MAX’S SIGHT RESTORED

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23946, 13 May 1943, Page 4

MAX’S SIGHT RESTORED

RESULT OF STREET ACCIDENT MEMBER OF BLIND INSTITUTE (P.S.S.) AUCKLAND. May 12. After a street accident a member of the Institute for the Blind in Auckland, who, during the last 17 years, has had only momentary glimpses of the world about him. has regained his vision. He is Mr Thomas Joel Reed, aged 54, who lost the power to open his eyelids when he became afflicted with sleepy sickness 17 years ago. Concussion suffered when he was knocked down by a motor-car on May 2 returned him the power to open his eyelids. “I was unconscious for a time after being knocked down by the car, and when I came to my eyes opened and stayed open,” said Mr Reed, when interviewed at the Auckland Hospital. Mr Reed, who is an invalid and has keen incapacitated for some years, suffered concussion, a broken leg, and a cracked ankle when struck by the car. “My eyes previously were closed practically all the time, and I could only open them for a second,” added Mr Reed. There was no way of propping the lids open, and although he had been to many doctors, nothing could be done. "It is wonderful to be able to keep my eyes open all the time, and I will be able to lead with glasses which arc being made for me,” said Mr Reed. “I am looking forward to reading and seeing things properly, where before I could only get a glimpse. I used to carry a white stick.” Formerly a school teacher. Mr Reed last taught at St. Andrews School in South Canterbury. He taught in many country schools, and also at schools in Auckland. Dr. J. Fitzsimmons, who is in charge of Mr Reed's case, said that the concussion revived the power to open the eyelids. A spasm of the lids had kept them shut. It had really been a nervous trouble and the accident had caused no actual change in the organic nature of the nd’Vos in the lids, blit the shock had made Mr Reed open his eyes.