'The thought of going to a crowded clinic worried me'

When Cilla was diagnosed with macular disease 18 months ago she was terrified of the thought of receiving injections in her eye.

“I felt sick at the thought of it,” she said. “Full of anxiety and the unknown.”

However, as a patient at Moorfields she admitted she need not have worried and said the staff were so kind and understanding. She was soon put her at ease and carried on her treatment, without hesitation.

But, fast forward to March this year and her anxieties resurfaced - with the threat of the coronavirus.

She said: “I had an upcoming appointment early April, right at the start of Coronavirus.  I was so relieved it was postponed.  I am fairly high risk as far as Coronavirus goes as I am prone to chest infections, and was being very careful. So, the thought of going to a crowded clinic worried me.”

By the time a new appointment came through her sight had deteriorated and she knew she needed an injection.

“I received a phone call from one of the team to ask me if I had any problems with my eye and would I be attending the appointment. I was informed that the number of people in the clinic had been reduced and all protocols were being adhered to.”

She added: “I need not have worried…When I arrived at the hospital there was a check point. I was asked if I felt well and had any symptoms. My temperature was taken and I was issued with a facemask. I went up to the clinic and there were only two patients waiting.  

“Chairs and areas sealed off to maintain social distancing. Everything was very organised. To reduce the time in clinic they had reduced the processes I normally go through, keeping to essential eye test and scan. I was seen very quickly and within 45 minutes I was on my way home. I felt totally safe and won’t be anxious when I attend my next appointment in June.      

“A big thank you to all of the Moorfields staff for being there.”

If you have concerns about attending your appointment please give our Advice and Information service a call on 0300 3030 111.