“Now I have my voice back”

A patient of Moorfields Eye Hospital has expressed her gratitude following a complex cataract operation.

Pam Franklin has had Motor Neurone Disease (MND) for 35 years and has tetraplegia.

She uses a device that tracks her eye movements and turns these into commands for a tablet, something described as a “cornerstone” of her communication.

The device works by monitoring reflections from her pupils, however, she recently developed cataracts which clouded the reflections and restricted her vision.

Franklin shared: “Over 35 years, my MND has reduced my independence considerably, to where I am no longer able to do anything for myself, not even speak. But I can still use my eyes.”

Moorfields Eye Hospital shared that the surgery was “considerably more complex” than most cataract operations. The eye tests to calculate the best replacement lenses had to be completed while Franklin was lying down.

Due to difficulties in communicating without her tablet, Franklin’s daughter was in the theatre to assist during the procedure.

The surgery was bilateral, in order to support a quicker recovery and to avoid multiple appointments, and completed with sedation.

Franklin shared: “Every day since the operation, my vision has improved, and I am still amazed as I notice things in sharper contrast. I can now see that the wool of my new cover is in two shades of green.”

“I have already been out to the cinema and, now I have my voice back, I can live my life to the full again,” she continued, adding that she hoped to see Hamilton in the theatre.

“The more I think about it, the more grateful I get. It truly is remarkable,” she shared.

Kamran Saha, consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, commented: “At Moorfields, we restore the sight of more cataract patients than anyone else in London.”

“Very few other hospitals can offer anaesthetic cover, sedation and allow family members or carers in to support patients, allowing us to treat more complex patients. We bring all of this expertise and back-up to more routine cataract patients too, all NHS-funded,” Saha continued.

“It is a privilege to help restore Pamela’s communication, as well as her sight,” Saha said.