Behind every measurement is a person — a parent, an athlete, a grandparent, a neighbor. Explore how Brazos Eye Surgery has walked alongside Central Texas families on the path to clearer vision and fuller life.
Follow Along: Branson's Journey — Eight Years Later
Eight years ago, a pair of scissors changed Branson's life forever. After years of waiting and advances in medical technology, his family finally has a path forward — three surgeries with Dr. Forrest Beau Swann and specialists across Waco. The first surgery is complete. Two more are ahead this summer and fall. Follow along as we share honest updates from his journey.
Surgery one is behind us; two more lie ahead. Vision restoration after trauma this severe is never guaranteed — but restoring a natural appearance is a meaningful outcome on its own. We will share honest updates here as Branson's journey continues.
Visual Function
Before
Legally blind in injured eye after traumatic scissors injury
The Plan
Vitrectomy complete (Apr 2026); IOL, iris, and corneal transplant still ahead
Cornea
Before
Scarring across pupil blocking clear vision
The Plan
Full corneal transplant planned October 2026
Help lighten the load for a family walking this road in faith — every gift moves Branson one step closer to August and October.
From the day everything changed to the surgeries still ahead — these moments tell the story of a family that never stopped fighting for Branson's vision.
The Day Everything Changed
After the injury
Eight years ago, a pair of scissors changed Branson's life in an instant. This is the aftermath — a young boy in a hospital bed, his family already beginning a road they did not choose.
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Ordering Branson's Custom Iris
With the vitrectomy complete, Branson's custom silicone iris is being designed and manufactured by VEO Ophthalmics in Germany — specialists in custom prosthetic irises — using detailed imaging of both eyes to guide the order ahead of his August surgery.
The eye to be operated on
Branson's injured eye today — partial iris tear, corneal scarring across the pupil, and no natural lens. Dr. Swann's team will address these through a custom silicone iris, IOL placement in August, and a full corneal transplant in October.
Reference for his new iris
Detailed imaging of Branson's healthy eye was sent to VEO Ophthalmics in Germany so his custom artificial iris can be color-matched to this iris pattern as closely as possible.
Custom iris manufactured by VEO Ophthalmics · Germany
Complex cases like Branson's are never solved by one person alone. Across Waco, colleagues have stepped up — sharing expertise, coordinating care, and doing whatever it takes to stack the odds in this young man's favor. That is the kind of community we are proud to be part of.
Dr. Stacie Virden, OD, FAAO
Waco Vision Source
Vision rehabilitation & neuro-visual therapy
Dr. Swann brought Dr. Virden into Branson's care to help retrain his brain to use the injured eye again. After trauma, the brain often learns to ignore a damaged eye — a process called suppression. Dr. Virden's work focuses on rebuilding that connection, giving Branson's brain every opportunity to accept vision from the eye we are working to restore. This kind of pre-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to success.
Vitrectomy & retinal preparation — completed April 2026
After a partially detached retina required repair in February 2026, Dr. Castillo performed Branson's vitrectomy in April — removing the vitreous gel inside the eye to reduce traction, protect the retina, and prepare the internal structures for the corneal transplant and lens work Dr. Swann will perform later this year.
This is what Waco does best — specialists who know one another, trust one another, and show up for patients when it matters most. We are giving Branson every fighting chance we can, together.
More Patient Journeys
Tap any card to open a full story with before-and-after measurements.
More Journeys — Work in Progress
We are gathering photos, outcomes, and patient-approved stories to share here. These are the next chapters we are building with real Brazos Eye families.
Coming Soon
Advanced Dry Eye
A patient who finally found relief after years of burning, gritty eyes.
Coming Soon
Keratoconus & Crosslinking
Stabilizing vision and restoring confidence with cornea specialty care.
Coming Soon
Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)
Fine-tuning vision after cataract surgery — customized to real life.
Coming Soon
LASIK for Two
A Central Texas couple who chose local care and clearer vision together.
Your Story Could Be Next.
Every journey starts with one conversation. Book a consultation and find out what is possible for your vision — right here in Waco.
