"Eye department resident, sorry, patient for 24..."

Anything else?

I have been using the opthamology department at the QMC for the past 24 years of my life (I am also that age), It was members of the surgical team here who saved my sight when I was born with congenital cateracts back in 1988. Over the course of the years, much has changed, new buildings, new staff. But what has never changed is the compassion, friendliness, professionalism and good humour of the Consultants, Doctors, Nurses and Receptionists who work in and around the department. I am also talking about the day case wards and theatre staff who have always been supportive of me when I have gone under the knife, laser or eye-drops. They even remember me now by my first name which is always especially nice and it makes the whole experience feel more individual, reassuring and personal.

What has compelled me to write this review is that recently I have had an increased glaucoma problem which has led me to attend eye casaulty on numerous occasions for pressure tests. Yes, waiting is inevitable as it is 'one of the busiest eye casaulty departments in the UK' according to the website, but this is expected. I have never had to wait longer than three hours and this is why we have IPODS. When I needed Glaucoma laser treatment a year ago last christmas (December 21st), I was told it was going to happen on the morning I went in to see my consultant without any prior warning, (sort of like Holby City without the added drama of power-cuts and unfaithful partners)!!! I was very pleased with the service I received as it meant I could come off a medication I was taking before Christmas. The side effects of this medication meant that I may not have been able to enjoy the turkey and trimmings as much as normal.

Even though I may not always see my consultants every time I go, the Doctors I see nearly always know my 'complex' history and are ready to discuss it in a well informed manner. The only thing I think can be improved upon is explanations of why one procedure can be done, while another one can't. However, this could just be my wording of the question, maybe I am sometimes a little vague leading to possible mis-understandings.

To summarise the experience I have had, last September I was referred to another consultant in eye disorders at another hospital out of area. My consultant who referred me is unsure of whether this individual will be able to help me, but feels that it will help if I have their opinion, in order for me to get on with my life and move on. I feel very pleased with this approach, as I am being treated like a person rather than just another number of a list.

As an aside matter away from Opthamology, around the time of my glaucoma I began suffering from terrible headaches. Thankfully, the neurology department have finally found a suitable drug that has stopped them completely. I have not had a proper headache now for the past 8 weeks and I feel like I have my life completely back.

Overall, well done QMC!