Jesus healed the blind on many occasions in the Bible.  As ophthalmologists, we may want to pay attention to some of the specifics which are quite intriguing as we are in the line of work of restoring vision.  We were privileged to hear Dr. Alan Carlson from Duke University at the Christian Ophthalmology Society meeting in 2013 who gave an extensive referendum of blindness in the bible.  I would encourage you to watch this lecture when you have time: 

  Carlson Lecture Link

 A recent article in Christianity Today addresses the eyes of the blind being opened with some interesting comparisons.  (see below)  The article is quite fascinating.  I believe it illustrates an interesting observation discussing the work of a Hindu researcher who recognizes that just doing eye surgery is not enough to restore vision on someone who has not seen for years.  The contrast of how this differs from the way Jesus healed the blind is quite outstanding.  Jesus did not have the problem that we have as doctors.  Jesus was able to address every need of the patient from the level of the opacity in the eye to the level of the retraining of the brain to be able to visualize.

Reading this article stimulated my thinking about my work as a surgeon doing oculoplastics.  The truth is that no matter how talented we may be as surgeons, without God’s hand, our work may not be as exacting as we get credit for.  I have personally marveled at the work of a fine craftsman such as a carpenter who finished our basement a few years ago.  This man was incredibly skilled in his trade as he  had to learn how to finish every detail to perfection so that the drywall had no flaws and that the carpet, and trim and finishing touches looked flawless.  The doors latched perfectly and opened and closed smoothly and cleanly.  He left our ceiling with spackling which swirls immaculately and every paint line is perfectly straight and no smears are notable.  I see no nail holes or screws or fasteners, no nicks or bruises.  This man was truly skilled as the finished product was really a work of his hands.  (skills given by God of course)

The work of an ophthalmologist is really quite easy in comparison.  Not to belittle the time and training and skill that it can take to be an eye surgeon, but as ophthalmologists, we aren't really required to leave things in such perfect shape and in reality we don't (especially when viewing at the level of the microscope).  The truth of the matter is that perhaps we aren't as skilled at leaving things flawless as the poor carpenter who must sweat over his final product before he presents it to his customer.  We have a distinct advantage over the craftsman.  I often find myself telling my patient that I'm confident their result will improve over time.  In fact, this is essentially the case for each patient.  I really can never take full credit.

One way to put it is that we have the privilege to leave things in approximate placement and don't have to sweat the final details.  Instead, we rely on our heavenly partner in medicine who perfectly heals our incisions, the bruising and the rearrangements of tissues.  In reconstructive eyelid surgery sometimes I change things around quite a bit. I truly know what big trouble I'd be in if it weren't for the healing hand of God who puts the incredible final touches on the contours, the color and blending of rearranged tissue planes.  I can count on his ability to take my approximation of tissues and to finalize the product for my patient.  (Jeremiah 30:17 - For I will restore health to you, and I will heal you of your wounds, said the Lord)  The pressure is off of me as an ophthalmologist as I partner with the great physician.  (Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding)  What a blessing to partner with the true healer!  What a privilege I have that I can count on God time and time again for each of my patients.

Roger Cabe of Vision Outreach International has written a neat piece about how all ophthalmologists work hand in hand with God.  http://christianeye.net/ministry     He mentions that eye care providers only work on of two ingredients needed for sight.  If God turns out the "light", all eye care workers would be without a job.  I guess if this is the case, I could attempt to be a carpenter.  However given my skill level, I'm not so sure I'd do justice to any of the finishing details in this type of work.  However, if there was no light, perhaps I'd be OK as a carpenter!

Please read the article below and share your comments about it.