Member Article

Manchester hospital celebrates 20,000 landmark

A Manchester hospital is celebrating after carrying out its 20,000th “life-changing” cataract surgery procedure.

Weaverham riding school owner, Rose Tommons, from Northwich, learned that she was the landmark patient when she visited SpaMedica’s Manchester hospital for NHS treatment on her left eye in January. It follows the same procedure on her right eye at the hospital in 2021.

The Manchester hospital was the very first in the SpaMedica Group, opening in 2008. The leading provider of NHS cataract surgery has since expanded to 37 sites across England.

Rose, aged 65, is the proprietor of family business, Sandy Lane Equestrian, and has over 40 horses. She says gradual sight loss left her lacking confidence and struggling with daily tasks. “I went to my optician because I was having trouble reading. We have a big-screen TV at home and I couldn’t see the credits. My optician - Boss Opticians in Northwich - initially changed my glasses, but I wasn’t comfortable driving at night, and I realised that even wearing my glasses, I couldn’t read the large motorway signs. It got to a point where it was really affecting my confidence.”

“When I returned to the optician I had cataracts confirmed and was referred to SpaMedica. It all happened really quickly, and I had surgery as an NHS patient around six weeks later.”

Initially apprehensive, Rose is urging others to avoid delaying the treatment, because of the impact it has had. “I hate anyone going near my eyes, so I was terrified. I was worried that they stick needles in your eyes, but it was just drops and it was so quick. The difference is absolutely life-changing. I don’t wear glasses for driving now and I can see things in detail - that’s what I’ve noticed the most. I can look outside at the riding school, and I can identify leaves and grass stems – silly things like that – it’s like someone has cleaned a window really well.”

Hospital manager at SpaMedica Manchester is Joanne Keegan. She adds:

“It was wonderful to welcome Rose and celebrate with her as our 20,000th cataract patient in Manchester. Although like all our patients, Rose is much more than a number. We treat our patients like family, and it’s lovely to hear how the treatment has improved her quality of life.

“While wait times for cataract surgery are more than 52 weeks in some parts of the country, we can offer NHS surgery within eight weeks from referral, and complimentary transport is available for those who might otherwise struggle to access our service.”

“I’ve been telling everyone to get it done.” adds Rose. “Some people think ‘not my eyes, I couldn’t’ and I say, honestly it doesn’t hurt. And the difference is amazing, it really is. The TV jumps out at me now! I still need glasses for reading, but that’s a small price to pay. It’s just so liberating to have your vision restored.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jayne Russell .