Indefinite wait for sight-saving surgery avoided for Mary

A pensioner from Newton is no longer on a lengthy NHS waiting list after having sight-saving surgery within three weeks of her first appointment at a Barlborough eye clinic.

Mary Egan, 71, was living with significantly deteriorating vision due to cataracts in both eyes and a macular hole in her left eye, which if left untreated can lead to blindness.

A macular hole is when gaps form in the light-sensitive layer of the retina causing visual distortion and reduced vision, while cataracts is where cloudy patches form on the eye’s clear lens blurring your vision.

Having been on an NHS waiting list for over six months with no date confirmed for treatment, Mary began searching online for alternatives and made an appointment with Newmedica, a leading provider of NHS-funded and private ophthalmology.

Mary attended Newmedica’s Barlborough clinic and tests showed that she needed both cataracts removed and vitreoretinal surgery. The clinic offers combination cataract and retinal surgery, meaning Mary could have both at the same time, saving on multiple procedures, reducing risks and improving outcomes.

Following the initial consultation, Mary was scheduled in for her surgery only three weeks later.

Mary Egan said: “I’m extremely grateful to the Newmedica team as I had a wonderful experience at the clinic. The staff were amazing, and the process was so quick compared to the current waiting list I was on. I was a little bit apprehensive about the surgery at first, but everyone on the team put my nerves at ease and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

“I found Newmedica online after growing impatient and needing a quicker solution, and I was delighted to see so many positive testimonials about their services. I had a brilliant experience and can’t thank my consultant enough. I’d recommend anyone struggling with either of these conditions to get this sorted as early as they can as it will truly be worth it.”

Mr Alex Brent, the consultant who carried out Mary’s surgery, said: “I’m delighted that we were able to help Mary with her surgery, especially after the length of time she had been waiting. If left untreated, macular holes can result in visual decline and eventual vision loss and can become increasingly unamenable to surgical repair if left too long, so there was a potential risk here.

“It’s great to see more people being made aware that vitreoretinal surgery is something we can offer, and we hope to help many more patients in the future.”

Newmedica is a leading provider of NHS funded and private Ophthalmology services, founded by a former eye patient and leading ophthalmologist. Newmedica is dedicated to transforming the patient experience and providing exceptional care, including using the best quality replacement cataracts lens available.

For further information visit Barlborough | Newmedica or call 01246 739 005. Alternatively, contact your local Newmedica surgical centre Locations | Newmedica.