grooming and biting

Question
We just adopted my 6th rescue...(I provide end of life care to elderly disabled dogs) a poodle mix. Roger had his R eye removed after a traumatic injury just 4 months ago right before I adopted him. Since he is a rescue, we really don't know the whole story, but there is strong suspicion that Roger was abused and possibly kicked in the face resulting in multiple facial fractures. Since then he will NOT let us or groomer trim the hair on his face. He is OK with petting, stroking, but get near his face with a scissors or clipper and he BITES HARD. I have tried treats for not nipping, muzzle, (still can't get to face with muzzle) even tranquilizers, but the only thing he wants to do is sleep on tranquilizers, then he is grumpy when we try to groom his face. He is OK with rest of body. Being a poodle, we MUST groom his face and keep hair short around his empty eye socket. Do you have any ideas??

Answer
This is a sad situation and frankly there is no easy answer. It is too dangerous to expect you to do this yourself. How old is this dog?
He should be sedated and shaved with a 15 blade so that you get about 12 weeks between each grooming. Then you have a chance to gain his trust.
Once you gain his trust you can try using a ribbon to tie his mouth shut under the chin and around his neck. You can get to more surface that way. That is what I would do.  Wasn't the socket sewn shut? It should have been. I have several dogs who have had eyes removed and they are always sewn shut or a glass eye inserted.
Anyway you can be severely hurt if he bites you so consider taking him to the vet to have him shaved.
Bless you for taking poor Roger.