Top marks for Coventry hospital staff reunited with former headteacher during ‘incredible’ cataract surgery

“I knew I was in good hands,” says grandfather-of-six, who was head of Templars Primary for 26 years

Many teachers love running into past students and hearing about their achievements as adults. While these chance encounters often occur at the supermarket or while running errands, a retired headteacher from Coventry was pleasantly surprised to be reunited with two former students when he visited SpaMedica for cataract surgery.

Bill Hedges, who was headteacher of Templars Primary School for 26 years, was recognised by Healthcare Technicians Mia Legge and Shannon Loughran, and the three were soon happily reminiscing. “I said to them, they grow and mature and I only get more grey and wrinkly,” laughs Bill.

As his mother had glaucoma, the grandfather of six has religiously scheduled annual eye exams. “My optician told me some time ago that I have cataracts and has been monitoring them during each visit. At my last check-up, he said I could do with having them removed and gave me a referral straight away.”

Bill opted for SpaMedica – the largest NHS cataract surgery provider in the UK – because of its convenient location in Coventry. The 73-year-old says he was preparing himself for a lengthy waiting time.

“People were telling me I had to get my name down for surgery because you have to wait ages, but for me the whole process was very quick and easy. Following my assessment, I was told to book a date for my surgery on the way out and was very surprised when I was offered a slot the very next day.”

He adds: “It was a blessing as there was no time to get anxious about the surgery. I think it’s human nature to be a little concerned about surgery, especially when it’s on your eyes, but there really was nothing to it. It was also comforting to have Mia and Shannon there – I knew I was in good hands.”

Both attended Templars Primary 20 years ago and have subsequently followed different career paths into healthcare. Mia has been working at SpaMedica Coventry since November 2021, while Shannon joined a year later.

Both were in theatre for Bill’s surgeries. “They were chatting away to me, so the surgeon who performed my second surgery asked if we knew each other. I said yes, but I only take responsibility for the good bits,” he laughs.

One of Mia’s fondest memories of her former headteacher is how appreciative he was when the entire school sang the soundtrack to The Lion King, his favourite film, when he retired.

“We got to see Mr Hedges during his pre-assessment and when he had both his surgeries. He said that we really put him at ease, and he was reassured that we clearly explained what to expect. We even played The Circle of Life as he walked into theatre,” says Mia.

She adds: “I love helping all of our patients throughout their journey. When it’s someone you know, it can sometimes be awkward because they aren’t used to seeing your professional side, but with Mr Hedges it was a pleasure as I knew he was proud of us.”

Shannon agrees: “It’s always so lovely helping someone I know, and it was really nice catching up with Mr Hedges after all these years. Seeing how thrilled he was with having his sight restored, and how much having our support throughout his cataract surgery meant to him, brought tears to my eyes.”

Bill describes the difference following surgery as ‘incredible’.

He explains: “I guess over time you adjust and assume that what you’re seeing is what something really looks like. For me the most staggering change has been colour. I am still trying to wrap my head around the vividness of the colours around me. It’s been a few months since I’ve had my cataracts removed, but it still strikes me when I see how blue the sky is, or how green the countryside.”

So, did Mia and Shannon ever end up in the headteacher’s office? They recall being sent to Bill after they were caught throwing wet paper towels at the bathroom ceiling. “One of our teachers found us because they heard us laughing from outside. Mr Hedges was so lovely – although he didn’t shout or anything, he did make us feel bad for the person who had to clean our mess,” says Mia.