I'm not sure what they can do...check out the eyes on my Luna (part of it is the flash, but mostly it is cataracts)
![](http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/maltablue/100_6635.jpg)
She can't catch treats either but she can still see well enough to navigate the house at night. She has recently started to lose her hearing too-she's 14. She is in very good shape otherwise, so I am not too concerned.
You said he is frustrated by the loss of vision for hunting. Perhaps finding another outlet for him would be a good thing. I don't know how well the dogs react to surgery at this age.
I hope you can get to a vet to investigate the options you have for Buddy - he looks like a big sweetie.