“I remember the day like it was yesterday – I had lost my glasses, I was going on holiday and I needed them to drive – I needed to get a replacement pair quickly. My prescription was out of date, so I ran into the first opticians that made glasses on the premises and they tested my eyes, I got my glasses and felt happy. Just as I was about to leave, the optician said, “Oh, we better do just one more test” I sat down at the Visual Fields tester and casually pressed the buttons …..”oh”, said the optician, you’ve missed a few, we better see you again, when you come home. I went away and thought nothing, when I returned I went to the optician again and again I “missed a few”. I asked what this meant and the optician said that I was “probably not very good at it”! Of course, as soon I got home I hit Google and I realised immediately what it was – the dreaded Glaucoma! We have not family history of this, nothing – so the shock was immense. I had private medical insurance, so went to see a private consultant – he made me feel like I was going to go blind – he threw some drops at me and said that I’d need to use them for the rest of my life, other than that, he told me very little. I came out crying and thinking my sight would be gone in a few years.
I felt as though I never wanted to step foot in another clinic, ever regarding my eyes – I was depressed and felt lost and lonely. I had read lots on glaucoma and knew I must get regular treatment – so again I hit trusty Google and I was lucky enough to come across Mr Sharma’s name. His reviews were fabulous and he was acknowledged as being a leading specialist in the field. Being in London, it was a long way for me to travel, but boy, was it worth it! From the minute I met Mr Sharma, I felt in safe hands. He made me feel comfortable, spent ages telling me what I needed to know and carried out thorough testing to see what was happening with my vision. I came out full of confidence and having a great sense of trust in Mr Sharma, he changed my drops to a newer version, that is easier to use and he made sure I clearly understood what was going on with MY eyesight. I immediately felt as though I could trust him and I actually liked him, he is dynamic, charismatic and highly professional – I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and that I was in safe hands.
As my pressures were so high, Mr Sharma arranged for me to have a laser procedure, to open the angles and allow drainage to of the fluid – thus reducing the pressure – sounds horrid, yes? – I was really worried, but Mr Sharma took time to explain everything, his calm approach made me feel calm and the laser was a walk in the park! I can honestly say that I felt nothing and 2 weeks later, when I saw Mr Sharma, my pressure had gone from 30 to 14 – so really worth it!
Mr Sharma has such an ongoing interest in his work that he knows all the latest treatments, I know that any new developments would always be discussed with me, it is great to have such confidence in my ophthalmic surgeon.
Mr Sharma is supported by a great team, who all have the same commitment to client care, they are always quick to smile, happy to spend time answering questions and make you as comfortable as possible, whilst you spend time at the clinic.
I can’t thank everyone enough. I no longer feel I’m going blind immediately – yes, I have a serious eye condition, but I know that I have the best chance of keeping my sight for many years to come with the advice and support of Mr Sharma and his fantastic team- many heartfelt thanks to them all!