Joan's story

Joan Knowles, 95, was troubled for weeks by a lump on her eyelid and she eventually went to see her optician. When the optician saw the growth, he urged Joan to have it removed and tested to discover what it was.

Joan was referred to the Newmedica Manchester eye clinic, where she underwent a quick and painless oculoplastic operation to remove the lump on her eyelid. It was then sent away to be tested – and it was found to be non-cancerous.

“I wasn’t nervous before the surgery. I know some people are frightened to death of having operations, but I’m not like that.

“If anyone’s thinking of having this surgery, I’d tell them to go and have it done straightaway. Have it done and get better, because it can be dangerous to put these things off.

Joan, who describes herself as “determined and independent”, is now urging others not to put off having such growths examined, because the sooner potentially dangerous conditions are discovered, the better the outcomes.

“I can’t fault the service I received at Newmedica. It was amazing. They sent a taxi to pick me up, everyone was so helpful at the clinic, the surgery was so quick and efficient, and then they paid for me to have a taxi home again.

“I have scoliosis, which is where the spine twists, so I can’t walk far. I depend on taxis and friends to give me a lift, which is why I was so grateful to the clinic for providing the taxis for me. That really was going above and beyond.

“Mr James Young, who performed my surgery, was wonderful. He couldn’t have been kinder. I felt like I’d received very special treatment.”

Newmedica Manchester West is owned and run by consultant ophthalmologists: James Young, Mr Raj Bhayani, Mr George Moussa, Mr Vinod Sharma and Mr Bhamy Shenoy, alongside operational director Jesse James.

Further information about the centre is available at https://www.newmedica.co.uk/clinics/manchesterwest/ or by calling 0161 507 1957.

Getting referred to Newmedica

If you think you have an eye condition, you should see your optician or GP for a detailed assessment. They’ll go through all the options available and tell you where you can have your treatment.

The referral process will differ slightly depending on whether you want to be an NHS or private patient. You’ll find all the information you need on our NHS and private patient pages.

Are you a health care professional?
Find out how to refer a patient.