For Titus O’Neil, it’s always been about focus. Born Thaddeus Bullard, he faced off against countless barriers between himself and the life he imagined, from being teased about his poor eyesight to dealing with challenges at home. With the help of loved ones and supporters dedicated to his growth, he was able to set his sights on higher goals and become not only a top-tier athlete, but also a humanitarian and, his favorite title, a family man. After playing football for the University of Florida, he transitioned into WWE wrestling and adopted the persona of Titus O’Neil, a name inspired by his youngest son and the iconic Shaquille O’Neal.
Titus never lost focus on the kind of man he wanted to be, and his determination led him to be awarded with the WWE Hall of Fame Warrior Award, his greatest professional accomplishment. He did not stop there– he was inspired by the challenges he faced in his childhood and created the Bullard Family Foundation, a service through which he helps kids get their eyes checked and get involved in trades so they can build brighter futures.
While Titus was able to keep his mindset focused, his eyes had a different plan. Dealing with the poor eyesight that plagued him for years, many doctors told him he was not a candidate for the kind of surgery that could change his life — that is when Newsom Eye stepped in. Our team of highly skilled doctors was able to get Titus the treatment he needed so he could see the amazing life he has built for himself more clearly.
Titus O’Neil’s Testimonial
Not only did we have the pleasure of treating Titus, but we also had the opportunity to speak with him about his treatment and how his vision has been since he received our care. Keep reading to learn more about his impactful experience at Newsom Eye.
- What challenges did he experience with his vision?
Titus struggled with astigmatism and had been seeking corrective action for over a decade. While a previous eye care clinic told him he was not a candidate for surgery and he would have to wear contacts or glasses for the rest of his life, T. Hunter Newsom, MD knew he could do better. Dr. Newsom is the founder and Medical Director, as well as Cataract and LASIK Surgeon at Newsom Eye. After encouraging Titus to come in for a consultation, he said it was, “one of the happiest moments” when he found out that even though he was not a candidate for LASIK, he was a candidate for PRK – Photorefractive Keratectomy.
PRK is a procedure that corrects vision byimproving nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea and utilizes lasers to reshape the cornea tissue. While similar technology is utilized in LASIK, PRK does not require the creation of a protective corneal flap, making it the preferred option for patients involved in hobbies or careers with a high risk of physical contact or who do not qualify for LASIK.
- What would he tell people about his Newsom Eye experience?
From start to finish, Titus reported that the Newsom Eye team was professional, made him feel comfortable and at ease, and was transparent throughout the whole process. Our team made the procedure simple to understand and he felt that we coached him through the whole process and addressed any concerns.
- How has his vision improved his life and hobbies?
Waking up without needing to put on glasses or wear contacts to see clearly has been “so refreshing.” His new level of clarity has helped him with even the simplest tasks, like walking his dog first thing in the morning without having to put in contacts. He feels his overall quality of life is better — he can even drive easier!
- His closing thoughts on his experience.
Titus encourages anyone with vision problems to come visit Newsom Eye for a consultation and experience the difference. He explains that he was in a “hamster wheel” and nobody was able to help him improve his vision until Newsom Eye. He said, “I can truly say I wish I did this five years ago!”
Is PRK Right for You?
If, like Titus O’Neil, you have been dealing with poor eyesight for longer than you can remember and want to find a better solution than contacts or glasses, we are here to help. With PRK, we help patients who take part in high-impact activities, have thin corneas and dry eyes, or do not qualify for LASIK get the life changing care they need. As opposed to LASIK, less corneal tissue is disrupted with PRK and there is less risk of infection or problems during the healing process since no eye flap is created.
Are You Ready to Live Life with NEWSOM EYES?
To learn more about your treatment options, we encourage you to schedule a consultation today with our Newsom Eye team so we can examine your eye health and determine if surgery best suits your needs. We will make the process as easy and stress-free as possible so you can get the vision you deserve, and start living life with your NEWSOM EYES.
