
Rufo’s gaze
The treatment and recovery of Rufo Chacón
at OCULAR lab
We live each case we deal with at OCULAR lab in a unique and personalized way, but there was one that will accompany us emotionally for a long time. 16-year-old Rufo Chacón lost both eyes in a demonstration in Venezuela and was treated at our clinic. This is his story.
Rufo Chacón
On July 2nd 2019, the young Venezuelan Rufo Chacón lost both eyes at 16 years old as a result of pellets shot by the police of his country in a demonstration against the domestic gas shortage in the state of Táchina.
Rufo was operated on in our OCULAR lab clinic in Barcelona, under the care of Dr. Miquel Salinas. Two ocular prostheses equipped with 3D technology and artificial intelligence were implanted, which give him autonomy. In addition, the prostheses have a system connected to a small device attached to the temple of a spectacle, mechanisms that, together, translate the images they capture into a voice message.
For now, Rufo will not regain his vision, although the implanted prostheses will substantially improve his quality of life.
A case with international impact
The shocking story of Rufo Chacón became known throughout the world and many international media covered it. His story and the empathy of his smile, despite the tragic event he experienced, connected and moved many people.


Venezuelan minor is implanted with eye prostheses in Barcelona after losing his eyes
