Coinciding with Macular Week (June 26 – July 2), grandfather of three and a retired Methodist minister from Lincolnshire has praised his local Vision Express for saving his sight after a referral showed he had dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
After experiencing discomfort when looking at light when driving, Reverend Barrie Hirst attended an eye examination at the multiple’s Sleaford practice nearly 10 years ago. OO Kathryn Saunders immediately referred Hirst to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with dry AMD. Five years of care under a consultant followed, before the condition stabilised and he was discharged.
In April 2017, Saunders noticed possible further AMD damage. Coupled with a decrease in his range of vision, she felt that he may not be safe to drive and referred him to a local triage optician for a second opinion. They confirmed that his vision had deteriorated to such an extent that it was advisable to stop driving.
Hirst, who was a minister for 60 years and is now a volunteer speaker for the Macular Society, said: ‘Returning my licence came as a huge shock and it took me a few weeks to come to terms with the fact that I no longer had that means of independence. However, I could understand why it was necessary.’