Celebrations as clinic’s landmark patient has surgery to save sight

Surprise celebrations greeted Eileen McLeod when she attended a Gloucestershire eye clinic to have sight-saving surgery – and became its 40,000^th patient. 

The 78-year-old was undergoing her second operation at Newmedica Gloucestershire to remove cataracts, having had the first eye operated on a few weeks earlier.  

She was unaware that she was the clinic’s milestone patient until she entered the building and was met with chocolates and flowers. 

Eileen said: “I went in and I was shocked, and then they gave me chocolates and flowers and told me I was their 40,000th patient. It was such a nice thought. I was really taken aback.” 

Cataracts are when the lens of a person’s eye develops cloudy patches. While relatively common and easily treatable, they cause blurred vision and eventually blindness if ignored. 

Having had cataracts in both eyes successfully removed at Newmedica in Brighouse Court, Eileen is now enjoying perfect sight. 

The Coleford resident added: “My sight is brilliant now. Everyone was lovely at Newmedica. They are all so efficient. They don’t make you feel like you’re on a conveyer belt. They treat you as an individual, which is what everyone wants.  

“Things were quite blurred before. They’re in focus now, rather than it seeming like I’m looking through fog. 

“I like sewing and I read a lot, so my sight is very important to me, which is why I had the surgeries. It’s made a huge difference.” 

Eileen said she was speaking about her experience in the hope of reassuring anyone who was letting fear prevent them from having the surgery. 

She said: “I’m not squeamish about eyes. I know some people are, but I don’t worry about those things. I would certainly urge people to have the surgery if they need it.  

“There really is no reason to be concerned. It’s quick and painless and can make such a difference to your life.” 

Newmedica Gloucestershire is owned and led by consultant ophthalmologists Mr Nigel Kirkpatrick, Mr Adam Ross, Mr Fadi Alkherdahji and Mr Antonis Kaintatzis, with operations director Jug Singh. 

Jug said: “It’s a real privilege to care for patients like Eileen and to reach the milestone of 40,000 patients treated. Behind that number are 40,000 lives changed – parents, grandparents and other individuals given the opportunity to enjoy their vision again. 

“At Newmedica, we have a clear mission to change lives through better sight and eye health, and moments like this really bring that to life. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to our referring community for their continued support and for placing their trust in us to care for their patients.” 

Newmedica Gloucestershire covers areas such as Cheltenham, Stroud, Tewkesbury and The Cotswolds, providing care for NHS and private patients, while also assisting the NHS in reducing its waiting lists. 

Further information about the Gloucestershire clinic is available at www.newmedica.co.uk/clinics/gloucester-brighouse