“We would have lost our mum.”
For Mrs Whiteman, an 88-year-old woman living with significant hearing loss, her eyesight is about more than being able to see clearly.
It is how she lip-reads, watches television and stays connected with the people and world around her. When her family noticed that her vision was deteriorating, they knew that finding the right treatment quickly was essential.
“We would have lost the ability to communicate with her,” explained her daughter Diane. “She would have had no quality of life left.”
Fortunately, after seeking advice and treatment at Parkside Suite Frimley, her experience has been transformative. Today, she is noticing tiny details she had been missing and enjoying everyday moments that had become difficult over time.
A gradual change with a huge potential impact
Mrs Whiteman’s sight loss had developed gradually but was confirmed during a routine eye test. At first, there were relatively small signs that something was changing. For a deaf person, subtitles are essential when watching TV but they were becoming difficult to read. For her family, the implications went far beyond television; Mrs Whiteman relies on her vision to lip-read.
“The impact would have been huge,” said Diane. “We would have lost the ability to communicate with her.”
Further deterioration could have severely affected her ability to communicate and understand conversations. Diane and her sister Jane were also concerned about her wellbeing and potential loss of independence.
When the extent of the problem became clear, there was no hesitation from Mrs Whiteman: “Let’s get it sorted!” She told her daughters. They had an equally strong sense of urgency: “We wanted her to have quality of life, especially as we lost dad last year.”
Finding the right care at Parkside Suite
Finding the right consultant was crucial. Mrs Whiteman’s hearing loss meant that clear, patient communication wasn’t helpful – it was essential.
“It was 100% important to find a consultant who understood our communication needs,” said Diane.
“We started by looking at reviews and made an appointment with Mr Mishank Jain, (pictured right) Parkside Suite Frimley. Our first meeting was huge. How we progressed was all dependent on how comfortable mum was with him.
“Our mind was made up at that first meeting – he [Mishank] was wonderful. From his bedside manner to the care and attention to detail – it was all excellent.”
“He even arranged for us to go into the operating theatre so we could put mum at ease during before her operation. Everyone has been very kind and patient”
A new appreciation for the little things
Following surgery, Mrs Whiteman’s recovery was straightforward. But it was what happened afterwards that really brought home the difference the treatment had made.
“She is pointing out things she’s just not realised were there.” explained Diane. “Tiny details. It’s been amazing.”
Since surgery, the smallest everyday activities have become moments of celebration, with Mrs Whiteman now back to correcting the grammar on her TV subtitles!
Specialist care that puts the patient first
Parkside Suite prides itself on providing high-quality specialist care in an environment where patients and their families feel supported throughout their journey.
Mr Jain said: “For this 88-year-old, the result has been life-changing — not because she can simply see better, but because she can once again enjoy the small details that make everyday life so meaningful.”
“From a surgical point of view I am particularly proud of the team that were able to work together to allow a deaf patient to have their cataract surgery under local anaesthetic, avoiding the need for general anaesthesia.”
Contact a consultant
Choose from our ophthalmology specialists based at Parkside Suite Frimley Park or Heatherwood.
View our Frimley Parkside consultants
View our Parkside Suite Heatherwood consultants
Email: fhft.paparksidesuite@nhs.net
Call 0300 613 0130.