Corneal transplant performed underwater on bat ray at Marineland, April 1955

At Marineland of the Pacific, Charlie the bat ray undergoes a groundbreaking underwater surgery to restore his vision. Dr. H. George Blasdell performs the operation at 22 feet underwater, transplanting a cornea from another bat ray. The surgery, completed in 23 minutes, is believed to be the first of its kind. Charlie is expected to recover and rejoin his oceanarium friends.

What was the main reason for performing surgery on Charlie, the bat ray?

• To increase his weight

• To change his habitat

• To cure his blindness

• To improve his swimming speed

Why was the surgery performed underwater?

• To avoid using anesthesia

• To entertain the audience

• To keep Charlie in his natural environment

• To make it easier for the doctors

What was unique about the audience during the surgery?

• They were all marine animals

• They were watching from a submarine

• They were all doctors

• They were observing underwater

What was transplanted to Charlie's eye during the surgery?

• A new lens

• A retina

• A synthetic eye

• A donor cornea

How long after the surgery should the sutures be removed?

• In a week

• In a day

• In a year

• In a month