Manchester artist travels Europe on motorbike after cataract surgery restores sight

A retired nurse who’s undergone sight-saving surgery has been able to travel around Europe via motorbike, while also rediscovering her love of painting.  

Manchester-based June Schofield has travelled to France, Italy, Switzerland and Portugal since having cataract surgery, and even had the chance to snorkel in the sea. 

Her deteriorating sight had stopped her from doing things many of the things she loved, but following treatment at Newmedica’s Manchester West clinic, June was able to complete a portrait of her son and his fiancé ahead of their wedding earlier this year. And now the talented artist is about to embark on creating a new 4ft X 3ft piece painting of a family of elephants. 

June, 67, had been putting off the surgery due to being terrified of having it. Eventually her sons persuaded her to visit her optometrist, which led to her swift referral of her highly successful cataract surgery. 

June was first seen by an optometrist at Specsavers Stretford before being referred for NHS-funded cataract surgery. She was offered a choice of providers and opted for Newmedica, based in Blackmore Road.  

Overwhelmed by the improvement to her sight, June was inspired to begin working on a painting of eyes and completed the portrait of her son and his fiancé ahead of their wedding in May. 

Following the wedding, she embarked on her travels across Europe with her husband. 

She said: ‘I put off addressing my concerns about my deteriorating sight for a long time and was terrified at the prospect of cataract surgery. It got to the point I was starting to lose my independence, I couldn’t drive and I could no longer paint or write. 

‘My sons persuaded me to go to my optometrists. The entire process was so straightforward. 

Right from the point of my initial appointment, through to my surgery at Newmedica, I felt that everything was explained to me, any questions were answered, and I knew I was in safe hands. Both teams were brilliant and it really helped ease my fears. 

‘I was so shocked at how short the waiting time to be seen was, upon being referred to Newmedica. It was only about one month. 

‘Newmedica even covered the cost of my travel to and from the clinic, as my husband was working and couldn’t take me, which was a huge help and was one less thing for me to have to think about. 

‘As a former nurse I’ve worked with many consultants over the years and I could tell that the team at Newmedica care about their patients. 

‘I am partially disabled and have a plastic allergy to things like medical disposable gloves. The team at Newmedica ensured that adjustments were made to make sitting in the examination chair more comfortable and that they didn’t use any products I would have a reaction to. 

‘The clinic had such a relaxed atmosphere, which really helped to settle my nerves and the staff were so patient and compassionate. I even got a fantastic Jamaican recipe from one of the nurses. 

‘By the time it came for me to return for surgery on my other eye, I wasn’t nervous at all. I trusted I was in good hands. On that return visit, I remember seeing other patients who were there for their first surgery and just as nervous as I had been. I told them just how wonderful the experience had been. 

‘The surgery itself felt very quick, and the team who were in the operating theatre with me kept reassuring me throughout the process and ensured I was comfortable.’ 

Once both eyes had been treated, June could instantly see a huge difference in her sight.  

She continued: ‘The surgery has been life-changing. I quickly returned to painting and writing and can even do things I couldn’t before, like thread the eye of a needle without glasses. Colours are sharper and everything looks brighter. 

‘I was amazed during a follow-up visit to be able to read all the letters on the optometrist’s Snellen chart and find out I now have 20/20 vision. When I was snorkelling in the sea this summer, I was able to see all of the beautiful fish. I wouldn’t have been able to go on that amazing trip if I hadn’t have had the surgery. 

‘I wish I had sought treatment sooner as I feel I wasted years where I slowly lost the ability to do so many things I enjoy. But now I am able to fully enjoy my retirement.’ 

Newmedica’s Manchester West clinic helps the NHS to tackle ophthalmology waiting lists and also offer private treatment. 

Bhamy Shenoy, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Partner at Newmedica Manchester West, said: ‘Cataracts are a very common eye condition that can develop when the eye’s clear lens forms cloudy or misty patches, particularly as we get older. During surgery we remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a new, artificial lens. 

‘June’s story highlights exactly why it’s important to have regular eye examinations with your optometrist so they can monitor any signs of cataracts and ensure a referral is made when treatment is required.  

‘Deteriorating sight can be frightening and isolating and can stop you living your life the way you’d like to. We understand cataract surgery can be a daunting process, but we will always offer lots of support and reassurance throughout your full journey. It’s wonderful to hear that June has been able to return to doing the things she loves following surgery and finally feels her life is no longer on hold. 

‘As in June’s case, if a NHS patient has trouble getting to their appointment or surgery, we can offer free transport. We’re very proud to be able to offer this service to patients who need it to help ensure they can get the treatment they need.’ 

For further information about Newmedica Manchester West, visit www.newmedica.co.uk/clinics/manchesterwest.