Frank Wilcox

When Frank Wilcox was diagnosed with wet type macular degeneration in his right eye, it was nothing more than an inconvenience. But a few years later, he developed the dry type in his other eye. From that day forward the condition had a profound effect on Frank's life. Faced with a disease that has no cure, Frank was one of a few special patients willing to try a new surgical technique offered by Dr. Tim Olsen at the University of Minnesota Macular Degeneration Center.

Once an avid reader, Frank gave up his passion for literature. He gave up driving. He began to lose his independence. Even the simple things most people take for granted, like seeing the food on your plate, became a challenge. When asked what day-to-day tasks he had to give up because of the disease, Frank replied, "Just about everything."

By agreeing to undergo the new surgery technique at the University of Minnesota, Frank became a part of medical history – a true pioneer. The doctors will monitor his recovery to determine the effectiveness of this procedure, which will help advance treatment studies for other sufferers of macular degeneration.

"Before the surgery, I couldn't do the things I can do today," says Frank. "Now when I look at my watch to check the time, I can actually see it! I can really enjoy taking walks with my wife again. If I hadn't had the surgery, my vision would be much worse."