One Year Later: First Whole-Eye and Partial-Face Transplant Patient Makes Remarkable Progress

In May 2023, NYU Langone Health performed the world’s first whole-eye and partial-face transplant on 46-year-old military veteran Aaron James, following a severe electrical accident. Over a year later, Aaron has made an impressive recovery, returning to daily life. A study published in JAMA reveals that the transplanted donor eye has maintained normal pressure and blood flow, with light-sensitive cells still intact, offering hope for future vision restoration. The surgery, led by Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez and a team of over 140 professionals, has set new standards in transplant surgery, marking a major advancement in the field. Watch Aaron’s remarkable journey.