"Outcome has been exemplary"

I am writing to convey my appreciation and gratitude to the Ophthalmic Surgical Unit, South Tyrone Hospital and the Glaucoma Clinic, Ballymena Health Centre, following my Cataract surgery in both eyes in November 2024 and February 2025.

I was referred to the Cataract Clinic in South Tyrone hospital, Dungannon by my glaucoma consultant, Professor Willoughby. My case was complex, with high myopia (-23 right eye and -24 left eye) and glaucoma. Due to the complexity of my eye prescription the outcome of the surgery as  was unknown. My consultant explained  that calculations for the replacement lens did not extend as far as my prescription so the outcome regarding sight was unknown. Nevertheless, he used his expertise to choose a brand of lens that would provide the best outcome. He also manually did the calculations to work out which strength of a lens I required. 

I had my surgeries in November 2024 and end of February 2025. My cataracts have removed from both eyes and I can see distance without glasses or contact lenses, I am absolutely delighted with the outcome  I have had my sight restored not only from the impact of the cataracts  but I no longer have high myopia. 

I want to extend my thanks to NHS for my surgeries. The staff in the Ophthalmic Surgical Unit, South Tyrone Hospital for completing my surgeries and the staff in the Glaucoma Clinic, Ballymena who have been heavily involved in my aftercare due to my complex eyes!

I would like to particularly extend my thanks to my two very talented consultants : Firstly to Professor Willoughby for being so pro active with my glaucoma care and my subsequent cataract diagnosis. His preparatory work in calculating which lens would provide me with the best outcome has been exemplary. I am in no doubt that his expertise is the reason my vision is as good today. 

Secondly, to Dr Armstrong, who completed both my surgeries and aftercare: I am indebted to his surgical skill and steady hand. I am very grateful also for the meticulous aftercare which he showed me and how he responded to and adapted my care plan in response to my glaucoma challenges. 

It is thanks to the professionalism of Professor Willoughby and Dr Armstrong that I am not only cataract free but for the first time in 50 years I can actually see without glasses or contact lenses. It really has been life changing and I am so indebted to both these gentlemen  for such a tremendous outcome. The NHS are very lucky to have secured their employment!

Please acknowledge the good practice of the Ophthalmic Teams in South Tyrone Hospital and Ballymena Health Centre, but particularly the exemplary work of Professor Willoughby and Dr Armstrong to whom I am indebted for the restoration of my sight.