"Glaucoma surgery"

I have had glaucoma in my right eye for several years and have been attending Miss A Knox’s clinic at the Shankill Wellbeing and Treatment Centre, taking drops to keep the eye pressure under control. Last November I was examined there by Dr Reid who told me that the pressure was now too high and that trabeculectomy surgery would be necessary; Miss Knox confirmed this.

The surgery was carried out by Dr Reid and Miss Knox in January at the Downe Hospital, followed by regular check-ups (which is normal following trabeculectomy) at the Shankill clinic. In mid January one suture was cut by laser and later in January a small amount of scar tissue was removed; both adjustments made to reduce the pressure. In early February I noticed that my right eye vision was blurred and phoned the clinic. Miss Knox fitted me in for an appointment that afternoon; she examined the eye and assured me that there was no cause for concern, this was quite common and it would improve. By early March the pressure was normal, my visual acuity was fine and everything looked good, so the surgery was successful and my next appointment is in 6 months time.

I had very little pain during the surgery and have had none since then. I can’t imagine the level of skill needed to perform such a delicate procedure on such a sensitive part of the body – it seems miraculous to a layman like me. The care I have received from Miss Knox, Dr Reid, Dr McCullagh, and all the nurses and receptionists at the Shankill Centre and the Downe Hospital has been consistently excellent and I am deeply grateful to them all. It is all the more remarkable that our NHS staff can deliver this level of care during a pandemic emergency.