"Visit to Macular Clinic and new treatment"

Over the past few years I have been attending the Mater Hospital Macular Clinic receiving injections for WMD.  So when I was asked to attend recently, I was expecting the same treatment. But when Mr Gupta, the consultant, reviewed the recent scan and other information, he quietly and carefully explained how 2 implants, one now and a further one in a few months' time, could relieve the condition of diabetic macular oedema.  I even saw the implants to be embedded in a clear plastic cube!

I have never had any qualms regarding the injections and the care and attention in the past, so I was quite assured of the process to be carried out that morning. The Guidebook to Ozurdex was given to me  and the name: dexamethasone intravitreal implant - 7mg.  I now feel I have the information to impress friends!   

Seriously though, I have found the Macular Clinic to be a place to be empowered regarding real fears about my sight, a place to make new friends with those who may attending for the first time - those who may be anxious, and a positive experience for those in later years who often feel that age prevents the receiving of treatment.  It has not been my experience.

Of course there can be a few problems:  (1) long waiting times, and being mindful of the nature of the clinic - (2) many of the posters are too small or too wordy for the information eg. Reporting the Side Effects, on the front page of the otherwise excellent guidebook. 

Can I thank all those involved for the care that is taken, not just to me but to the many others I have met.  Thanks again to Mr. Gupta & Nurse Alek.

You have all made this journey very simple for me.