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Detached retina on holiday

Posted By Alice2025

"Detached retina on holiday"

About: Ninewells Hospital / Ophthalmology Ophthalmology / Ward 25 Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) / Ophthalmology

(as the patient),

Over the course of 2 days, I was aware of a shadow at the side of my eye, and flashing lights. Then, the ‘shadow ‘ turned into a black curtain, covering half of my eye when I turned. In the morning, I contacted an optician in Tiverton. The optician diagnosed a detached retina - and contacted Exeter Hospital.

I was quickly seen, when I arrived at the hospital. The surgeon who saw me confirmed it was a detached retina. He offered to perform surgery at Exeter Hospital. However, if the diagnosis could allow, I explained that if it was possible - we would rather return home and attend our local hospital - Ninewells, in Dundee.

We immediately left for home, driving through the night.

Thanks to the optician in Tiverton, and the surgeon in Exeter Hospital, who both wrote letters to explain my condition, I was seen very quickly at Ninewells.   I was then given surgery, that same day.

After a week of posturing, and 5 weeks of taking it easy - my sight has now returned. In a week, I have an app to check everything at Ninewells.

I am extremely grateful for the kindness and support I received.   Everybody was an exemplary person, to be commended in the NHS - THANK YOU.

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Responses

Response from Lisa Hutchison, NHS Tayside 2 weeks ago
Lisa Hutchison
NHS Tayside

Submitted on 30/09/2025 at 08:39
Published on Care Opinion at 08:51

Dear Alice2025

I am delighted to hear that you are impressed with our service and the care you have received whilst attending our ophthalmology department..

We do endeavour to provide high standards of individualised care to all our patients and it is encouraging to receive your positive feedback.

I am so pleased to hear that your vision has returned and you have recovered well from the surgery.

I will make sure our lovely team see your comments.

Best wishes

Lisa Hutchison

Senior charge nurse

Ophthalmology

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Response from Lauren Tyrer, Cluster Support Manager (Eastern Services), Ophthalmology (Eastern Services), Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 6 days ago
Lauren Tyrer
Cluster Support Manager (Eastern Services), Ophthalmology (Eastern Services),
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Submitted on 08/10/2025 at 12:34
Published on Care Opinion at 12:34

Dear Alice2025,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m really glad to hear that, despite such a frightening situation, you were able to receive swift and effective care from the optician in Tiverton, the team at Exeter Hospital, and then at Ninewells. It’s wonderful that your sight has returned and that you’re continuing to be monitored closely.

Your story highlights the importance of clear communication and coordination between different parts of the NHS, which makes all the difference for patients facing urgent eye conditions like retinal detachment. I’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to everyone involved as they truly deserve the recognition.

Wishing you a smooth and steady recovery!

Kind regards,

Lauren Tyrer

Operations Manager

Ophthalmology - RDUH

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