Patients receive vital cataract surgery at Downe Hospital

Patients receive vital cataract surgery at Downe Hospital

17 July 2024

LIFE changing cataract surgery at the Downe Hospital is treating several thousand patients a year.

New figures published by the South Eastern Trust reveal that the number of surgeries at the regional centre is soaring with around 3,500 procedures last year.

Health chiefs say the milestone highlights the Downpatrick hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional eye care services and improving the quality of life for thousands of patients.

The Downe is one of three regional centres across Northern Ireland carrying out cataract surgery along with South Tyrone and Mid-Ulster hospitals. 

Prior to the Downe being identified as a regional cataract centre in 2018, three sessions per week were carried out, compared to ten sessions per week now at what is an established regional service. 

Many patients travel from across Northern Ireland to access the service in Downpatrick. 

Cataract patient, Patricia McAuley — who travelled from Ballyclare for her life-changing procedure — praised the service and the staff in the Downe.

She said her experience from the moment she went through the door of the hospital was “amazing and she could not have been treated any better”.

“Miss Earley carried out the procedure and it was first class,” Patricia continued.

“For anybody suffering from cataracts who may be hesitant about surgery, I would definitely recommend it.”

Patricia added: “I am a badminton player, so to be able to have my vision restored is a great bonus for me.  My opponents can no longer take advantage of my diminished vision by playing the shuttlecock across my bad eye.”

Paul Reilly, manager of the Downpatrick hospital’s day procedure unit, said the local health trust has always had a relationship with ophthalmology. 

And he explained the cataract service has grown substantially since the Downe became a regional centre.  

“When the regional centres were being set up, a scoping exercise with the public was undertaken to find out how far patients would be prepared to travel,” Paul revealed.

“As a result of the scoping exercise, three cataract centres were established across Northern Ireland. The position of the Downe has a huge catchment area and feedback from patients who have travelled a significant distance for their procedure, is that they are so glad to have their surgery carried out here.”

Consultant ophthalmologist, Miss Olivia Earley, described the delivery of the regional service in Downpatrick as “vital” and described it as wonderful and that she is extremely proud of the team.  “Blindness is a major challenge for older people, particularly as they age,” she said.

“Not only do they lose out on everyday activities such as driving, reading, television and hobbies, having poor vision puts them at higher risk of personal injury as a result of falls and accidents which can threaten lives and also independence.”

Miss Early said too often patients have to go into care homes as a result of falls and fractures. “Cataract surgery transforms patients’ lives. It allows them to return to carrying out the activities they love and reduces risk of injury through falls. 

“The cataract service at the Downe continues to attract skilled surgeons who, along with a fabulous nursing team, contribute to first-class care,” she added.

Cataracts, a common condition causing clouding of the lens in the eye, can lead to significant vision impairment, with the Downe’s state-of-the-art facilities and skilled ophthalmologists ensuring patients receive effective treatment to restore their vision.

Cataract treatment includes pre-operative consultations, advanced surgical techniques and post-operative care. 

The cataract team supports patients through their treatment journey ensuring they understand their treatment options and feel confident in their treatment plan.

Health chiefs say the excellent service delivered in the Downe is as a result of the joint team effort from health care assistants, anaesthetists, admin and patient experience as well as the surgeons and nursing staff.

As the demand for cataract surgery continues to rise, the Downe Hospital remains committed to providing specialist services and incorporating the advancements in ophthalmic care.