Katie Piper gets 'artificial eye' after acid attack

Katie Piper, 16 years after suffering severe injuries and permanent scarring from an acid attack, has decided to get a "prosthetic eye." The television presenter shared the news via Instagram, stating it was a decision made after "many years of struggling with health issues."

In her post, she wrote, "I felt like I’ve reached the end of a road, so decided to try a prosthetic eye shell." The former model underwent hundreds of surgeries to repair facial and vision damage after the attack, which was orchestrated by her ex-boyfriend when she was 24. According to the UK National Health Service (NHS) National Artificial Eye Service, a prosthetic eye shell, also known as a cosmetic shell, is a thin artificial eye that is custom-made for each patient.

Medical consultant Dr. Chris Smith explained that prosthetic eye shells are designed to cover blind and damaged eyes, often used by those who are self-conscious or concerned about their eyes. In her Instagram post, 41-year-old Piper also shared a video that appeared to show her receiving the fitting of the prosthetic eye shell.

"This marks the start of my journey with a prosthetic eye, with an incredible medical team supporting me," she wrote. "I have always been so grateful for the talent and kindness of everyone in the NHS and private healthcare. I will share my journey, I feel both hopeful and nervous to endure it, if any of you have been through this journey or have any advice, I would love to hear in the comments."

Following the attack in 2008, she lost sight in one eye, but doctors at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, West Sussex, restored her vision. Piper, a mother of two, has established her own foundation to make life easier for those with burns and scars. She has stated that society needs to change to make those with facial disfigurements feel accepted. In 2009, she made a documentary for Channel 4 about her experience called "Katie: My Beautiful Face." In 2021, she was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to charity and to victims of burns and other disfiguring injuries.