Eye clinic saved ex-army medic’s life

AN appointment at an eye clinic saved the life of an 82-year-old man from Teesside, he says.

- By KIRSTIE MCCRUM

Jack Stimson, 82, was fitted with a lifesaving pacemaker after low blood pressure and heart rate readings were picked up. Jack was having pre-surgery assessments at Newmedica Middlesbrough before cataract and oculoplastic surgery.

But he was advised to see his GP urgently following the low readings.

Jack went on to undergo the NHS-funded surgery to correct his vision after cataracts had formed in both eyes, alongside surgery on his eyelids. He was subsequently fitted with a pacemaker.

Former army medic Jack said: “My optician advised me that I required cataract surgery and I chose to be referred to Newmedica. I had no idea at that point that they would not only save my vision from deteriorating further, but also my life.

“Sarah Garrens had taken my readings and urged me to see my GP as soon as I could and I was put on the waiting list to be fitted with a pacemaker. I later had the opportunity to see Sarah again and thank her for saving my life.