Aria's Journey

Aria’s journey began in October 2014, at just two months old.  Her parents noticed she was often having rapid eye movements and urged their pediatrician to send the family to a pediatric ophthalmologist.  The ophthalmologist contacted Associated Retinal Consultants immediately upon their first visit, and Aria was seen the very next day.  A week later, after her first exam under anesthesia, Aria was given the diagnosis of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). The news was devastating to the new parents who had never heard of the disease nor were they aware of anyone in their families with eye related issues.

Since then, Aria has had several procedures which include the placement of a scleral buckle on her left eye for partial retinal detachment, laser treatment and several exams under anesthesia. In February of 2016, Aria experienced a bout of glaucoma, which resulted in an ER visit and ultimately, the depletion of the vision in her left eye.

Aria is now 4 years old and is a ray of sunshine to everyone she meets.  She is an outgoing, kind, loving little girl who loves to make people laugh.  She enjoys going to school, dance class and playing with other kids.  

During the families first meeting with Dr. Anthony Capone, he told them that this was not a one-time visit, but would be a journey. The family is grateful for the doctors and staff of Associated Retinal Consultants, who have been with them every step of the way.

“We feel very blessed to have such a wonderful group of doctors so close to our home.  Their care and concern for our daughter is obvious, and the research they are doing is of the utmost importance.  We are excited about the work of the PRRF and have high hopes for the success for the first Hope for Vision Walk.  It is our personal goal to support the organization in any way we can with their quest for a cure of pediatric retinal diseases”.

~ Pasquale & Lisa LoVasco