Duluth man to undergo rare, high-tech surgery to receive bionic eye

February 20, 2015 Updated Feb 20, 2015 at 7:56 PM CDT

DULUTH, Minn. (NNCNOW.com) -- Senior Pastor, James Kelm, at True Hope Church in Duluth, is also a self-taught musician.

Retinitis Pigmentosa is a genetic disease that damages the retina and robs people of their vision.

Rev. Kelm lives in a world he describes as "medium gray."

"If I were to walk out into a bright sunny day, I could tell that medium gray becomes a light gray. If I walk out at nighttime or a dark room that medium gray becomes a dark gray," he said.

There is no cure for R.P., but a new retinal implant developed by Second Sight is offering hope.

James is among the first Minnesotans selected to receive the bionic eye.

"It was the first time in my life that actually it was a benefit. The worse my eyes sight was, ha, ha, actually played in my favor."

"I love him blind, but I also know I will love him with sight or no sight or however God wants him to be. I will love him through it," said Kimberly, James' wife of seven years.

Kimberly says she is excited for her husband, but also apprehensive.

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Duluth man to undergo rare, high-tech surgery to receive bionic eye