Beverly urges cataract sufferers not to delay treatment

The former Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, and the first African-Caribbean woman president in almost 100 years of the Rotary Club of Birmingham, recently had surgery on both eyes at the Newmedica Birmingham eye health clinic and surgical centre.

She had first been diagnosed with cataracts a few years ago but was told they were not advanced enough to need immediate surgery. However, when her optician recently noticed a significant deterioration of her vision, she knew it was time to act because cataracts can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Beverly, founder and general manager of Birmingham’s Diamond Travel agency, said: "My sight was really bad. I had to stop driving at night because of it, but even then I didn’t realise how bad my sight was until I had the cataracts removed.

"I had been warned years before that it was coming, but it was still a shock when I was told I needed the surgery. However, since having it done, my sight is almost perfect. Everything is so bright. It’s amazing to read again and see what I’m doing on the computer. The Bible has a verse that says 'I was blind but now I see' and that’s what’s happened to me."

Newmedica Birmingham is based at Aston Cross Business Village. The clinic is owned and run by consultant ophthalmologists Mr Sai Kolli, Mr Aaron Ng, Mr Ash Sharma and Mr Velota Sung, as well as Operations Director Rachel Hill.

Beverly, who has also worked in nursing and midwifery, is highly regarded as a mentor and champion of the African Caribbean community in Birmingham and internationally, having been recognised with the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican Government.

She said that having her sight restored by the surgery on both eyes has been essential in enabling her to carry on running her business and playing a key role in the community.

Beverly adds: "The change in my sight has been so amazing. I’m telling everyone about it. I’m like an ambassador for cataract removal. People are coming up to me and saying that they’re nervous about having the surgery, and I’m telling them not to worry about it and just go ahead with it. Don’t put it off.

"The experience at Newmedica from start to finish was so personal. What really impressed me was how they treated me as a person, not a patient. They took the time to ask about my life and then explained what was going to happen. I was in nursing, so I know how important that is."

Her surgery was carried out by Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Aaron Ng, who said: ‘Beverly’s story is such a good example of why people have no need to worry about cataract surgery or delay their treatment.

"The surgery is quick, painless and life-changing, giving people their independence and the life they deserve.

"As an expert in vision correction, I listen to my patients’ needs, inform patients of all their options and provide compassionate care."

Newmedica Birmingham clinic offers cataract surgery alongside a range of other eyecare treatments, including glaucoma, oculoplastics, age-related macular degeneration management, and YAG Laser, which is used to treat some cases of glaucoma and correct complications that can very occasionally occur after cataract surgery.

Further information is available at newmedica.co.uk or by calling 0121 756 3859.