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Spot-on nurse saves child's eye

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During a routine drop in clinic session in Guildford, Wendy listened to a mum’s concerns about her daughter’s eyesight. As a result of what the mum described, Wendy did an urgent ophthalmology referral on the spot, which then led to the child’s diagnosis. Great Ormond Street Hospital managed to save the baby’s eye and some of the sight in it, but said any further delay; even a couple more weeks would have produced a very different outcome.

Early indications show that the child’s outlook and prognosis are positive and very hopeful.

Wendy said: “I was just doing my job. It is a great privilege to serve the children and families we see daily”.
Julia Williamson, Wendy’s Clinical Team Lead, was also very impressed and said: “I feel very blessed to work with such competent and professional people and I am immensely proud of them. An extra special thank you to Wendy, as she has made such a huge difference to that child’s future!”

Our school nursing teams provide eyesight tests for Reception year children across Surrey as part of the national health screening programme.

Eye examinations are very important and not just about making sure you can see properly. They are about protecting your eye health – and ultimately your vision – in the long term. Remember to get your sight tested every two years or as recommended by your optician.

NHS eyes tests are free for children under 16 and for under 19 year olds in full time education.

An eye test can reveal early signs of many life threatening diseases such as

Glaucoma, high blood pressure, age-related macular degeneration, diabetes, cataracts and cardiovascular disease.