"Very good experience and outcome of cataract..."

I was extremely tense and nervous before surgery but, from the moment of my first referral appointment, i can say without doubt that my experience was very good. Although the ophthalmology department was very busy on all 4 occasions when i was seen, i felt well cared for and, in particular, listened to and respected. Staff were not only professional, but also kind and reassuring all the way. The backup of written information has also been extremely helpful and indeed essential as it is difficult to remember spoken instructions just after surgery.

i am particularly impressed that, after i had said how nervous i was feeling, all the procedures were explained to me in just the right amount of detail, including what i would be able to see, hear and feel at every stage - very reassuring and it helped me to "pace" my way.

i have impaired hearing and a tendency to faint in stressful medical situations and, as a result of the sensitive care i received as well as the clinical professionalism, my experience was, I feel, the best it could be.

Although my surgery was very recent, the outcome is truly an example of NHS magic and i would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone involved. i am truly grateful for such an excellent experience of this very precious public service.

There was really only one thing that could have been better. The letter i received for my pre-op assessment did not state that i should not wear my contact lenses for 48 hours before the appointment, so i had a wasted few hours (i travelled in from the county) and had to return on another occasion to complete this assessment.