When Mark Evans from Kew began noticing a shadow in the peripheral vision of his left eye, he assumed it was nothing serious. Having previously undergone cataract surgery, he suspected the symptoms were linked to a common post-operative issue – Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) – which is typically resolved with a straightforward laser procedure.
But what began as a seemingly minor concern soon escalated into a medical emergency.
“It turns out the symptoms I was experiencing weren’t side effects at all,” said Mark. “I actually had a detached retina, which can be very serious. Fortunately, within just a few hours of arriving at Optegra Eye Hospital London, I was having surgery that saved my sight.”
A Hidden Emergency: Diagnosing a Retinal Detachment
Mark, a retired solicitor, was no stranger to the risks. He had experienced a retinal detachment in his right eye eight years earlier while living in Singapore. This time, when he noticed changes in his left eye, he visited his optician, who suspected PCO and referred him for YAG laser treatment. Mark, not feeling the issue was urgent, waited ten days before contacting Optegra to arrange the procedure. However, when he arrived at Optegra Eye Hospital London, consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Aamir Ismailjee quickly realised something wasn’t right.
“While Mark did have PCO, the more concerning issue was a retinal detachment hiding behind it,” Mr Ismailjee explained. “This is a serious emergency. If not treated quickly, it can result in permanent sight loss.”
What followed was a race against time. Within minutes of the diagnosis, Optegra’s clinical and administrative teams began coordinating behind the scenes.
“It’s almost impossible to arrange emergency retinal surgery on the same day,” continued Mr Ismailjee. “But with quick thinking, flexibility between our London sites, and support across teams, we managed to get Mark to our North London hospital that same afternoon for urgent surgery.”
Life-Changing Results Thanks to Speed and Teamwork
The emergency operation was a success. A gas bubble was inserted into Mark’s eye to help the retina heal, requiring him to lie face-down for a week during recovery – a challenging, but necessary part of the healing process.
“It was like watching the gas bubble gradually dissolve, almost like coming up for air from underwater,” Mark recalled. “The vision in my left eye isn’t quite as sharp as my right, but I no longer need glasses, and I have full vision in both eyes. I am extremely grateful to the Optegra team for acting so fast. Their quick response truly saved my sight.”
Behind the Scenes: What Makes Optegra Different?
This case highlights not only the urgency that retinal conditions can pose, but also the vital importance of expertise and responsive care.
“Mark’s successful outcome is a testament to the dedication of our teams and the strength of our clinical pathways,” said Mr Alastair Stuart, Optegra’s Medical Director. “When faced with a complex case like this, we have the facilities, expert consultants and technology to act fast and put the patient first.”
Whether it’s planned cataract surgery or emergency retinal care, Optegra offers consultant-led, specialist eye care designed to meet the needs of each individual. Mark’s story is a powerful reminder of how expert insight and swift action, can mean the difference between vision saved and vision lost.
Schedule your free consultation with one of our expert consultants and take the first step towards clearer, brighter vision with cataract surgery tailored to you.
By Author: Aamir Ismailjee
Mr Aamir Ismailjee is one of the few eye surgeons in the World with dual qualifications in both Optometry and Ophthalmology. This has given him a wealth of knowledge and expertise in refractive treatments.
Medically Reviewed Date: 27th June 2025
