Back in the Saddle After a Devastating Eye Injury
Over the past 20 years, mules have been Rhonda Cole’s companions on extreme trail rides, navigating ledges and canyons across the United States. Rhonda’s passion for riding has been a constant in her life, a source of joy, freedom, and connection. But in 2017, a devastating accident nearly took it all away.
The Accident
In November 2017, Rhonda and her husband met with friends for a ride in the canyons of Quitaque, Texas. Before the ride even began, her mule became startled, and Rhonda was catapulted over its head. She fell hard, severely damaging her left eye. She was taken to the emergency room in Plainview, TX, where doctors delivered shocking news: they needed to remove her eye. However, Rhonda, who had worked at an ophthalmology office in Austin, knew enough to ask the doctors to stabilize her eye so she could get to an ophthalmology hospital in Lubbock, and eventually to Austin, for further treatment.
The Road to Restoring Vision
Back in Austin, Rhonda’s journey to restoring her vision began. She met with ophthalmologist Dr. Jason Feuerman and retina specialist Dr. James Dooner to undergo an advanced combined corneal and retinal surgery called a temporary keratoprosthesis with vitrectomy, which involved placing an artificial plastic cornea in her eye that allowed Dr. Dooner to then treat her retina.
“Due to the severity of Rhonda’s eye trauma, the cornea and the retina were not visible on exam,” explained Dr. Dooner. “The artificial cornea allowed me to see the back of her eye and reattach her retina.”
In total, Rhonda underwent four retinal surgeries, two corneal transplants, and received a prosthetic iris. Throughout this challenging period, Dr. Dooner offered the encouragement she desperately needed, and assured Rhonda that her life wasn’t over, and she would ride again.
Rediscovering Her Passion
A year after the accident, Rhonda’s determination led her back to the saddle. It wasn’t easy, but Rhonda regained her strength and her confidence and now rides the trails she loves and has learned to navigate her new world with limited vision in her left eye.
Rhonda says she is proof that you don’t have to stop living life when you lose your vision.
“When something you love is taken away, it’s hard, but you can get it back,” Rhonda said.
As the old cowboy adage goes: “Don’t sell your saddle.” Rhonda didn’t, and today, she is traveling across states with her husband and friends, continuing to explore the great outdoors with her beloved mules.
Rhonda is proudly featured on the cover of the June 2024 edition of Western Mule Magazine.
Consult with a Retina Specialist Today
Austin Retina Associates treats a wide range of retinal conditions. Our experienced team of retina specialists in Austin are dedicated to improving your vision and quality of life.
Contact us at 800-252-8259, or request an appointment online at one of our retina treatment centers located in Austin and throughout Central Texas.
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