"Variable report of the service"

Both myself and my partner have used this service this year. My own experience was excellent with the consultant - thorough and sympathetic - even on a snowy day. However two HCAs were very surly.

My partner's experience for the treatment of a cataract under general anaesthetic was variable. First assessment visit to the consultant was excellent with time for careful thought and his opinion respected as to the plan for treatment.Too much pressure given immediately prior to the operation to change his decision on the strength of lens already decided on with the other consultant. Excellent surgery and outcome.

Everything fully explained allaying fears. Aftercare proved unsatisfactory though. Twice follow up appointments were delayed and department unable to give a time to the appointments until a few days before. Unhelpful response from phone call when allergic reaction and high ocular pressure became a problem despite this being a known risk with steroid drops. Essential eye drops for post-operative treatment were of insufficient supply leaving us needing to beg for supplies over Easter from a local pharmacist in order to complete the treatment. Why don't they supply enough for conscientious patients who follow the required usage? Follow up appointments with the consultant left my partner traumatised as he cannot tolerate a tonometer placed on his eye ball. Unsympathetic response with his head being actually held in place by an HCA. Left him with severe migraine. His experience with steroid drops produced adverse side effects which we felt were dismissed and wrong advice given by phone.. His request for the alternative non invasive puff test at second review declined as not available.

Overall a good surgical outcome but an unnecessary ordeal.with the after-care due to a lack of respect for personal distress from procedures and my partner's firmly stated preferences. A helpful optometrist provided the puff test with thankfully a normal result.

If using this service we advise patients to be politely assertive.