little girl will always be embarrassed about her appearance. 

We have found a brilliant ophthalmologist in Barcelona who can help Eliza but the high cost of treatment (over 10.000 EUR) far exceeds our financial capabilities. We will be grateful for any help to give our little girl a better future. Thank you!

Anna and Alan, Eliza’s parents