Legally blind boy sees mom for first time with electronic glasses

BEDFORD COUNTY, VA (KTRK) -- A Virginia mom is defying the doctors who told her there was nothing she could do to help her blind son. With the help of new technology, Chris Ward will finally be able to see.

Ward, 12, is considered legally blind after his eye muscles never fully developed. His homework assignments are typed on a braille typewriter and his math done with an abacus.

"It's been an inspiration to me because he's never complained about it. He's picked up on it so well," mother Marquita Hackley said.

Hackley and her son took a trip to Washington, D.C. a couple weeks ago to try a new technology called ESight. The new glasses allowed Ward to see his mom for the first time.

"Well when I saw my mom for the first time, she was pretty," he said.

"I just broke down and cried. It was just amazing because he's never been able to see details like that," Hackley added.

With the glasses, Chris would no longer be considered legally blind -- except his insurance won't cover the $15,000 bill.

Now, his mom tells WBTV that she is looking for other options to help give him the sight he needs.

"Once I read print books with the glasses, I'll be home free," Ward added.

His classmates are putting together a fundraiser at his school. Hackley is working on a fundraiser at church and has set up a page on YouCaring, CLICK HERE TO DONATE.