Snead Eye Group Gifts Perfect Vision to 19-Year-Old with Rare Eye Condition
Young Southwest Florida resident gains perfect 20/20 vision after receiving premium multifocal lenses pro bono.
Snead Eye Group has restored perfect vision to 19-year-old Emmanuel Durueke after treating an exceptionally rare case of cataracts that’s not typically seen in patients so young. After struggling throughout his youth with severe vision impairment and being turned away by other providers, Durueke received life-changing surgery, performed pro bono, using premium multifocal artificial lenses in both eyes on January 6, 2026.
Cataracts are most commonly associated with aging and typically develop later in life. The condition occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, causing vision to appear blurry, dim or distorted. As the lens becomes more clouded, glasses can no longer fully correct vision.
Durueke, who moved to Southwest Florida in January 2025 from Jamaica, has lived with extreme nearsightedness, astigmatism and cataracts in both eyes since childhood. Despite wearing glasses from the age of six, his condition continued to worsen over time, and he required increasingly stronger prescriptions.
His deteriorating eyesight hindered his daily life and prevented him from participating in many activities. He could only read text if it was held two inches from his face, was unable to participate in sports and couldn’t pass a vision test required for a driver’s license.
After consulting multiple eye doctors in the area who were uncomfortable performing surgery, Durueke was referred to Snead Eye Group by his family physician, Dr. Valerie Smart.
Snead Eye Group’s decision to help Durueke and perform the surgery pro bono reflects its commitment to the Southwest Florida community and to helping individuals who need it most.
“This wasn’t just about correcting vision,” said Dr. Brad Snead, owner, medical director and board-certified ophthalmologist at Snead Eye Group. “It was about giving a young man the opportunity to live life without limitations. Seeing Emmanuel achieve perfect vision and regain his confidence was incredibly meaningful to our entire team.”
At Snead Eye Group, Durueke underwent a comprehensive evaluation and was guided through every step of his care. Surgical consultant Maggie Norden worked closely with him and became a source of comfort as she explained his options, coordinated his treatment plan and provided reassurance throughout the process.
“Emmanuel’s case was highly unusual due to his age and the severity of his visual impairment,” said Dr. Snead. “Our goal was to carefully evaluate his condition and provide a solution that would restore his vision while setting him up for long-term success.”
Recognizing the medical complexity and the financial burden to a 19-year-old for premium lenses, which would give him the best outcome, Snead Eye Group elected to sponsor Durueke’s surgery at no cost.
“Maggie told me Snead Eye Group was going to sponsor my surgery. When I say I was shocked, I was shocked. I stood there frozen. I had mixed emotions and almost cried,” Durueke said.
The financial burden evaporated, but the reality of the surgery began to set in for Durueke.
“I was scared. It was my first surgery ever,” he said. “But as Maggie kept guiding me through it, I became at ease. After the surgery, when Maggie was wheeling me out, I said, ‘That’s it? You’re joking!’ It’s very quick. You remember going in and prepping, then you go to sleep. Five minutes later, you’re out of there and seeing clear as day.”
Dr. Snead removed the cloudy natural lenses of Durueke’s eyes and replaced them with artificial multifocal lenses. These premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) are among the most advanced technologies to provide clear vision to cataract patients and can correct astigmatism, reducing dependency on glasses.
“The most emotional part was the day after surgery when I sat down with Dr. Brad Snead and he said the words ‘20/20.’ I’ve never heard those words before in my life,” Durueke said. “The numbers used to be 20/70 or 20/80 – high numbers. Being able to hear 20/20. I came out of the room and hugged Maggie. Everyone in the entire lobby was crying. It was an emotional moment for me.”
Beyond improved eyesight, the surgery has opened doors that once felt closed for Durueke. He can now pursue a driver’s license, participate in sports, have more career options and explore new opportunities that were previously limited by his vision. But one surprising activity sits at the top of his list – skydiving.
“It’s always been something on my to-do list,” he said. “You have to wear goggles. Now (without glasses) I can actually put the goggles on and see what I’m doing and everything around me – the clouds and birds.”
