Retired research assistant can see family photos again following cataract surgery

A Manchester woman is in awe of her improved sight following private cataract surgery, enabling her to be able to admire the photos of her children on her walls for the first time without glasses, and watch her favourite football team’s matches on TV. 

Maralyn Woodford (75) has faced several medical challenges since her retirement but her failing eyesight has now been restored thanks to the team at Newmedica Manchester. 

Maralyn worked in hospital labs as a clinical scientist before becoming a research assistant and having work published in the British Medical Journal. She worked with clinicians across the UK and contributed to vital work on trauma outcomes.  

At the point Maralyn was considering retirement, she suffered a brain aneurysm which resulted in a fractured hip. She now lives in an assisted living facility in Manchester and has been undergoing physiotherapy to help improve her mobility.  

Last year she noticed a deterioration in her eyesight and was continually cleaning her glasses, which she has worn since the age of ten after being diagnosed with astigmatism, as she thought they were foggy. Maralyn was advised during an eye examination that the foggy vision was actually due to cataracts forming in her left eye and she would require surgery. 

Maralyn said: ‘After initially being diagnosed, I didn’t have a great experience with healthcare providers who said they weren’t able to take the eye measurements required to progress surgery, as a recent hip replacement meant that it was difficult for me to sit and be able to put my chin on the rest on the diagnostic machines. 

‘I found Newmedica online and decided to try contacting them for private cataract surgery before I gave up hope of correcting my vision. As soon as I stepped through the door, I knew the experience would be different. The staff were so welcoming, and despite still being unable to reach the chin rest, the team made adjustments so they could take the measurements. 

‘Going private meant I had increased flexibility over which lens I chose and after discussing the options with my consultant, I decided to go for a toric lens which can help to reduce astigmatism. 

‘Following the initial consultation, I only had a three-week wait for surgery and Newmedica even organised for a taxi to pick me up. 

‘During the procedure, the team explained everything that was going to happen, which put me at ease, and they ensured the operating chair was adjusted so I was comfortable. Everyone was very professional and kind. By the point of the surgery, they all knew my name and it was nice to feel that they cared and took the time to notice patients. 

‘When I returned home and began to recover, I was able to see the photos I have of my two children on the wall without glasses, which is something I’ve never been able to do. 

‘I was so happy with the outcome that during my discharge appointment, I decided to go ahead and have surgery on my right eye too. I had bonded with the consultant over our shared passion for Manchester United and told him I had been unable to see their matches very clearly on TV, to which he told me that we needed to sort that out. 

‘Now I have fantastic vision in both my eyes and will likely only require glasses for reading. The outcome has been so much more than I expected. I hoped Newmedica could help with my cataracts, but I never expected they’d be able to greatly reduce the astigmatism I’ve had since I was ten years old. 

‘It’s been worth every penny. The only downside is that I still keep looking for my glasses after wearing them for so many years. 

‘My profession meant that I sometimes saw the negative aspects of healthcare and I didn’t have a great experience exploring cataract surgery before I came across Newmedica, but its team are a shining light and evidence of what a difference good care can make. They didn’t dismiss me and made adjustments to ensure they could help me.’ 

Newmedica Manchester is based at Blackmore Road and offers a variety of both private and NHS-funded eye treatment for cataracts, glaucoma and oculoplastic surgery.  

Mr George Moussa, Consultant Ophthalmologist and clinical partner, who conducted Maralyn’s surgery said: ‘We never want to turn away patients who need our help so we will always take individual circumstances into consideration and make adjustments where we can.  

‘I’m delighted with the outcome of Maralyn’s surgeries. Private treatment was an excellent option for her as we were able to discuss the benefits of different lenses and in Maralyn’s case, she chose toric lenses. I removed her cloudy lenses and replaced them with the toric lenses which not only removed her cataracts but reduced the astigmatism.’ 

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