"A caring and cohesive team!"

I’d been sent to the Royal Alexander Hospital Eye Department in Paisley after an urgent referral by my optometrist. I’d been abroad and had problems with the vision in my left eye lasting several days. I hadn’t realised that the pressure in my eye was extremely high and didn’t realise that if it had remained this high, my eyesight would’ve permanently damaged!

Dr Connolly’s team did a fantastic job of explaining what was happening and treatment was started straight away.

I was quite apprehensive when I was told that they would use a laser to make a tiny hole in each eye to improve the drainage and reduce the pressure.

All the team were so kind and reassuring and the procedure was in fact, quick and painless!

I had several further visits to check the pressure in my eyes - each time I visited, I was made so welcome by everyone, from the reception staff, clinical support workers and nurses through to the doctors - each one making up a caring and cohesive team!

It’s rare to see a hospital department where everyone smiles - the patients because they’re at ease and the staff who obviously enjoy their work. I was very impressed to see that everyone had a role and that the Clinical Support Workers were also given important tasks. It certainly makes for an efficient department and I was surprised, as I moved between the corridor and the various rooms, that each contained what appeared to be some high tech machines! 

Several weeks later,  I went to the Vale of Leven Day Surgery Unit where Dr Connolly was to remove my cataract which would resolve the problem of my glaucoma. I felt quite well prepared after my excellent pre-op assessment, but again I was a bit apprehensive! As before, I had nothing to worry about! 

Soon after arriving, the lovely warm and welcoming team put me at ease! I felt really safe too!

I know that most people feel squeamish about eye surgery, but in fact I couldn’t see anyone or anything coming towards my eye - just lots of different coloured lights, almost like a kaleidoscope and the anaesthetic gel meant that the quick procedure was totally painless!

Dr Connolly was so gentle, and it was lovely listening to her and her team at work! I was given lots of encouragement all the way through the procedure and before I knew it, it was over! 

The recovery went well- I was just a little sore the first evening and had drops to use for a couple of weeks - there were no stitches, so it was easy!

The pressure in my eye is normal again!

I’m returning soon to get the other eye done and after that, with my improved vision, I’ll no longer need to wear glasses or contact lenses for distance! I can also rest assured about my glaucoma, though I will make sure that I get my eyes tested regularly as damage can occur so easily if left unchecked!

I’m so very grateful to everyone- what a fantastic group of people!