Another hospital added to the list

Back-blipped on 5th February 2020.

Way back at the beginning of 2018 I'd been told after an eye test that I should see a consultant about a possible problem with my optic nerve. Confusion ruled for a long time, I was seen by an ophthalmologist in November 2018 and diagnosed with glaucoma and cataracts. I was put on glaucoma treatment immediately, but it wasn't until June 2019 that I got an appointment with a consultant in the Mater hospital, when it was confirmed that I would need cataract surgery and was out on the waiting list. That consultant contacted me later and suggested that I switch to the list in the Eye and Ear hospital instead, since I'd probably get seen to sooner there. Sure enough, I went to the Eye and Ear today for a pre-op assessment. This was my first experience of this hospital. Going here expanded the list of hospitals I've attended for one thing and another over the past ten years (previously I've been in Beaumont, the Mater, Vincent's, Cappagh, Blanchardstown and St Joseph's in Raheny).

There was a momentary glitch when an anaesthetist was called in to decide if I'd need to wait to have the first cataract seen to because of my aneurysm surgery in October. I was told that standard procedure was to wait for six months after such surgery, but they contacted my GP and discussed my discharge letters from the Mater and Beaumont. I was relieved when they decided there was no need to wait.

I duly received an appointment letter and had the first cataract removed on 2nd January. The result has been dramatic. I'd heard from various people how amazing the difference is, but nothing prepared me for just how great it is. I went for a follow-up appointment on 24th January and go back on 27th February to have the second eye done. It may sound weird, but I'm really looking forward to that.