Five years ago, Doreen*, 82 from Greater Manchester, was referred to Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology Centre, Croft Shifa in Rochdale after her optician noticed a large hole in her macula during a routine eye check. Over the years, she has regularly been receiving ongoing care for Wet AMD and cataracts, benefiting from timely treatment and dedicated support from the clinic team.
“The service at Practice Plus Group in Croft Shifa is brilliant. The staff are such gorgeous people, so kind, and always eager to help put me at ease…I am very grateful to the team – without them, who knows where I would be. I feel very lucky”
Doreen, Wet AMD patient at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale
“I went to my optician for a general eye check to see if I needed glasses, and while I was there, they noticed I had a large hole in my macula. They referred me straight away to Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology Centre, Croft Shifa in Rochdale. From seeing the optician on the Friday, I had my first appointment at Croft Shifa on the Monday. It was so quick, and I was relieved to have been seen so soon.
“This was five years ago, and ever since I’ve been going for injections to treat my Wet AMD. Initially, I went every four weeks, then six weeks, then twelve weeks, and now I’m back to eight-week intervals. During one of my visits, the team also noticed I was developing cataracts in both eyes. I was seen by the consultants at the clinic who were brilliant and I’ve just had cataract surgery in my right eye in November 2025 on the NHS. Everything went so smoothly and I received the great standard of care I have come to expect from the team. I have an appointment soon to find out when I can have my left eye treated.
“I know if I hadn’t started the treatment so promptly five years ago, I would have gone blind. The vision in my right eye is much improved thanks to the team and the cataract surgery. The on-going injections help with my Wet AMD, so together they are really helping to prolong my vision well into older age, which is amazing.”
Doreen, Wet AMD patient at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale
“The service at Practice Plus Group in Croft Shifa is brilliant. The staff are such gorgeous people, so kind, and always eager to help put me at ease. I always get a warm welcome from Chelsey on reception who is wonderful and really looks after everyone. I know if I hadn’t started the treatment so promptly five years ago, I would have gone blind – no two ways about it. The vision in my right eye is much improved thanks to the team and the cataract surgery. The on-going injections help with my Wet AMD, so together they are really helping to prolong my vision well into older age, which is amazing.
“I enjoy reading, but now mostly have talking books, which I love. I no longer drive, but I am well supported by my sister-in-law who helps take me to my appointments. I am very grateful to the team – without them, who knows where I would be. I feel very lucky.”
*Patient’s name has been changed on request.
