Latest news with #MoorfieldsEyeHospital
Telegraph
26-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Having cataracts was like being in thick London fog but now I have near-perfect vision
Today I sat outside in the bright glaring sun, reading the papers. Sunglasses on, but without reading glasses perched precariously over the top. If you're under 50, this might not seem like a great achievement, but as someone who has spent the last 10 years looking for their glasses, it is, if not life-changing, then certainly much more convenient. Reader, I have a new eye and it's bloody marvellous. I am at the age where bits and pieces start crumbling and packing up and my right eye was the first to go, (my right knee is also on its way out, but that's another story). When I closed my left eye, my right was blurry. Not blind exactly, but like being in a thick London smog circa 1952. I might not have noticed for another six months had I not squirted suncream in it by mistake one hot, sunny day last summer. Washing my eye out with water didn't seem to help; when I closed my left eye, the right one was blurry. I rushed off to Boots for eyewash. Eight eye baths later. Still blurry. Had I done permanent damage? Or perhaps a defect had been lurking unnoticed? An 'emergency' appointment at an optician the next morning revealed the real culprit. The natural lens in my eye was cloudy, not thanks to a blob of suncream, but as a result of protein build-up. In short, I had a cataract. It's all part of the ageing process, and there's not much you can do to prevent them. Still, I was miffed. Weren't cataracts an older person's problem? My mother-in-law just had the op last year and she's 83. I was still in my 50s (just). It's true, the optician told me, that cataracts are more common after 80. 'Fifty to 60 per cent of 80-year-olds have some level of cataracts. But after 50, 10 per cent of normal healthy people will have some lens opacity.' I was one of the lucky 10 per cent to be affected in their 50s. I say 'lucky', because this now meant I could now buy a new fully functioning lens, thanks to miracles of modern science and potentially restore my 20/20 vision. Six months later I found myself choosing my new eye from a range of options at Moorfields Private Eye Hospital, on New Cavendish Street. It had still taken me a while to pluck up the courage because, obviously, getting a new lens would mean cutting out the old one. Cataract surgery is pretty safe, but there are none-the-less risks, about one in a 1,000 will suffer permanent vision loss if the retina becomes loose and detaches from the back of the eye. A serious eye infection, endophthalmitis, can also lead to blindness, if not treated promptly. To say I was anxious is something of an understatement, hence I was pretty careful when it came to choosing a surgeon. The consultation I'd found my way to Dr Vincenzo Maurino, through both personal recommendation and forensic examination of his Trust Pilot reviews, which revealed plenty of happy customers. He had trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital, a world-leading teaching hospital, in 1998 and now taught other surgeons there himself. He had performed around 25,000 cataract ops, both privately and for the NHS. So he was extremely experienced. He was also a wonderfully calming presence. 'The surgery is over in a few minutes and results almost invariably are very, very good. You will experience gentle touching and lots of light from the operating light, but no pain whatsoever,' Mr Maurino said. The cataract is removed using ultrasound energy, which liquifies the lens. 'The cataract is emulsified and removed through a machine that resembles a little pen.' I wished I hadn't asked, but Mr Maurino tells me it is the most common procedure performed on humans, with a low complication rate. Four million cataract operations are performed a year in the US, while half a million are performed in the UK. Some people even have the op when they don't strictly need it to simply ditch their reading glasses, as was the case with 10 per cent of his patients. In my case, there wasn't a choice. Choosing my new lens Now I just had to decide on a lens. You can choose between the standard monofocal lens you'd get on the NHS, and which was covered by Bupa, but that would mean while I'd have good distance vision I'd still need glasses. Then there was the extended-depth focus (EDOF), which would reduce the need for glasses for close work, though I might still need them for reading. Or I could stump up £1,000 for a trifocal lens, which gives best vision at every distance and would, hopefully, allow me to ditch my reading glasses. The downside of this, other than the cost, was the possibility of glare and halos of lights at night. That didn't sound too bad to me, though it drives some people nuts. The woman next to me in the waiting room told me she thought of the halos 'as fairies or angels', which should perhaps have been a red flag, but as someone who is quite vain and finds constant scramble for glasses annoying, did nothing to put me off. The operation The following Saturday I arrived at Moorfields Private Eye Hospital, in Old Street, at 8am (they also operate at the New Cavendish Street centre, but only during the week). The nurse popped a little pellet in my eye to dilate the pupil, along with numbing drops. Mr Maurino put a red dot above it. (I was wonderfully reassured by the sheer number of people checking which eye was due for the op.) And reminded me to keep my eye still during surgery. The sedative went in through an IV in my hand, followed by a pleasant woozy feeling. They place a sterile drape over your face to keep the operating area clean. Then, as promised, came the most stupendous light show, a kaleidoscope of swirling colours, that looked like the Northern Lights. This is caused by the operating light and the liquid used to keep the eye open. ('We call it Aurora Ocularis, rather than the Aurora Borealis,' Mr Maurino later told me at the check-up). Somewhere in the middle distance, I could hear Mr Maurino. 'Relax, don't move, everything is cool.' I didn't see a knife or a suction tube or anything remotely frightening. Minutes later I was back in the recovery room. After a quick debrief with the nurse, I was sent home with a bag full of eye drops wearing a jaunty clear plastic eye patch. Mr Maurino's business card was in the bag, with his personal mobile number. Now that's customer service. Fortunately, I didn't have to call it. I'd been warned my new eye could be blurry for up to a week and I might experience a dull ache. It was nothing that couldn't be dealt with by popping a paracetamol. The next day my vision was pretty much back to normal. But better! In the first week I was quite amazed by just how bright and cheerful the world suddenly looked. Like someone had switched up the brightness dial on the TV. Aftercare Two days after surgery I was back at work, no problem. It would be a week before I could go to the gym or do any intense exercise (increased pressure in the eye, which could lead to glaucoma), or wash my hair (water in the eye can lead to infection). Three weeks later I headed back at New Cavendish Street for my post-surgery check up. When I first arrived here I could barely see the eye chart with my bad eye, let alone make out any letters. This time I can read the second smallest road of letters easily. The optometrist explained that I now have better than 20/20 vision, in my new bionic eye. The only issue now is my old 'good' eye, now feels like a bit of a dud and blurry by comparison – it also has a cataract. But now I'm almost looking forward to the next op. What are cataracts? Cataracts are the result of protein build-up in the eye, which makes the lens cloudy. This prevents rays of light reaching the retina, leading to blurry vision. What causes cataracts? The chief risk factor is ageing. Typically 50-60 per cent of people in their 80s will have cataracts. They are also triggered by exposure to sunlight. So if you spend a lot of time on holiday in sunny destinations, or sailing for example, a good pair of UV sunglasses is essential. Other factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, eye injuries, smoking and certain medications increase the risk. Who diagnoses a cataract? Cataracts are often diagnosed by an optician or GP during a routine eye examination. How much does cataract surgery cost? Private cataract surgery prices from the UK typically range from £1,995 to £4,725. An initial consultation at Moorfields Private Eye Hospital is £295. Cataract surgery costs £2,920, which includes a standard monofocal lens. (If you wear glasses you will still need them after surgery). Premium lenses incur an additional cost. How long will you wait for cataract surgery on the NHS? NHS cataract surgery waiting times vary, with the target being 18 weeks from referral to treatment, but actual waits can be significantly longer, potentially several months or even over a year, depending on location and hospital.
Khaleej Times
28-02-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai receives accreditation from the Australian Council in Healthcare Standards International
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai today announced that it has been awarded 'Center of Excellence' accreditation in ophthalmology by the Australian Council in Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI), becoming the first eye health facility in the region to achieve this prestigious achievement. The announcement ceremony organised by the hospital marking this occasion was attended by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, and Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, as well as an elite group of officials in the health sector in Dubai, along with representatives of the Executive Board from Moorfields London and Dubai, and senior doctors and specialists in ophthalmology, where the importance of this accreditation in enhancing the quality of health care and consolidating Dubai's position as a global destination for medical excellence was highlighted. This achievement reflects the hospital's commitment to providing high-quality medical services in line with the best international standards, as Moorfields Dubai is the first branch of the prestigious Moorfields Eye Hospital outside the United Kingdom and is under the management of the National Health Foundation (NHS), which enhances its reputation as one of the most prominent ophthalmology centers in the world. According to the Commonwealth Fund's annual report for 2024, the Australian health care system ranks first among the ten high-income countries, as Australian health care excelled in several areas, and ranked first in health outcomes, distinguished by its administrative efficiency. Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, stressed that the prestigious accreditation granted for Moorfields Eye Hospital, making it the region's first Centre of Excellence in Ophthalmology, is indeed a significant milestone for the health sector, further strengthening the competitive efficiency of healthcare facilities in the UAE. This recognition not only reinforces the competitive strength of our medical entities but also reaffirms global confidence in the quality and excellence of healthcare services in the country. He stressed that the UAE is committed to adopting proactive strategies and continuously improving healthcare standards in line with the goals of the Year of Community, which seeks to promote health sustainability and enhance well-being across the country. Al Owais commended the efficiency of Dubai's healthcare system and the dedicated efforts of the Dubai Health Authority and Dubai Health, adding that the UAE will continue to develop and upgrade state-of-the-art health and preventive services to ensure that the country's healthcare sector continues its upward trajectory, securing leading positions in global healthcare competitiveness. Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, director general of the Dubai Health Authority, praised this achievement, which represents a qualitative addition to the health sector in the emirate, and confirms its advanced position in providing health care services in accordance with the highest international standards, noting that accreditation from the Australian Council in Healthcare Standards International reflects the hospital's commitment to applying the highest standards of quality and safety, and confirms the supportive environment that Dubai provides to leading health institutions, which enables them to achieve advanced levels of medical excellence. He explained that this achievement reflects Dubai's strategic approach to enhancing the quality of health services. It also reflects the continuous efforts made by the Dubai Health Authority to ensure the provision of specialized medical services at international standards, indicating the Authority's keenness to support and enable health facilities to achieve such achievements that are in line with the emirate's future vision of being a global center for medical excellence, and an ideal choice for specialized health care. Elhadi Hassan, managing director of Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, said: "Obtaining the 'Centre of Excellence Certificate' is a prestigious recognition of our specialised services, and of the exceptional experience and achievements of our team. It also confirms our continued commitment to providing our best in everything we do, from patient care to our endeavors in the field of teaching and research, with a focus on a healthcare approach centered around person centred care. We could not have achieved this without the support of the Dubai Government and our regulators." He explained that this accreditation from a prestigious international body came after years of diligent work to accomplish this mission. He praised the support of the Dubai Government, represented by the Dubai Health Authority and the Dubai Health, in reaching this achievement from the Australian Council for Healthcare Standards International, which is one of the largest global accreditors of hospitals and health facilities, as it has more than fifty years of experience in developing quality and safety standards in health care. He also stressed that this accreditation represents an official certificate of Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai's compliance with quality and safety standards and the application of international best practices in the field of ophthalmology.
Mid East Info
07-02-2025
- Health
- Mid East Info
M42's Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi restores woman's sight after 30 years of blindness - Middle East Business News and Information
Yemeni woman travels to UAE for life-changing treatment, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status as a global healthcare hub 40-year-old describes her experience at the hospital as 'a magical journey with a fairytale ending' Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi redefines outcomes in complex ophthalmology cases, emphasizing the importance of a second opinion. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February, 2025: A Yemeni woman, left blind since childhood due to a misdiagnosis, has had her eyesight restored after receiving life-changing surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group. The 40-year-old described her experience as 'a magical journey with a fairytale ending.' Hanaa Mahdi Saleh Ali could only see blurred lights and struggled with basic daily activities. Her condition had a profound impact on her education, independence and quality of life. Over the years, her father consulted numerous eye specialists in different parts of the world, but, despite their efforts, she was diagnosed with permanent vision loss caused by night blindness and severe cataracts, which obscured an underlying retinal issue. This year (2024), Hanaa's sister, who lives in the UAE, learned about how Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi was using the latest technologies to carry out innovative work and encouraged Hanaa to seek treatment there. In October, Hanaa traveled to the UAE, where Dr. Syed M. Asad Ali, a Consultant Ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery at the hospital, diagnosed her with gyrate atrophy, a rare inherited condition, along with advanced cataracts and cystoid macular edema. The hospital's International Patient Services team offers a comprehensive range of eye care assessments, diagnostics and both surgical and non-surgical treatments, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status as a global healthcare hub. Hanaa said: 'Losing my vision when I was 10 years old was very difficult, especially as a child as I couldn't play outside with my friends or even do my day-to-day activities, such as reading or even eating normally. After hearing about the work conducted at Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, I realized there was still hope that my eyesight may be restored. I was apprehensive, but Dr. Syed and the team's encouragement helped me feel more positive and hopeful for a successful outcome.' A complex case: Gyrate atrophy is a rare genetic condition that causes a buildup of a substance called ornithine. It is diagnosed through medical history, eye examination, genetic testing and retinal imaging. The surgery to remove Hanaa's cataracts using ultrasound required careful planning, precise execution and clear communication of the risks. A ray of hope: In November 2024, Dr. Syed M. Asad Ali performed successful surgeries on both of Hanaa's eyes, restoring her vision after 30 years of blindness. He said: 'At Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, we leverage the legacy and expertise of our London counterpart to offer advanced treatments and services across the UAE. Hanaa was initially diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and congenital cataract, but we later identified the correct issue as gyrate atrophy with advanced cataracts and cystoid macular edema. Both conditions can present peripheral vision loss or changes in the retina.' A new beginning: Hanaa added: 'Since I got my vision back, I have started appreciating the little things in life more. Being able to see my family's faces is a blessing that I will never be thankful enough for. The joy of reconnecting with the world visually is indescribable. Dr. Syed, Dr. Esmaeil Mohammad Arbabi, Consultant Ophthalmologist, the nurses and the front staff were all very supportive and amazing, and I thank them every day in my prayers for all their efforts. It has been 30 years since I last saw things. Although it has been a very long time, I still remember everything clearly: my family's faces, the sky, the trees and the sea. I advise everyone who suffers from a similar medical condition, or any challenging conditions, to never give up. Belief is the key! And with all the medical advancements we now have, it is a blessing from Allah.' Dr. Ali expressed his pride in the success of the surgery, saying: 'This case highlights the transformative potential of advanced ophthalmological care. We are thrilled with Hanaa's progress, and she is now continuing her aftercare in her home country, where we remain in contact to ensure her long-term well-being.' At Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, patients like Hanaa find not just treatment but renewed opportunities to embrace life's beauty, proving that miracles can indeed happen when expertise and compassion come together. About Moorfields Eye Hospital Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Moorfields Eye Hospital Center, Abu Dhabi is a partnership between Moorfields Eye Hospital London and M42. M42 is a first-of-its-kind global tech-enabled health powerhouse committed to the sustainable future of health. The Abu Dhabi-headquartered company is transforming lives through innovative clinical solutions that are solving the world's most critical health and diagnostic challenges. By harnessing innovative solutions and unique medical and data-centric technologies, including genomics and AI, M42 is delivering the highest level of personalized, precise, and preventative care to impactfully disrupt the global healthcare ecosystem. M42 has over 20,000 employees and more than 450 facilities in 26 countries. Established in 2022, following the coming together of G42 Healthcare and Mubadala Health, M42 combines unique medical and data-centric technologies with state-of-the-art facilities to deliver world-class care. Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi is a renowned extension of Moorfields Eye Hospital London, the world's oldest and one of the largest centres for ophthalmic treatment, teaching, and research. Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi and Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai unit in their mission to provide the highest standard of eye care, leveraging the legacy and expertise of their London counterpart to offer advanced treatments and services across the United Arab Emirates. About M42: M42 is a global health champion powered by artificial intelligence (AI), technology and genomics to advance innovation in health for people and the planet. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, M42 combines its specialized, state-of-the-art facilities with integrated health solutions like genomics and biobanks, and harnesses advanced technologies to deliver precise, preventive and predictive care, to impactfully disrupt traditional healthcare models and positively impact lives globally. Established in 2022, following the coming together of G42 Healthcare and Mubadala Health, M42 has more than 480 facilities in 26 countries and over 20,000 employees. M42 includes renowned healthcare providers including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Danat Al Emarat, Diaverum, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Hospital, and Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi. As well as operating the Emirati Genome Programme, M42 runs Abu Dhabi BioBank and Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS), a global tech-enabled healthcare company operating Malaffi.
