Eye patient, Paul Kerby, has been a familiar and face at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet for the past few years. Diagnosed unexpectedly during a routine optician visit, Mr Kerby began receiving monthly sight-saving injections to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). His commitment to attending every appointment – and the dedication of the hospital’s ophthalmology team – has helped preserve the vision he relies on every day.
“At first, I was quite apprehensive about having injections in my eyes, but the team at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, put me at ease…The macular degeneration has stabilised and I am still able to drive and do the things I enjoy.”
Paul Kerby, Wet AMD patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet
Paul says: “I was thrilled to help recognise the hospital’s milestone 1000th wet AMD injection recently. I was one of the first patients to have wet AMD injections at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet since the service was first offered there. I have since had 41 injections in total and I can certainly say with confidence that if I hadn’t started coming for monthly injections, I would most likely have lost my sight by now. The team are incredible, and coming in once a month I have come to know and appreciate them well.
“I was relieved that a regular check-up with my high street optician flagged the signs of wet AMD. Originally, I had gone in to be checked for glaucoma, but was told that although there were signs, what was of more concern were some nodules and bumps behind my eyes, which I was told was age-related macular degeneration, and I was referred for treatment immediately!
“I have time to consider my options, but feel it’s really important to keep on top of my eye health so I can enjoy good vision for as long as possible.”
Paul Kerby, Wet AMD patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet
“At first, I was quite apprehensive about having injections in my eyes, but the team at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, put me at ease. It really wasn’t as bad as I was expecting! Numbing drops are applied first, then some iodine drops and finally the injection. It is really as they say, a bit of a sharp scratch, and you can see bubbles as the liquid goes in. Within a few hours after the iodine has cleared from the eye, it’s like nothing has happened at all. I am so grateful to the team. The macular degeneration has stabilised and I am still able to drive and do the things I enjoy.
“Recently, I have started to notice signs of cataracts, so I’m beginning to look at options for treatment both on the NHS and privately at Practice Plus Group Hospital Shepton Mallet, as I know that you can get better than the standard NHS lenses privately. I have time to consider my options, but feel it’s really important to keep on top of my eye health so I can enjoy good vision for as long as possible.”
