"Helped me both physically and mentally"

I would just like to give my personal thanks to Mr.Falzon and all the team in Ophthalmology at York hospital.

Since being a little girl I have had invasive surgery on my Left eye to correct squints, to me coming to have my eyes examined brings back a horrible sensation of being so scared and in pain. So when I had bilateral Cataract surgery I was terrified. The surgery that was performed was was successful, but sadly left me with a terrible left eye looking out to the left, this was causing headache. My using the computer, smart phone was such hard work I would be constantly rubbing my eye. As for work I was no longer confident with meetings, I would not have good patient eye contact, My confidence had become very low, this in turn effected my mental health and wellbeing , I became depressed anxious and I was becoming more and more a wear that my eye was moving over to the left. The headaches were so much that at one stage I firmly believed that there was something more wrong.

Then I was referred to the Ophthalmology department and under the care of Mr. Falzon. From my first exam in the unit till meeting him was lovely, the staff knew how anxious I was and took their time to explain each step, In then met the surgeon and he could not of being any nicer, he took the time to explain why my eye was to the left, he reassured me that I did have options to treat the condition and also this would causing the pain. Headaches , the feeling of stress I was experiencing , He was very clear on a plan of care and my expectations , he also took the time to listen to my fears and worries about having my eye operated on again and allowed me the opportunity to consider the treatment. Once I had agreed he clarified he would be performing the operation and I would be looked after.

The operation was done 6 months later and again on arrival at York the feelings of worry were making me very anxious. I was greeted by lovely staff and made comfortable, then Mr. Falzon and the anesthetist came and explained what would happen over the next few hours.

The theatre team were kind and before I knew it I was sleeping. Then in recovery the team again were super lots of reassurance and kindness.

Mr.Falzon came to see me and check if he needed to adjust the stitches , again he was so very kind allowing me time to prepare for the exam ,He did not have to adjust the stitching at all it was perfect!!

I remember very clearly looking into the mirror and expecting my left eye to be in the corner but no it was looking straight ahead without the need for me to use my muscles strained to bring it across which I had been doing for a long time. I could not stop smiling and saying Thank you.

I was discharged home and for weeks I would just glimpse in the mirror , The headaches stopped after a few weeks, my rubbing of the eye had stopped the pressure behind my eye has gone and my confidence came back .

I can not express just how much this operation has helped me both physically and mentally, I really do hope you know just how important this service is.

Also everyone within the department is excellent ,kind, and supportive.

Please pass this email onto the trust lead and to whom ever can continue to support your valuable work.

Thank you again.