Dr. Terry Kim, MD Heads the New Duke Sports Vision Center of Excellence
John Scheyer was a regular guy aspiring to be an athlete, enjoying a day on the basketball court when he was suddenly poked in the eye by another player. The team doctor examined him, concluding that his injuries showed signs of optic nerve damage. Scheyer called his ophthalmologist, Dr. Terry Kim for a closer examination and sure enough, optic nerve head avulsion was the diagnosis. This would be life-altering injury for Scheyer – one that would cause a permanent decrease in vision and visual field. [1] Dr. Kim, now the Head of Duke Sports Vision Center for Excellence, spent time with Scheyer and his family, encouraging them and offering support. Scheyer’s injury urged Dr. Kim to start the Center and now, individuals (mainly athletes and military personnel) suffering from eye injuries can find help in diagnoses, treatment, rehabilitation, and formal support. Kim sees the Center as becoming a one-stop location for people to receive all of their eye care and treatment.
Scheyer, even though he lost most of his vision in his right eye, hasn’t slowed down. He’s worked hard on his game and started in 19 of 24 final games for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. He’s also beginning as a shooting guard for Israel’s Super League, the Maccabi Tel Aviv. He has not given up hope.
This hope is what gives confidence to the directors of the Center, especially Kim who envisions it as becoming a place where people of all kinds can find victory in what may seem a bleak diagnosis.
[1] Vision Magazine. “Eye on the Ball.” Volume 27, Number 1. http://www.dukehealth.org/repository/dukehealth/2012/01/09/12/26/47/4078/Duke_VISION_2011.pdf. Accessed January 25, 2012.
