A BROMSGROVE woman has spoken of the joyful moment she regained her eyesight after years of struggling with her vision.
Louise Hatch, aged 40, described the experience as feeling like “Christmas morning” and recalled telling staff at The Droitwich Spa Hospital where she was treated: “I can see again!”
The foster parent had been living with sight problems for many years but said it became a major concern when her right eye turned cloudy and she lost all vision in it.
“Day-to-day things were ok,” Louise said. “But driving, turning corners, or parking became really challenging. The sight in my right eye became so bad that I lost all vision in it.”
Louise was diagnosed with cataracts – a condition that causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to blurred or distorted vision.
She was told she needed surgery on both eyes and was referred to Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Yajati Ghosh at The Droitwich Spa Hospital.
“He was so honest and clear with me,” said Louise. “Because my cataract was very cloudy, Mr Ghosh couldn’t see the back of my eye, so he quickly referred me for extra tests and got everything moving.”
Following the tests, Louise underwent cataract surgery. The outcome, she said, exceeded expectations.
As well as restoring her vision, the squint caused by the cataract also improved. Louise said the operation had made a huge difference to her everyday life.
“When the bandage came off, it was amazing. Sight is a precious thing and being able to see again has meant I can drive and experience life without fear,” she said.
Speaking about her time at the hospital, she said everyone was lovely, from the nurses to the reception staff.
She added: “I can’t thank or recommend Mr Ghosh enough. Regaining my sight has given me a new lease of life.
“I would encourage anyone worried about their sight or cataracts to go and get their sight checked regularly. Having mine done has changed my life.”
