"Detached retina"

My husband and I were enjoying a holiday on a narrowboat, travelling up through Wolverhampton into birmingham. I was experiencing distortion to my vision that wasn't settling. We went to New Cross A&E. I was struck by how calm reception was there, also very clean and plenty of seating. The friendly receptionist apologised for taking so long to book me in, although I thought she was doing just fine.

I was seen in less than an hour by a nurse who did some assessments then showed me where to wait to see another clinician. Some time went by, other patients came and went. Then I was seen by somebody else. She assessed me further, spoke to a doctor then made me an appointment for the eye referral unit later that day. There, I was given a thorough examination of the inside of my eye. A senior colleague was called to provide a second opinion. He confirmed a detached retina and said that the consultant should be informed. He came by shortly after and further examined my eye. He was very clear: if we do not operate you will go blind in this eye. Emergency surgery was arranged for first thing the following day.

I cannot speak highly enough of the service with which I was provided. Full marks to every member of staff with whom I had contact and a huge thank you to the consultant ensuring that I would keep sight in my eye.