“Cataract surgery helped me regain confidence at work,” says Barnet pharmacy technician

Five-star care at Watford eye hospital for 61-year old whose deteriorating vision put job in jeopardy

A 61-year-old pharmacy technician has told how cataract surgery restored her confidence in her job. Cataracts often hinder people’s ability to carry out daily activities, such as driving, performing household chores and participating in hobbies and sport. For Rita Shah, who lives and works in Barnet, it became evident that she needed treatment when her symptoms started affecting her ability to perform her professional duties.

“As a pharmacy technician, it is essential to be able to read quickly and process information rapidly. Accuracy when it comes to labelling and dispensing is also vital. As my vision deteriorated, I was constantly putting on and taking off my reading glasses, which was cumbersome,” explains the 61-year-old.

She also started having difficulty driving home from work in the dark, and once her vision became so bad that she struggled to read prescriptions and work on the computer – all of which negatively impacted her confidence on the job – she knew it was time to seek treatment. Realising the difference it would make to her personally and professionally, Rita’s family was very supportive of her having cataract surgery.

In England, NHS patients can choose which provider they have cataract surgery with. As her husband had a good experience at SpaMedica, Rita didn’t hesitate to choose to have her procedure at its Watford hospital.

Although she was offered an appointment almost immediately following her assessment, Rita, who has spent her entire career in the healthcare sector and who has been at the same pharmacy for the past two decades, had to take her work commitments into consideration. Once she had arranged everything with her manager, she called the hospital and secured an appointment with ease.

Based on her husband’s experience and having read SpaMedica’s information booklet about the procedure, which she describes as “good, clear and informative”, Rita was well prepared for her first surgery. She also chatted to other patients in the waiting area, some of whom were there for their second procedures, who further assured her that she was in excellent hands.

“I had a five-star experience from start to finish,” she says. “Everyone I dealt with, from my initial assessment to leaving the hospital following the surgery, was wonderful. The team was very good at explaining everything and were supportive throughout. The procedure itself went smoothly, with the surgeon reassuring me every step of the way, and it was over in no time.”

Following surgery, Rita says the aftercare process was explained carefully and clearly, and she was given everything she needed to help her eye heal. “I followed the directions and didn’t experience any negative effects once I went home. I removed the eye patch the day after my surgery and couldn’t believe how my vision had improved – it was like seeing a different world!”

Having had successful cataract surgery on her left eye, and with her second procedure already scheduled, Rita wants to encourage people with cataracts not to delay treatment. “Don’t be scared to have the surgery. The surgeons are excellent, everything is explained in detail, and it will be done before you know it!”

She adds: “Thanks to the wonderful and supportive team at SpaMedica Watford, my vision has been restored and I have regained my confidence at work.”

Nicole Howard, Hospital Manager at SpaMedica Watford, which has been graded as ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), says: “It’s great to hear our patients share their positive experiences of cataract surgery, because there are often misconceptions around what it involves.

“As Rita describes, it is a quick, straightforward procedure that offers a renewed sense of freedom, confidence and independence and vastly improves patients’ quality of life.

“It’s rare for someone of Rita’s age to need cataract surgery – many patients are aged 75-plus. Seeking treatment is vital for patients who are working and need their sight in good shape in order to continue in their professional role.”

Cataracts Symptoms

Patients may experience one or more of the following symptoms if they have cataracts:

• Blurred vision
• Difficulty driving at night
• Difficulty watching television and reading
• Being dazzled by sunlight and/or bright lights such as the headlights of an oncoming car
• Fading of colours
• Frequent changes to their spectacle or contact lens prescription

Patients who notice any changes to their vision should book an appointment with their optician, who will perform a thorough eye check and refer them for treatment if needed. In England, patients can choose which NHS provider they have cataract surgery with.