"Prompt treatment for retinal detachment"

In March of this year I needed to return from a skiing trip having been diagnosed by an ophthalmologist in Austria with a retinal detachment.

I attended MREH over the weekend in early March. As an optometrist myself I knew the urgency of my symptoms, and diagnosis abroad.

I was seen during a very busy afternoon when 3 of the 4 doctors on duty had been called out on emergencies. I was told that it was not possible to have the emergency surgery on the Saturday, but was seen by Fellow Mariam who confirmed that I did have 2 x tears and a retinal detachment in my right eye, and also in my asymptomatic left eye. She assured me that I would be seen for this the following morning (Sunday).

On the Sunday morning, Mariam initially lasered my left eye to stabilise this, and then performed full surgery on my right eye, including laser, cryo, and vitrectomy, followed by insertion of a gas bubble.

Following surgery I was advised that I may have atrial fibrillation, which was confirmed at the GP surgery a few days later. I was then put on anticoagulants and have seen a cardiologist, and 2 weeks ago had a cardioversion procedure which not only brought my heart rate down, but made me feel so much more energetic.

At my last appointment at MREH, I was discharged from Ms Svetlana’s clinic, and of course, given all the possible things to look out for in case of a recurrence.

I wanted to contact you mainly for 2 reasons. Firstly to commend Mariam for the professional way in which she dealt with my condition, concerns and outcomes etc. My corrected VA left is now 6/4 and my right 6/5pt, which some weeks ago, I could have only hoped for a good outcome, not the excellent one I have now got.

Secondly, to say how thankful I am for picking up the atrial fibrillation. I have always tried to keep as fit and healthy as possible, but just thought that maybe as I was getting older (74 next month) I perhaps should have started doing more cardio than previous – it would seem now that my atrial fibrillation was the problem.

Mariam has such a fantastic “manner” and deserves much recognition for this, and for her expertise in dealing with my emergency. I’d also like to thank the whole unit for dealing with my issues, over the last few months.