Lincolnshire Hospital Conducts First Emergency Retinal Surgery

A stonemason has become the initial individual to undergo sight-saving emergency retinal surgery within Lincolnshire’s hospitals. Louis Graves, 21, from Lincoln, sustained an injury while chiselling stone when the top of his chisel fractured, causing a 2.5mm (approximately 0.1 inch) piece of steel to enter his eye. Previously, patients requiring such specialized care were compelled to travel outside the county to hospitals in cities like Nottingham, Leicester, and Sheffield. However, NHS personnel at Lincoln County Hospital are now capable of providing care for complex and specialist emergency procedures, following the appointment of consultant ophthalmologist and retinal surgeon Ahmed Javed. Mr. Graves stated: “At first I thought something had just hit my safety goggles, but then I realised I could not open my eye properly and it was bleeding and watering.” He further described his vision, saying, “I could see but it was like being inside a marble with red streaks and clouds. I realised that I had metal or stone in my eye and I needed to go to hospital.” Mr. Graves proceeded to Lincoln’s emergency department, received surgery the following morning—less than 24 hours after his accident—and was discharged home on the day of his procedure. He added: “The NHS has been brilliant. It was very quick and efficient. There was no waiting around. I am very grateful that I did not lose my sight.” Mr. Javed joined the ophthalmology team at Lincoln in September and is actively working to establish the retinal surgery service. He remarked, “We were able to help Louis with the emergency care he needed within 24 hours of his incident and we will continue to see him in our clinics as he continues his recovery.” He further explained, “People with this kind of retinal injury are at risk of losing their sight and are more likely to have a better outcome when they receive care quickly.” He also noted, “It’s a huge milestone to be able to establish a service which has previously been available only at regional specialist centres, and to reduce travel for our patients.”