Cataract: What my patients say

‘I cannot find words to describe how this whole operation has been carried out. Perhaps it is PERFECTION PLUS and efficiency. Going back to the very beginning i.e. the way everything was carried out in every way, consultation to operation with such attention to detail. Well done and a big thank you Sir! You are an asset to Ophthalmology.’

‘I was apprehensive about my two cataract operations, however Simon Levy helped to put my mind at rest through a procedure that was handled with the utmost care and caused minimal stress. I can now see perfectly out of both eyes and glasses are a thing of the past. My grateful thanks to Simon and his team at the Wellington Hospital.’

‘Those who do their research properly, find the right man – we did.

Mr Simon Levy has carried out 6 cataract operations on two close relatives and now on my own eyes.

The results are truly amazing I can both read and drive unaided. I was fully informed and reassured throughout. From the initial visit, through the procedure and subsequent follow ups Mr Levy has earned my greatest respect and gratitude. He has golden hands and to top it all he is a real gentleman.’

‘I am a 51 year old surveyor and keen golfer living in the Watford area who to be honest had noticed that my eyesight had been deteriorating over the past few years but for various reasons had decided not to do anything about it and assumed it was all part of getting older !. This deterioration was particularly noticeable when working at the computer, reading maps, telephone directories etc and menu’s which was especially infuriating for my wife especially when light levels were less than perfect. Eventually I got around to having my eyes tested at my regular optician only to be diagnosed as having cataracts in both eyes with my left eye being most affected. I was surprised to receive this diagnosis as I thought cataract was a condition I might have in my 70’s or older as my mother had both eyes operated on for this condition in her late 70’s.

With the diagnosis made I took advice and researched the web following which at least I knew that cataract surgery was a fairly routine operation. I decided to have my left eye operated on as soon as possible assuming that my right eye was my “good” eye and that this one could would be fine until some time in the future.

My wife, a G.P. had attended a talk given by Simon Levy and was sufficiently impressed such that I was referred to him by my GP and arrangements were made for an initial evening consultation at the Spire Bushey Hospital. At that consultation I had a really thorough examination of both eyes by Simon’s colleague Tony [the technology was state of the art] which confirmed I had a fairly advanced ‘young person’s’ cataract in my left eye and a less severe one in my right.

My wife and I then had plenty of time to discuss with Simon the options available to me including the types of replacement lens, types of anaesthetic, the operating procedure and how long the operation might last etc etc .By then I had no hesitation in confirming to Simon that I would like him to do the operation and it was scheduled for three weeks hence at the Spire Bushey Hospital.

On the day of the operation I arrived at the hospital as requested at 9.00 and following a brief chat with the consultant anaesthetist and a course of four sets of eye drops I was ready to be taken to the operating theatre. While waiting to go in Simon came and spent a few minutes talking to me explaining what to expect and asking whether I had any questions or concerns which I personally found reassuring.

The operation as advised previously was completely painless and took no longer than about 15 minutes which is what I had been told to expect. Simon gave a commentary throughout, which I found helpful and reassuring, of how the operation was progressing.. Afterwards I spent about 20-30 minutes in post op before being seen again by Simon to check all was well before being discharged and I was home by 12.30 and able to play golf the following day.

Within days of the operation I noticed a huge improvement in vision in my left eye and became aware that colours were now brighter and sharper with images less blurred than before ….it was as if I had suddenly subscribed to and was watching high definition television ….at least through my left eye. Four days after the operation I had a further short consultation with Simon and some tests carried out that confirmed that the operation had been completely successful, something which I had already realised.

I was so pleased with the results of the operation on my left eye that it was obvious that what I had previously thought of as my good eye i.e. my right was in fact not as good in comparison to my “new” left eye and I therefore I had no hesitation in making arrangements for Simon to operate on my right eye. This he did some two months later with equal success and the operation was as painless as before and Simon was as professional, caring and reassuring and understanding throughout the whole procedure.’

‘Having suffered deteriorating eyesight for a number of years, I went to see Simon Levy. After a most extensive testing, Simon told me that I needed to have cataracts removed in both eyes. Two dates were agreed in December and with a high degree of trepidation I headed to the Wellington Hospital.

The care I received there was excellent and after 30 minutes in the theatre, my left eye was fitted with a new long distance lens. Seven days later the procedure was repeated in the right eye. A month later Simon again examined my eyes and gave me the all clear. I now enjoy 20/20 vision and the only aid I now need is prescription spectacles for reading.

I can honestly state that the anticipation was far worse than the event and I am delighted with the result of the procedure.

Sidney – a very satisfied patient.’

‘After having my eyesight monitored for a number of years by my Optician, I was eventually advised that the cataracts developing had reached the stage where they needed remedial action.

Accepting this verdict; I consider myself very fortunate to have been recommended to seek treatment from Simon Levy; immediately at my first consultation I was given the fullest confidence from the information he gave me together with a copy of his publication “Understanding Cataracts”, that he completely understood the treatment I required and that he would be able to carry this out on both eyes in one operation.

I am now pleased to confirm that he made the necessary arrangements without delay and the procedure was carried out with the minimum discomfort and pain one could anticipate for such a delicate manoeuvre.

I am extremely grateful for his attention and for the successful outcome of restoring my vision.’

‘Cataract surgery was not something I was familiar with and it rather crept up on me, indeed I was horrified to discover that I was only just legal to drive.

The consultations were helpful and reassuring, as were the booklets you gave me.

Like, I think, many other people, I have always had a horror of having my eyes messed about with so quite where I found the resolution to go ahead for the surgery with just a local anaesthetic I have no idea. But it wasn’t anything like as bad as I imagined it would be and the running commentary you gave was both helpful and reassuring. I was also very reassured to have my hand held all through the procedure by one of the nurses. I don’t know whether this is common practice or just something you have developed. Either way I found it very helpful.

The post-operative check ups were also very good and thorough and the additional treatment I required because of the problem surface of my eye was rapidly sorted out and it worked.

The only thing I would add is that it would be great if someone could develop a way of doing away with the 4 weeks of eyedrops, which gets a bit irksome in the end.

Thanks for your good care.’

‘I write to thank for your expertise and kind attention before, during, and after my two cataract operations. The results have been better than I would have expected.’

‘Your professional work in carrying out the surgery on my two cataracts has proved very successful. In fact my optician and others have said it has proved fantastic.

I have been able to discard my bi-focal spectacles and see so much better now – only depending on spectacles for reading.

Thank you so much for your excellent service.’

‘My cataract procedures

I had an appointment with Simon Levy on 6th September 2009 after my optician had discovered that I had a cataract in my right eye. The sight in that eye had become quite poor and I had difficulty in reading road signs.

After an examination Simon confirmed that there was a cataract in that eye and also a lesser one in the left eye. He explained to me what would happen in a cataract procedure and the risks that were involved. I agreed that both eyes should be done. He said that as I had been wearing multi-focal contact lenses I would be suitable for a multi-focal implant. He explained that this implant would be much more expensive and I said that I was happy to go along with this implant.

I was then taken to the next room by the optometrist and my eyes were measured with the use of some impressive machinery so that the implants could be made. I then made an appointment for the procedure to be done on the 16th and the other eye two weeks later. Simon said that his secretary, Vanessa , would be in touch.

On the 7th Vanessa phoned to say that there had been a cancellation on the 9th at The Wellington and would I like to take that appointment. I jumped at the chance to have it done quickly as my wife and I were going on holiday in early October. I will always remember the date, it was 09/09/09. She made sure that the implant would be ready at such short notice and on the 9th my wife accompanied me to the Wellington.

We were taken to a waiting room which had about eight reclining armchairs each in a bay with curtains which could be drawn if necessary. A nurse administered drops while I waited and then Simon came and explained what would happen. That’s when I had this feeling of trepidation. What if something went wrong and I couldn’t see? I didn’t have much time to worry as I was soon taken to the room where it was all going to happen. I was surprised that I wasn’t required to change into a gown. It was all quite casual and reassuring.

I lay on a bed and Simon once again told me what would happen. I had been given very strong anaesthetic drops and felt nothing in my eye. The procedure took about 15 minutes and Simon talked me through it. There was music playing and I found the whole thing very restful. In fact Simon said that I had kept incredibly still. I was however very pleased when it was over and was told that it had been successful.

I was returned to the waiting room now with a dressing on my eye covered with a plastic eye shield. Simon came to see me and explained that I could remove the dressing when I arrived home and that I must use the drops provided religiously and wear the shield at night to stop me rubbing my eye. This I did. When I was home I removed the dressing and to my relief I could see. My sight was blurred as I was told it would be. The next morning I visited Simon who checked my eye and told me that all had gone according to plan.

The blurring had now all but gone and I could see very well. I was surprised at the colours which were so vivid. One does not realise how ones eyes can deteriorate. I had no pain or even discomfort during or after the procedure. Now I couldn’t wait for the second eye to be done.

Two weeks later I had the second eye done and this time I was not at all worried. The second was just as good as the first and now I have virtually perfect vision, better than I had forty years ago. I no longer need to wear spectacles. I can see to read even the smallest of print and my distance vision is excellent.

I hope, Simon, that you don’t mind me calling you by your first name. I feel I can’t be formal with someone who has given me back my sight.’

‘I have just recently had cataract surgery with Simon Levy and from starting as a ‘nervous’ patient I became a very satisfied patient due to Simon’s skill and care.

Simon throughout the process of removing the cataracts and replacing them with plastic lenses in both of my eyes was friendly, reassuring and an excellent surgeon.

The result of my cataract surgery has transformed my sight, the colours are back and the light floods in. I can thoroughly recommend Simon Levy.’

‘I have recently had cataract surgery on both eyes very successfully.

Initially I was a very nervous patient and most concerned that My Levy recommended that the operations be carried out under local anaesthetic.

Right from the first consultation he put me at ease and persuaded me that because of his vast experience in the cataract operation I should have no fears and to put my trust in him.

I’m glad I did. The first operation went extremely successfully and I had no qualms about having the second operation 1 month later.

I have no hesitation in recommending any future patient to undergo the operation under local anaesthetic and to have faith in Mr Levy’s judgement.’

‘Thank you for a successful operation.’

‘Good morning,

Just to let you know that my mother is thrilled to bits with the fact that she can see again. Your procedure seems to have been 100% successful.

Thank you.’

‘I was extremely concerned when the sight in one of my eyes began to deteriorate quite suddenly.

In my first consultation with My Levy, I was definitively diagnosed and the next steps of my treatment were clearly explained to me.

Since then, I have undergone two successful operations under the care of Mr Levy and continue to receive excellent treatment on every visit.’

I just wanted to say thank you for the kind attention that you showed me.

I am amazed and delighted how well I can see.

The whole experience was very good so I just wanted to say thank you.

‘Simon good evening I would like you to know there is already an amazing difference between the two eyes My left eye, the one you operated on, the vision is much sharper and the colours are far more vibrant.

Thank you I am looking forward to getting the right eye sorted with kind regards.’

‘From the very first consultation I had with Mr Levy I felt at ease and very confident that I was in good hands.

As a very nervous person anyway the thought of having surgery on both my eyes was very very scary and worrying. Those feelings were soon put to rest. Both operations were carried out in a relaxed and highly professional manner. I did not feel any discomfort at all through both procedures.

I found both Mr Levy and his team to be highly professional and caring people and definitely made both my operations as pleasant and comfortable as possible.’

‘I took the opportunity and opted for replacement multifocal lenses, this helped me to manage my day to day life without using glasses, perfect !!

From the start I had professional guidance and care from Simon Levy who explained everything to me, and reassured and advised me about the procedure.

Simon is caring and understanding, his pre and post operation care was outstanding.’

‘My initial visit went smoothly, the operation and care & attention at the hospital was excellent, the after care and follow up appointments were good.

The result of the operation was successful and I now have great vision.’