Age: 65
Ethnicity: White
Occupation: Development consultant
Background: His optician referred him for surgery on the NHS but in a private hospital (no alternative options offered). The surgery was scheduled at a time that suited his schedule and lasted 90 minutes in total.
Surgery: Cataract surgery
Waiting list: Less than 2 weeks
Surgery options:
- NHS single fixed focal lens for free
- Private varifocal lens for £3500
Information provision:
- Felt very well informed
- Felt reassured during surgery
- Received an info pack after surgery
Recovery/follow up:
- Self-employed, so it was difficult to take time off
- Received hospital telephone number to call anytime
- Could drive the next day
- Reread instructions before starting exercise after 2 weeks.
- Was offered surgery on other eye 3 weeks later due to a cancellation. Declined because his right eye is still OK.
Equality:
- Could a high street optician have made the same referral?
- The assumption seems to be that you come to the clinic by car.