Local South London resident James Walton realised when he woke up on Sunday 28th February that he had a serious problem with his left eye, brought on by sneezing.

In February 2020, Mr Walton had undergone cataract surgery which had been successful at the time. However a year later, and with knowledge gleaned from the literature he had been given post the operation, a potential complication following cataract surgery was a possible retinal tear.

Mr Walton, who had attended his regular eye test in January 2021 is a customer of Specsavers Victoria. Realising the store was open on a Sunday, he called them and initially spoke to Tom Harvey, retail director who realised the gravity of the situation, and therefore sought the expert advice of his colleague, optometrist director, Keval Pabari.

When Mr Walton described his symptoms, which were a sudden increase in floaters in his left eye and a shadow that was forming in it, Mr Pabari immediately referred him to the Western Eye Hospital, a specialist eye hospital based near Regents Park. Mr Walton underwent laser treatment the same day and was re-admitted on Monday 1st March, where he received emergency cryotherapy treatment for his eye. This is a procedure that uses cold or freezing therapy to create a scar. The scar tissue then seals the tear which helps the retina to re-attach to the underlying tissues to help keep it in the correct place.

Often, when it comes to surgeries like this, people are highly skeptical. It is probably because they are worried that it will leave long-term damages, or they are concerned about the costs involved. Besides improving eyesight, laser treatment also helps in overcoming presbyopia, a condition that makes sight increasingly difficult as we age. As long as you hire professionals with expertise in this medical procedure and confirm that the price fits your budget (see laser eye surgery melbourne cost as a reference), you are always in good hands. Also, it can be helpful to do some research or obtain excellent recommendations before making a decision.

Mr. Walton who is recovering at home said; ‘I would like to thank Tom and Keval whom I phoned on Sunday 28th February, as I was concerned about my left eye. Their prompt action and advice, even though on a Sunday, resulted in laser treatment the same day and an operation the following day, which undoubtedly saved the sight in that eye.

Continuing he said; ‘I really benefited from Specsavers being open on Sundays.’
Mr Pabari said, ‘Both Tom and I are really pleased that we could help, and that James is recovering well from the treatment. We both look forward to seeing him next time he is in store.’

Under current government guidance, Specsavers stores remain open for all eye and hearing needs during lockdown. In line with NHS recommendations, Specsavers colleagues use personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the stores, wear face masks and other PPE during tests, and all testing equipment and frames are thoroughly sanitised before and after each use.

Appointments need to be made in advance and there are also restrictions on the number of customers allowed in store at any one time, strict social distancing rules and, where possible, card instead of cash payments.