‘I realised how much I’d been missing’: Retired nurse praises cataract surgery outcome

A retired nurse from the outskirts of Skipton says cataract surgery has transformed her quality of life after treatment restored her vision and renewed her confidence to drive, work and spend time with her grandchildren. 

Caroline Zeyrek (71) is a retired neurology nurse who still works part-time supporting the NHS through the nurse bank covering holidays, sick leave and busy periods. 

During a routine eye examination, Caroline discovered cataracts were developing in both eyes. As her prescription changed more frequently and night driving became increasingly difficult, she explored her treatment options before choosing private cataract surgery. She felt this would allow her to select lenses suited to her lifestyle and complete treatment for both eyes within a shorter timeframe as current NHS stipulations mean patients wait 16 weeks until their first appointment and 16 weeks in between eye surgeries. 

Caroline says: ‘I wanted to try to ensure that I could achieve the best outcome possible as eyesight is so important and has a huge impact on quality of life, without it, you can’t live life as fully.  

‘I worked as a nurse for 40 years and felt lucky to be in a position to be able to choose private treatment. I felt it was worth investing in my sight. I think the long wait for NHS treatment is unacceptable, especially for those who are really struggling with their sight. 

‘Before committing, I researched all the options open to me and looked at the experience and qualifications of many consultants in the area, plus testimonials from their patients. Newmedica Bradford and Huddersfield stood out as the best option and in particular, its consultant Mr Aidan Benson. 

‘Mr Benson was fantastic right from my first appointment. I had gone into the appointment thinking I knew what lenses I might want but he gave very detailed explanations and helped to advise on what he felt would be right for me. 

‘The service I received was outstanding. I trusted Mr Benson and felt very confident in his assessment. I also had a dedicated private treatment coordinator who was amazing and during both procedures, a member of staff stayed with me for the full journey. 

‘I was made to feel like an individual and staff took the time to speak with me and ensure I felt comfortable which made the entire process from my first consultation to aftercare so smooth. While in the waiting area, I also watched how staff interacted with other patients and every one was treated so well, with dignity and respect. 

‘Newmedica organised free transport for me to the clinic and I was assured that if I ever had any problems, I could get in touch day or night. 

‘The results exceeded my expectations. I now have 20/20 vision and no longer need to wear contact lenses. Even after only having my first eye treated I could see such a difference. 

‘It was truly life-changing and it was only after the surgery I realised just how bad my vision had got and what I’d been missing out on. I can see for miles now, and the difference it has made to my ability to drive at night has been huge. 

‘I couldn’t recommend Newmedica enough, in fact I did recommend them to a friend who was scared to go ahead with surgery and who has now also had treatment with the clinic.’ 

The surgery has had a positive impact on Caroline’s family life. She has a son and two grandsons aged 14 and nine. 

Caroline continues: ‘With your eyesight, it’s the little things you take for granted until you’re not able to do them any longer. It means so much to be able to do intricate jobs in the garden with my grandsons, be able to confidently take them places or read with them. I was even able to take my son to the airport in the middle of the night a couple of months ago. It means so much to be able to be there for them.’ 

Newmedica Bradford and Huddersfield is based at Woodland Park, Cleckheaton and offers a variety of both private and NHS-funded eye treatment for cataracts, glaucoma and oculoplastic surgery.  

Mr Aidan Benson, Consultant Ophthalmologist and clinical partner, who conducted Caroline’s surgery said: ‘It has been wonderful to see the positive impact treatment has had on Caroline's daily life. Cataract surgery can make a significant difference for people whose vision has been affected, and we were pleased to work with her to select the lens option that best suited her needs. 

‘Cataracts are a clouding of the normally clear lens inside the eye, which can lead to blurred or hazy vision. During surgery, we remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one.’ 

For further information about Newmedica Bradford and Huddersfield, visit www.newmedica.co.uk/clinics/bradford-huddersfield/.