Savannah Guthrie Faces Third Eye Surgery After Freak Accident with Son

Savannah Guthrie, the beloved co-host of NBC’s Today show, will temporarily step away from the anchor desk to undergo her third eye surgery, a procedure necessitated by a freak accident involving her 9-year-old son, Charley. The incident, which occurred in late 2019, has led to a series of medical challenges for the 53-year-old journalist, whose resilience and optimism have captivated viewers. Guthrie announced the upcoming surgery on Today on July 28, 2025, sharing that the procedure, scheduled for August 7, 2025, aims to address ongoing complications from a retinal detachment caused by the initial injury. Her absence from the show, expected to last only a few days, underscores her determination to prioritize her health while maintaining her signature positivity.

The saga began when Charley, then 3, accidentally struck Guthrie’s eye with a toy truck during a playful moment at home. What seemed like a minor mishap quickly escalated, as Guthrie experienced severe vision issues, including a retinal detachment that required immediate surgery in December 2019. The procedure was successful, but complications arose, including the development of a cataract, which she addressed with a second surgery in 2020. Now, nearly six years later, Guthrie faces a third procedure to correct persistent vision problems, including distorted vision and a “wavy” effect that has impaired her ability to see clearly. “It’s like looking through a foggy window sometimes,” she shared on Today, describing the blurry spots that have lingered.

Guthrie’s journey has been marked by both professional commitment and personal strength. Despite the initial injury forcing her to take a brief hiatus from Today, she returned to the airwaves with characteristic warmth, even joking about the incident on social media. In a 2020 Instagram post, she shared a photo of Charley playing the board game Operation, captioning it, “Headed off for cataract surgery! This was an expected complication of the retina detachment—I am very hopeful my sight will be restored.” Her latest announcement echoes that hope, as she expressed excitement about the prospect of clearer vision. “It’s been a long road, but I’m ready for this next step,” she said, noting that the 30-minute procedure should significantly improve her eyesight.

The Today co-host’s openness about her medical challenges has endeared her to fans, who admire her ability to balance a demanding career with motherhood. Guthrie, who shares Charley and daughter Vale, 11, with husband Michael Feldman, has often spoken about the joys and chaos of parenting. The accident with Charley, while serious, has been framed by Guthrie as an unpredictable part of raising young children. “He didn’t mean it, of course,” she said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2020. “It was just one of those freak things.” Her ability to maintain perspective has resonated with viewers, many of whom have followed her recovery journey through her candid updates.

As Guthrie prepares for her third surgery, the Today team, including co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin, has rallied around her. Kotb, who will anchor in Guthrie’s absence, praised her colleague’s strength, saying, “Savannah’s a fighter, and we’ll be waiting to welcome her back.” The procedure, described as routine by Guthrie’s medical team, is expected to be her final step toward full visual recovery. Guthrie herself remains optimistic, telling viewers, “I’ll be back before you know it, hopefully seeing the world a little clearer.”

Guthrie’s story is a testament to resilience in the face of unexpected challenges. As she steps away from Today for this brief hiatus, her fans are reminded of her unwavering spirit—both as a journalist who has covered major stories for over a decade and as a mother navigating the unpredictable moments of family life. Her return, expected later in August 2025, will undoubtedly be met with the same warmth she brings to millions each morning.