Thank you once again Mr Shafiq!
Julie I.
Mrs I had trifocal lens implants as she wished to have both distance and near vision for everyday life , computer work and reading vision.
“In December 2017 I went for an eye test expecting to purchase some new glasses with varifocal lenses however the test revealed that I had cataracts in both eyes. Whilst this came as a shock it did explain why on occasions I had difficulty with my vision when not wearing glasses and also with oncoming car headlights.
I was referred to Mr Shafiq at the Nuffield Hospital and after an initial consultation in January 2018, two operations and two follow up consultations over a six week period I now have excellent eyesight. I no longer need to wear glasses as both eyes have been fitted with trifocal intraocular lenses. Compared to the ‘grey’ world I lived in prior to the operations the difference in colours, brightness and sharpness of objects is remarkable and I have noticed very small things at home that I hadn’t seen previously. Both operations were very successful and went as expected as I had watched a video of the procedure on Mr Shafiq’s website so I knew what to expect! Throughout this process , both during consultations and operations, Mr Shafiq has explained everything at a level that I could understand, answered all of my questions to my satisfaction and was reassuring at all times. The only concern I had was a few days after the second operation where I was seeing halos around car headlights and traffic lights. Mr Shafiq assured me that this was normal due to the way that the lenses dispersed the light and that after a period of time I wouldn’t notice them.
I would also like to praise all other staff at the Nuffield Hospital involved in both the operations and the ward day care. Having eye surgery can be quite scary but whilst being professional at all times their friendly approach put me at ease before, during and after both operations.
If you have any doubts about having cataracts removed or having the trifocal intraocular lenses fitted then don’t. The end result is fantastic and I would highly recommend Mr Shafiq to anyone considering having this done.”
Julie I
Michael M.
Mr M had cataract surgery abroad in a sunny climate in his right eye and requested a similar lens implant in his left here with me. This is an extended range lens . His surgery abroad was ‘laser-assisted’, meaning that the first part of the surgery was performed by a programmed laser and the second part by a surgeon. I performed his left cataract surgery, allowing him a comparison between the two techniques. He was pleased with both procedures!
“Mr Shafiq operated on the cataract in my left eye on the 2nd Febuary 2018.
A Symphony lens was inserted under local anaesthetic, the whole procedure went without a hitch. The staff were very attentive and Mr Shafiq reassuring during the operation.
Mr Shafiq followed up four days later and the eye was healing well.
The sight which I now enjoy is amazing, much better than I expected.
The hospital pre and post op were first class.”
Michael M
16/02/2018
Mary T
I first went to see Mr Shafiq early 2017 re cataract and lens replacement surgery.
Having had laser eye surgery twice in the past and now wearing varifocal glasses the lens replacement was not going to be straightforward, however Mr Shafiq was confident that he would be able to help me.
Mr Shafiq suggested tri-focal lenses as my best option which would give me distance, middle and close vision.
Mr Shafiq explained the benefits and risks of the surgery, one of the risks being that my vision might not be perfect in poor light (this has been easily resolved by over the counter reading glasses).
He was very patient and understanding of my worries and never failed to return calls to reassure me both prior to and after the surgery.
Both procedures were carried out without any problems and my eyes settled down quickly. I can now drive, watch TV and read the smallest print without glasses.
I am 66 years old and have the best sight I have ever had!
Mary T
Eric W
Testimonial – Use of Different IOL’s in Each Eye Following Cataract Extraction
1.00 During the course of an annual routine eye test it was found that my right eye had developed a cataract formation and was becoming restricted, my optician referred me to the RVI for further assessment.
The RVI confirmed that surgery would be necessary to regain a good standard of vision although this would also require spectacles to be worn for close work/reading due to the limited capability of the replacement lens supplied by the NHS (IOL with a fixed range focal length).
2.00 While waiting for treatment I researched the subject and found a recent research paper outlining the use of a revolutionary new extended range of vision interocular lens (IOL) the Technis Symfony. The paper outlined extended use of the lens in New Zealand which had resulted in exceptional results with many patients not needing spectacles.
3.00 My idea was to have this new lens implanted in my remaining eye and pay the NHS for it.
Further research confirmed that a “Top Up” procedure to pay for any changes in medication or treatments was possible in the NHS policy guidelines. Unfortunately, this was excluded for lens replacement in this particular case.
4.00 I consulted Mr Shafiq on the subject of using two different IOL’s. Both he and my optician outlined the problem of possible unbalanced vision and the capability of the brain to counteract this condition.. After accepting the risk and comparing the benefits I opted to go ahead and use this new lens which I understand was the first time it had been tried.
5.00 Mr Shafiq carried out the procedure using the new Symfony IOL. The results were exceptionally good, best Corrected Acuities Right 6/6 Left 6/6-1, obtaining both long and short range vision with no requirement for spectacles.
6.00 In conclusion, Mr Shafiq has been exemplary in his treatment of my particular case and follow up consultations, I have every confidence in his expertise and in recommending him to other clients.
Eric W. 2016 surgery
Jenny S
When I had my cataract surgery 18 months ago, I was 67 years old. Since the age of 13 I have only had peripheral vision in my right eye due to a trauma to the head, and totally relied upon my left eye for vision.
Inevitably, the vision in my left eye deteriorated due to a cataract forming, and neither glasses and or contact lenses seemed to help. After consulting an optician, he advised me to see a consultant to have the cataract removed.
I was extremely concerned as I had heard that often the cataract surgery could go wrong, which in my case would leave me virtually blind. I could only be advised as to which specialist surgeon I should see, and luckily for me my optician suggested Mr Shafiq
I made an appointment, and was not disappointed with the consultation. Mr Shafiq listened to my concerns and after a thorough examination he answered all of my questions and advised me on what could be done.
Surgery took place just over one week later. Mr Shafiq suggested a new type of lens called a Symfony lens, which would enable both distance and close sight, whereby doing away with the need for gasses. This particular lens was fairly new but had proven to be very successful.
I have had several operation in the past but none where I was awake during the procedure, so I was a little apprehensive.
There was no need as the team performing the procedure were amazing from start to finish.
Mr Shafiq talked me through each step, he was kind, caring, and put me totally at ease.
The operation was over very quickly and the results after 24 hours were unbelievable. Colours, were vibrant, particularly blue, everything was very bright and I could read without spectacles.
I did suffered a small set back one week later and went back to see Mr Shafiq. He reassured me that this was not uncommon and to have a little patience as it would probably right itself within a few days. He was absolutely correct and my eye sight returned.
I now can see both distance and close work without the aid of spectacles or contact lenses for the first time since I was a young girl.
My decision to have this procedure was a very difficult one having only one seeing eye, but I would not hesitate to have the same procedure again.
Mr Shafiq is, in my opinion, an extremely talented, accomplished, caring surgeon.
Jenny S Nov 2017
Darryl B
After being told by my opticians that I had the early stages of a cataract, and lens replacement would correct and enable me to read without wearing spectacles.
I chose to investigate every possibility before making a very important decision.
I contacted the Nuffield hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne, who suggested I arranged an appointment with Mr Shafiq who duly discussed all options (positive and negative) which were available to me.
During the next three weeks, Mr Shafiq worked with me around a very difficult time schedule. The surgery’s were performed on both of my eyes along with ‘follow up’ appointments.
Everything was exactly as Mr Shafiq had discussed.
Within 24 hours of both surgeries, my vision had returned to how it had been before I needed to wear glasses.
I would highly recommend Mr Shafiq to anyone for whom this type of surgery would be appropriate……
It has transformed my everyday life!
Darryl B
newcastlecataractsurgery.com 