From Emergency Surgery to Artistic Tribute
Only a few months after Christmas, children’s book author and artist Lee Scarfino faced a terrifying ordeal—her vision, central to both her creativity and identity, was suddenly at risk. Rushed to the Sydney Eye Hospital Emergency Department, Lee underwent an emergency vitrectomy on her right eye, followed days later by pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) on her left.
Thanks to the swift action and expertise of the hospital’s emergency and trauma team, Lee’s sight was saved.
“Words alone cannot express how grateful I am,” says Lee. “The compassion, skill, and professionalism shown to me during such a vulnerable time will remain with me always.”
Lee credits her recovery to the exceptional care she received from a multidisciplinary team including:
- Dr Ainal Naffi, Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation Vitreoretinal Fellow
- Prof. Andrew Chang, Head of Ophthalmology and Chair of the Foundation Board
- Dr Mark Egan, Senior Anaesthetist
- And the outstanding nursing and emergency staff who supported her throughout.
During her recovery, Lee’s daughter affectionately nicknamed her “Captain Feathersword” — a nod to the eye patch she wore and a moment of lightness in a difficult time.
A Tribute in Paint
As a gesture of gratitude, Lee created and donated an original oil-on-canvas painting to the hospital. The artwork, painted during her healing journey, features soft blue cloud forms suspended in sky, with a circular gloss-textured finish symbolising the gradual restoration of sight. It now hangs in the staff room — a quiet emblem of resilience and the profound impact of compassionate care.
100% of her book sales (My Favourite Things) are being donated to ‘Save the Children Australia’. She partnered with them to boost donations and improve the lives of children where they are needed most. The painting titled ‘The Edge of Vision’ was created during Lee’s recovery and reflects a personal journey of sight restoration.
This Christmas, Give the Gift of Sight
Lee’s story is a powerful reminder of what your support makes possible. The Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation’s Christmas Appeal is raising funds to support our Trauma Fellowship Program, which ensures patients like Lee receive world-class emergency eye care when they need it most.
Your donation helps fund:
- fellows like Dr Naffi including the new Trauma Fellowship which will only strengthen our ability to help patients like Lee
- Life-changing equipment and technology
- Urgent care for patients facing sudden vision loss
- Sight saving research to improve early diagnosis and treatments
This festive season, help us continue to restore sight and change lives.
Give the gift of sight. Donate today.
