Legally blind boy sees mom for first time with electronic glasses

KTRK logo
Friday, April 29, 2016
Legally blind boy sees mom for 1st time with electronic glasses
A Virginia mom is defying the doctors who told her there was nothing she could do to help her blind son.

BEDFORD COUNTY, VA -- A Virginia mom is defying the doctors who told her there was nothing she could do to help her blind son. With the help of new technology, Chris Ward will finally be able to see.



Ward, 12, is considered legally blind after his eye muscles never fully developed. His homework assignments are typed on a braille typewriter and his math done with an abacus.



WATCH VIDEO: One-armed Little Leaguer swings for the fences



"It's been an inspiration to me because he's never complained about it. He's picked up on it so well," mother Marquita Hackley said.



Hackley and her son took a trip to Washington, D.C. a couple weeks ago to try a new technology called ESight. The new glasses allowed Ward to see his mom for the first time.



"Well when I saw my mom for the first time, she was pretty," he said.



WATCH VIDEO: Waiter feeds man without hands in Georgia



"I just broke down and cried. It was just amazing because he's never been able to see details like that," Hackley added.



With the glasses, Chris would no longer be considered legally blind -- except his insurance won't cover the $15,000 bill.



WATCH VIDEO: Fresno foster mom opens heart, adopts six sisters



Now, his mom tells WBTV that she is looking for other options to help give him the sight he needs.



"Once I read print books with the glasses, I'll be home free," Ward added.



His classmates are putting together a fundraiser at his school. Hackley is working on a fundraiser at church and has set up a page on YouCaring, CLICK HERE TO DONATE.





Click here for more heartwarming stories and videos!

Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.