Press Release: Innovating Eye Prosthetics with a Personal Touch
Portland, OR – Christina Leitzel, a trailblazing ocularist, transforms the world of prosthetic eyes with her unique approach, blending artistry with empathy. Guided by a philosophy akin to that of expert forgers, Leitzel creates bespoke prosthetics that mirror the complexity of human eyes, captivating patients with imaginative designs called “fun eyes.”
A recent client, a man in his 30s who lost his eye to a BB gun, left Leitzel’s studio beaming, his new eye matching his forest green beanie, complete with a shimmering gold vortex in the pupil. Known as “Christina Oculara” on TikTok and Instagram, Leitzel specializes in eccentric designs, from sunflowers to diamond slits, celebrating individuality and prompting conversations about visible differences.
Despite her success, Leitzel faces criticism from traditionalists in ocularistry who express concern over her “fun eyes” blurring the lines between medical devices and costume props. Even so, she emphasizes patient happiness and acceptance, stating, “At the end of the day, they have to feel comfortable with themselves.”
Patients first receive a standard prosthetic, costing approximately $5,000, before they can opt for custom designs for an extra $500. With the help of her nonprofit, the Fun Eye Fund, Leitzel and colleague Rachel Yee aim to make these personalized luxuries accessible.
Leitzel’s journey began unexpectedly when a college classmate’s eye inspired her fascination with ocularistry. Since her apprenticeship, she has developed intricate techniques, imbuing her crafted eyes with lifelike details. Each prosthetic maintains authentic characteristics, with thoughtful questions about patient lifestyle impact on the final design.
As more individuals embrace their unique prosthetics, Leitzel’s work showcases how creativity can redefine acceptance, offering satisfaction and joy to the one-eyed community.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
