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PA U L S

E Y E

U N I T

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SPECIAL FREEDOM OF
THE CITY EDITION

Freedom of the City

marks New Era for St. Pauls Eye Unit
Liverpool's St. Pauls Eye Unit Clinical Director, Mr. Michael Briggs,
was admitted to the Freedom (pictured above) signed the Freedom
Roll of Associations and
register. He addressed the audience
Institutions of the City of
highlighting the work of the 250-strong
Liverpool at a special ceremony team and recognising the thousands of
in the Town Hall on 18th March. individuals who have contributed to St.
Pauls growth.
Over 250 guests comprising of staff past
and present, dignitaries, patients and
A series of moving and fascinating
supporters attended the event where speeches were met with huge rounds of
the Lord Mayor, Cllr Erica Kemp CBE, applause.
formally presented the Freedom Scroll
(continued over)
to St. Pauls.

Freedom of the City

Events: Full Report
Meet the Team
Looking Back: St. Pauls
140 year history
Look Now! Latest News
Looking Forward: The
New Appeal

Welcome
Welcome to this special
commemorative edition of the St.
Pauls Eye Unit Newsletter. 2015 is a
landmark year for the team. Being
awarded the Freedom of the City was
a tremendous accolade and the week
of events around the ceremony
represented a packed programme of
activity which generated support from
all over the world.

INSIDE

commemorative document that would

provide a more in-depth insight into
St. Pauls past, present and future. As
well as coverage of the Freedom of
the City events, we also feature
important news about our new appeal
and details of the groundbreaking
research being undertaken which will
transform the ways eye disease is
identified and treated in the future.

We hope you enjoy the contents.

This special edition has been produced
Thank you for your ongoing support.
after we received requests from so
many people for a
The St Pauls Eye Unit Team

This newsletter was produced by

part of

Freedom of the City marks New Era for

St. Pauls Eye Unit..... continued from page 1
These included a testimonial
delivered on behalf of Alderman and
former Lord Mayor of Liverpool,
Roger Johnston. Mr Johnston, a
former patient who had his sight
restored by St. Pauls, made the
nomination for Freedom of the City
and his son Andy shared his message.

What Colour is the Wind Daddy

was a song about the experience of
sight loss from a young childs
perspective.

Sister Wendy Lee is the Patient

Counsellor of St. Pauls. She talked
about her role working with patients
who are coming to terms with sight
Another patient, fifteen year old Tom loss and the practical issues they
Herron then took to the stage to talk face. Her warmth and empathy was
about his extraordinary experience.
greatly appreciated by the audience.
Toms story has since been featured
(You can read more about Wendy on
in the Liverpool Echo and his
page 12).
inspirational delivery was widely
commented upon by guests. (You can The formalities reflected the ancient
read more about Tom on page 7).
traditions around the Freedom of the
City origins which date back to the
A fascinating insight into St. Pauls was 13th century. The proceedings were
provided by Mr Alan Patterson who
mesmerising and, for the vast
retired as an ophthalmic surgeon in
majority of guests, it was a rare and
2000 after thirty-three years service memorable experience to witness
as a consultant. Mr Pattersons witty, the granting of the highest honour
incisive and colourful anecdotes were the City can bestow.
warmly received by the audience.
Professor Simon Harding, Chair
A musical interlude followed with a
Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology,
spectacular rendition by musical
Department of Eye and Vision
theatre singing sensation Freya
Science, University of Liverpool and
Sutton. Freya volunteered to perform St. Pauls Eye Unit delivered the
at the event in support of St. Pauls.
official response on behalf of St.
Her version of Charlie Lansboroughs Pauls.

He said: We are thrilled with this

tremendous honour. We have set
ambitious objectives for the next 20
years and this award gives us huge
encouragement to deliver them.
Professor Harding also paid tribute
to the local community and
acknowledged the value of the close
partnership between the University
of Liverpool and NHS teams. He
concluded: On behalf of my clinical
and research colleagues past and
present, our patients and
supporters, I would like to express
my sincere thanks and appreciation
to the City of Liverpool for so
graciously admitting St. Pauls Eye
Unit to the Freedom Roll of
Associations and Institutions.
Former Lord Mayor, Cllr Erica Kemp
said: St. Pauls forms an important
part of the fabric of our City's health
heritage. Its consistent, long-standing
reputation for world class excellence
in both care and research deserves
to be promoted and recognised. I am
delighted that St. Pauls has been
awarded Freedom of the City
status.

Eyes Revealed at Liverpool Town Hall

As part of the events
marking the Freedom of the
City St. Pauls joined forces
with the University of
Liverpools Department of
Eye and Vision Science to
host an exhibition exploring
the human eye.
Eyes Revealed drew crowds to
Liverpool Town Hall with members
of the public queuing to experience
a huge range of interactive
demonstrations. These were
designed to showcase the workings
of the eye and enable people to
learn about current and future
treatments and diagnoses of eye
disease.
The team of doctors and scientists
talked to visitors about the latest
technologies and techniques being
used to identify and treat eye
conditions.
On display was some of the very
latest equipment being used in eye
research and the diagnosis of eye
disease.Visitors of all ages were also
invited to dissect eyes. Not
everyone volunteered but the Chief
Executive of the Royal Liverpool
University Hospital Aidan Kehoe

was one of the first

to try his hand!
Support from local
organisations such as
Bradbury Fields
meant that there
were also stands
available where
members of the
public could access
advice on services
for blind and partially
sighted people.
CHAIR O F THE ROYAL , BIL L G RIF F ITHS &
The staging and
CEO, AIDAN K EHOE,
management of the
TRY THEIR HAND AT DISSEC TION
exhibition was put
together by Dr.
Victoria Kearns of the
we wanted to host an event
Department of Eye and Vision
specifically for members of the
Science. She said: It was a fantastic
public to allow people to discover
turnout and a rare opportunity for
more about the eye, meet the team
people of all ages and backgrounds
and see first-hand some of the
to explore the world of
ground-breaking work performed
ophthalmology in a unique
here. The DEVS team at the
environment. The feedback we had
University of Liverpool put a huge
was phenomenal.
amount into the event and we were
all delighted it was such a success.
Professor Simon Harding said: St.
Pauls has always had a huge amount A special guest lecture all about the
of support from the local
workings and wonder of the human
community and, as part of our
eye was given by Professor Ian
Freedom of the City programme,
Grierson.

Lord Mayor sees first hand Impact of Care

The Lord Mayor visited St.
Pauls Eye Unit before the
Freedom of the City award
and met Margaret Lunt, 83,
of Kirkby.

Margaret discovered in 1996 she

had age related macular
degeneration (AMD) - a condition
which normally leads to blindness.
A pilot research study for
Photo Dynamic Therapy
(PDT) was about to start
and Margaret immediately
volunteered to be included.
Margaret said: I had
nothing to lose because at
that time there was simply
no treatment for AMD.

L O R D M AYO R , C L L R E R I C A K E M P C B E ,
ME ETS PATIENT MA R G ARET L UNT

During the trial, Margaret

had to attend the hospital
every month for two years
as well as appointments in
the Aberdeen eye clinic, in
Scotland.

The results eventually led to the

prescription medicine Lucentis being
introduced which saved Margarets
vision. This made it possible for her
to live an independent life with her
little Westie dog, Harry.
Margaret added: The treatment was
marvellous. I am so grateful because
it has meant Ive been able to live by
myself without having to be
dependent on others.
The Lord Mayor, Erica Kemp CBE,
added: Visiting St Pauls Eye Unit
was a real eye opener in more ways
than one! The advancement in
treatment and technology is
incredible. I can see why so many
eye experts move to Liverpool to be
part of this centre of excellence.

Raising Funds to Transform the Treatment

and Care of Eye Disease
There are currently almost
two million people in the UK
living with sight loss. By
2050, the number of people
with sight loss in the UK is
thought to double to nearly
four million.
St. Paul's Eye Unit is launching a new
appeal to raise 1.7million. This will
help us:

detect disease at a much

earlier stage;
enable a diagnosis to be
given with much more
accuracy and confidence;
increase the range and
effectiveness of treatments
available;
save the sight of as many
people as possible
worldwide.
Throughout the 20th century the
treatment for eye disease advanced
dramatically. St Pauls has not only

kept pace with these

developments but has
often been a pioneer of
new treatments. This has
been largely due to a
major expansion of
research activity and
specialisation which was
triggered by the
establishment in 1992 of
The Foundation for the
Prevention of Blindness
to develop academic
ophthalmology in
Liverpool.
The aim of the
Foundation for the
Prevention of Blindness
is to develop or pump
prime new research
initiatives leading to
the introduction of
THE ROYAL L IVERPO O L UNIV ERSIT Y
successful clinical
HO SPITAL WIL L BE HO ME TO THE NEW
treatments for those
CL INIC AL EYE RESEARC H C ENT RE
affected by sight loss.
Two key steps in this
opened in 2005 and is now one of
development have been the
the premier centres for clinical
commissioning of the
research in Europe, raising the
Clinical Eye Research
profile of Liverpool and bringing
Centre, a 1.9 million
many international scientists to
state-of-the-art facility
Merseyside.
created to develop new
therapies and translate
Important new treatments have
them into routine clinical
been developed in age-related
service, and the
macular degeneration, eye cancers,
establishment of the
diabetic retinopathy and corneal
Department of Eye and
disease, amongst many others. In
Vision Science in the
Liverpool, patients frequently
University of Liverpool.
experience new treatments and
The existing Clinical
procedures many months or years
Eye Research Centre
earlier than elsewhere in Europe.

We need to be ready by
2017 to ensure our
pioneering developments
can be delivered to those
affected by eye disease

St. Pauls Eye Unit will move into a

new Royal Liverpool University
Hospital in 2017. This coincides with
the creation of exciting new facilities
and laboratories for the Department
of Eye and Vision Science and a Bioinnovation Centre, both in adjacent
buildings. St. Paul's will be able to
capitalise on recent successes in
clinical ophthalmology and
breakthroughs in biology and
engineering technologies. The clinical
and non-clinical scientists will deliver
groundbreaking developments in eye
care and shape the way we detect,
diagnose and treat eye disease over
the next 20 years.

relevant to ophthalmology allowing

us to predict disease development
and influence patient decisions about
lifestyle choices or to tailor medical
practice to an individual.
Our partnership with the University
of Liverpool's Department of Eye
and Vision Science and collaboration
with other leading research
institutions has led to us identifying
the most urgent areas of research
which will have the most significant
impact on the identification and
treatment of eye disease.

The 2015 St Paul's Eye Unit Appeal is

our most important yet. The
We need funding for staff and
successful securing of our target
equipment to create a new,
funding will enable us to deliver the
groundbreaking Technological and
most far reaching and significant
Procedure Development Unit which research developments ever
will focus on utilising technology to
undertaken. We need your help to do
pioneer new preventative procedures this. To find out more about ways you
which prevent eye disease becoming can support the appeal please
chronic.
contact:
Technology has already transformed
our work in bringing together
engineering, cell technologies,
computer science, imaging and
optics. Advances in genomics and
molecular therapies are also changing
how we think about diseases in
terms of treatment. The study of the
complete genetic sequence of
individuals allows us to target the
causes of disease and treat and
prevent eye diseases at an earlier
stage or develop new treatments for
previously untreatable conditions.
Genomic medicine is particularly

PATIENT C ARE ALWAYS

CO MES F IRST AT
S T. PAULS EYE UN IT

WE ARE WO RKING NOW

TO DISCOVER NEW WAYS
TO TACKL E EYE DISEA SE
FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS

Heather Sutton
St Paul's Eye Appeal
St Paul's Eye Unit
Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Prescot Street
Liverpool
L7 8XP
0151 706 4291
heather.sutton@rlbuht.nhs.uk

WE EMBRAC E THE L AT EST

TECHNO L O G IES TO DETECT
AND TREAT DIS EASE

Registered charity number: 1047988

THE NEW C L INIC AL EYE

RESEARCH CENTRE IN THE
NEW HOSPITAL WILL HELP
US PREVENT MO RE PEO PL E
L O S E THEIR SIG HT

LIOSS puts St. Pauls Eye Unit on

the Worlds Stage.
During the Freedom of the
City Week, St. Pauls Eye
Unit joined forces with the
University of Liverpools
Department of Eye and
Vision Science to stage the
first ever Liverpool
International Ophthalmic
Scientific Symposium
(LIOSS).
Delegates visited Liverpool from all
over the world and a packed
conference programme attracted
leading scientists and clinicians to
share a dynamic professional and
educational experience.
The event was held in St. Georges
Hall and it also marked the
retirement of Professor Ian
Grierson highlighting his great
contributions to research in the
fields of glaucoma and macular
pathology. Professor Grierson was
the first Professor of
Ophthalmology in Liverpool,

generously supported by
Littlewoods, and he established
the academic unit in 1992.
Miss Clare Rogers, Consultant
Ophthalmologist (with a
special interest in Glaucoma)
managed the entire event. She
said: LIOSS attracted worldleading figures in
ophthalmology to Liverpool
and we were delighted to see
such a strong level of
international support.
L I O S S AT S T. G E O R G E S H A L L

The event served as a

powerful platform allowing us
to forge and reinforce links with
important research institutions and
individuals. We are looking forward
to building on these relationships
and seeing them translate into
significant developments in the
treatment of eye disease."
Feedback from the event
demonstrated that it had been a

great success with delegates

reporting that the programme was
engaging and inspired. Many
attendees from further afield had
travelled to Liverpool for the first
time.
St. Pauls staff were delighted to
welcome the delegation and enable
guests to experience the Citys
culture and vibrancy.

St. Pauls Staff

Overwhelmed to Win
Staff at St. Pauls received
another prestigious accolade
this month. The team was
presented with The Peoples
Choice Award at the Make a
Difference Awards on Friday
26th June.
The annual ceremony is designed to
recognise the achievements, hard
work and commitment of staff based
in the Royal Liverpool University
Hospital.
Having been awarded the Freedom of
the City status for its longstanding
delivery of excellence in clinical care
and patient-focused approach, St.
Pauls was nominated for the BBC
Radio Merseyside Peoples Choice

Award for its

outstanding
work in tackling
blindness.
Around 600
guests attended
the glittering
awards evening
ST. PAU LS S TAFF AT THE AWARDS CEREM ONY
at the BT
Convention Centre, hosted by BBC matter most our patients, their
Radio Merseyside presenter Roger
family and friends. We are
Phillips.
immensely proud of the quality of
care provided to our patients. This
Clinical Director, Mr. Michael
recognition is a tremendous
Briggs, accepted the award on
reflection of the talent, dedication
behalf of all St. Pauls staff. He said:
and commitment of all our staff
What makes this award so
who work so hard providing first
important to us is that it has been
class ophthalmic services to
voted for by the people who
thousands of patients each year.

Toms Story....
Fifteen year old Tom Herron
captivated the audience at
the St. Pauls Eye Unit
Freedom of the City
Ceremony when he shared
his experience as a patient of
St. Pauls. Here is his story.
Last year, Tom went on a camping
trip with his best friend and his
family. He had never been camping
before and was thoroughly looking
forward to the weekend.
On the first night, Tom and his
friends were enjoying the warmth of
a bonfire. Then, nestling amongst the
flames, Tom noticed a full wine
bottle. There was a little baby
playing nearby. Alarmed, he decided
to put some gloves on and try and
take the bottle out quickly in case it
exploded.
But just a few seconds later, whilst
Tom was holding the bottle, there
was a huge bang. The glass shattered
suddenly with great force directly
into Toms left eye. He was then
rushed by ambulance to the nearest
A&E where he phoned his mother
explaining calmly that there had
been an accident. Tom was then
taken to Alder Hey

TO M SPEAKING AT TH E
FREEDOM CEREMONY

Childrens Hospital. On arrival the

pain started to become severe. He
was given morphine and underwent
a CAT scan before being placed
into the intensive care burns unit.
At that point - a gentleman now
referred to by Toms mother as
the knight in shining armour appeared by his bed.
That gentleman was Mr Sajjad
Ahmad, Consultant
Ophthalmologist at St. Pauls Eye
Unit. Tom was bandaged up so
couldnt see him but his calm, kind
voice was all Tom needed to hear.
Mr Ahmad told the family that he
needed to operate. He said he
didnt know if he could save the eye
but promised that he and his team
would do their absolute best to try.
Tom was then taken to St Pauls Eye
Unit at 7am on Easter Sunday for
the operation. Mr Ahmad worked
on the front of the eye whilst
another St Pauls Consultant
Ophthalmologist, Mr Ian Pearce,
worked on the back.
Tom said: When we arrived we
couldnt believe how many staff
were there to greet us at that time
of the morning on a bank holiday.
But the thing that stood out the
most was just how friendly and
cheerful they all were. There were
secretaries, lab technicians and
nurses all buzzing around the place
joking that they were all missing out
on their Easter Sunday dinner
because of me. I will never forget
that atmosphere and what a sense
of humour they all had. Liverpool
people at their best. I still feel sorry
for everyone who didnt get their
roast that day.
The operation took six hours.
When Tom came around in the
recovery room he was surrounded
by his family and they were given
the news that the team had
managed to save the injured eye.

TO M W I T H G I R L F R I E N D, E L L

Tom added: We couldnt believe it. I

cant really tell you what it felt like.
At that stage I didnt think about
ever regaining my sight in that eye
but it was enough for me to know it
had been saved.
For the next month - Tom was in
and out of the hospital every day.
Six months later he underwent a
second operation. Then, after having
a special type of lens fitted, for the
first time in nearly a year he was
able to see shapes and outlines with
his left eye.
Mr Ahmad and Mr Pearce are
continuing to treat Tom and a
further operation has just been
undertaken successfully.
Tom says: I am prepared for
whatever procedures they want me
to undertake because I have total
trust in the truly remarkable team
and, after a tough year, I now feel
100% confident about the future.
Its hard to sum up in one word
how I would describe the team but I
suppose the nearest is probably just
AMAZING! I would like to say a
massive thank you to all the staff
who cared for me.
Toms story was featured in the
Liverpool Echo. His courage has proved
an inspiration to many.

Looking Back.....
The Freedom of the City Ceremony
highlighted St. Pauls long and illustrious
history. Not many people knew that St.
Pauls origins date back to 1871. Since then,
St. Pauls continued to grow, delivering vital
services throughout two world wars and
developing new and pioneering treatments
which are benefiting people all over the
world today.
The landmarks detailed below provide a fascinating
insight into how life for both patients and healthcare
professionals has changed over the last 144 years
In 1871 St. Pauls Eye and Ear Infirmary was founded
by George Walker as a private charity to provide relief
to the poor of Liverpool.
THE O L D ST. PAUL S O N O L D HAL L S TREET

The charity quickly became recognised as providing

a vital service and, on 24th June 1872, a meeting
with important Liverpool citizens was held to place the private charity on a public basis.

On October 1st 1872 the Earl of Derby agreed to become Patron of the Hospital and present an annual
subscription of two guineas. Approval was also given for the first nurse at the munificent salary of 1 a month.
In 1907 a ward was opened for newly born babies and their mothers for the prompt treatment of ophthalmia
neonatorum.
In February 1909 St. Pauls founder, George Walker died. The Liverpool Courier reported, He saw the hospital
grow from its small beginning to its present position as one of the most notable institutions of its kind in the
country.
The 17th Earl of Derby laid the foundation stone of the new building on the 20th July 1910.
On 24th September 1916 the son of George Walker, ophthalmic surgeon, Lt. Col Nimmo Walker was killed at
the front to the great sadness of the entire staff of St. Pauls.
When War broke out in 1939 the outpatients department moved to
Childwall while the Royal Navy used the in-patients accommodation at Old
Hall Street for the wounded.
In 1947 the hospital became part of The United Liverpool Hospitals, part of
the newly formed NHS. The hospital had to recruit ophthalmic opticians to
cope with the demand for free spectacles.
St. Pauls became a training school for ophthalmology students in 1952.
In 1957 a new pathology suite was built and the twin theatres
were upgraded. A new outpatient department opened in 1968
and the following year the first Ophthalmic Community Nurse
was appointed and the new Day Case Unit opened.

ST. PAU L S NUR SES IN 1971

During the 1980s specialisation within ophthalmology developed rapidly in

line with developments in technology and drugs and over 50% of outpatient
attendances were from outside Liverpool. The now common procedure of
insertion of an intraocular lens in cataract surgery was introduced.

Numbers of repairs of corneal wounds caused by windscreen

lacerations during road traffic accidents reduced by over 90% when
wearing seatbelts became compulsory in 1982.
At this time, St. Pauls saw the introduction of Nurse Practitioners.
This was a major development and St. Pauls was one of the leaders of
this initiative.
In 1988 the Royal Liverpool University Hospital NHS Trust was
created. This saw the opportunity for funded expansion in many areas.
The decision to close St. Pauls and redistribute services around the
city was resisted strongly by staff and patients initially. The concept
however, of a new, expanded department at the Royal Liverpool
University Hospital retaining the name and ethos of St. Pauls, was
then embraced. With the help of the Trust Board, plans were
developed to ensure a strong future.
The move in 1992 provided an opportunity to build links with
researchers from the University of Liverpool. Through a generous
donation from Littlewoods, a new academic Unit of Ophthalmology
was created within the Department of Medicine headed by the first
Professor of Ophthalmology, Ian Grierson. This enabled new and
innovative treatments of common eye diseases to be developed.

O L D H A L L S T R E E T W I T H S T.
PAUL S IN THE B ACKG RO UND

1992 also saw St. Pauls establish its charity, The Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness.
Shortly after the move, a new purpose built Primary Care Centre
was built. This brought waiting times down from 28 weeks to two
weeks.
In 1993 a regional ocular oncology service was established. This
developed to become the premier Ocular Oncology Department in
the UK seeing over two thirds of cases from England and Wales and
many from around Europe.
Research activity increased rapidly and, by 2003, between 800k and
2.5m of grants were secured each year.
NUMBER 6, ST. PAUL S S Q UA RE;
WHERE IT A LL BEGAN

In 2000 St. Pauls was awarded the highest NHS accolade, the
Charter Mark, in recognition of the high quality care to patients.

In 2001 research was organised into a Vision and Eye Disease Programme
and registered with the Department of Health.
On 20th October 2004 a new Clinical Eye Research Centre was
opened by the 19th Earl of Derby.
In 2010 the record of continuous successful research in St. Pauls and
the Unit of Ophthalmology was recognised with the award of full
departmental status by the University of Liverpool. The new Department
of Eye and Vision Science was created in the Institute of Ageing and
Chronic Disease, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences led by the first
clinical professor of ophthalmology in Liverpool, Simon Harding.
In 2015 St. Pauls is awarded Freedom of the City status and embarks
on a new programme of development set to transform the diagnosis
and treatment of eye disease over the next 20 years.

Meet the Team

Perhaps the strongest feedback generated by the Freedom of the City activity related to the quality of care
provided by St. Pauls and the unique characteristics of the staff themselves.
Our team comprises of doctors, nurses, optometrists, orthoptists, imagers, technicians, counsellors, support
workers, porters, clerks, secretaries, domestic staff and managers. All share the same values and commitment to
the provision of first class care and support to patients and their families.
Everyone plays a vital role in delivering the highest quality services to the 100,000 patients that come to us every
year.
We caught up with some of our colleagues to find out a bit more about them and ask what they think is so special
about working at St. Paul's.
Dr Amu Wang is an ophthalmic researcher working within St. Paul's and the
Department of Eye and Vision Science at the University of Liverpool. She is
currently working in a 30 strong team on a research project exploring
treatments for diabetes. Dr Wang is from Shanghai and now lives in Wirral,
Merseyside.
She says: It is crucial more is done in the area of diabetes. Over 170million
people are affected worldwide. This is predicted to rise to 366million by 2030
and more than three quarters of people who have had diabetes for over 20
years will develop eye disease as a result.
I am the project manager for a specific research programme which aims to
produce a new evidence based strategy for the prevention of diabetic
retinopathy. At the moment people with diabetes are offered eye screening on
an annual basis. We are looking at a new approach which involves specific
AMU WANG
screenings based on individual's level of risk and are exploring whether this will be cost effective, safe and practical
for the NHS to implement.
It's very rewarding working with a diverse team of professionals with complementary specialities who are all
committed to ensuring patients receive the very best treatment, support and care available. Diabetes affects
different parts of the body so collaboration with other medical departments is really important if we are to share
expertise and deliver best practice.
St. Paul's is a vibrant, stimulating place to work. Working with so many talented people from different back-grounds
-whether academic, clinical or administrative - means every day I learn something new.
Sajjad Ahmad is a consultant ophthalmologist at St Paul's. Originally from
Newcastle Upon Tyne, he now lives in Aigburth. Sajjad is currently performing
pioneering work in developing stem cell treatments for the cornea. One of his
treatments is now being used in clinical trials to treat patients with blinding
corneal diseases.
Sajjad says: The close collaboration between St. Paul's and the University of
Liverpool's Department of Eye and Vision Science is very important and we
are incredibly fortunate to have such a strong and effective working
relationship. It brings together the very best, world-leading resources to
progress vital work in eye research and the development of treatments.
SAJJAD AHMAD

It might sound like a clich but St. Paul's is very much like a family. There is
also a strong emphasis on mentoring which means there is always someone to approach for advice and allows
people of all stages in their career to access the support they need and benefit from the highest quality advice and
expertise.
Sajjad spent three months in the Maldives vaccinating children for UNICEF. Since joining St. Paul's his most
memorable experience was taking part in a blindfolded abseil from the top of the hospital helping to raise funds for
the Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness and promote awareness of sight loss.

Gillian is a medical ophthalmic photographer. Her work in the

ophthalmic imaging department focuses on the diagnosis of ocular
disease using the latest, most advanced high technology cameras which
can now capture digital images of the eye in ways previously unheard of.

GILLIAN LEWIS

Gillian says: What I love most about working in St. Paul's is getting to
know all the patients so well and the job satisfaction that comes from
knowing that I can make a real difference to them. Without ophthalmic
imaging so many eye and other physical diseases would not be diagnosed
and the techniques and technology we use mean we get a really accurate
picture of the structure of the eye and what is happening instantly. Going
into theatre to film my very first cataract operation was probably one of
my most memorable experiences here. Patients come from far and wide
to access the specialist expertise St. Paul's provides and no day is ever
the same so it's a fascinating working environment.

Gillian was born in Anfield and is the youngest of five. She got engaged completely by surprise when her husband
Dave proposed to her live on air during the Simon Ross Confessions show on Radio City. Gillian and her family
and friends have recently raised over 8,000 for Alder Hey's Make a Wish Foundation. The fund raising drive was in
recognition of the care Gillian's terminally ill daughter received from the team at Alder Hey which she described
as 'nothing less than fantastic'.

Jane Young is a senior orthoptist at St. Paul's. She is from Liverpool and
specialises in diagnosing, managing and treating problems with eye movement
and visual alignment.
Jane says: I think the camaraderie, the team spirit and, most importantly, the
patients make St. Paul's unique. I have a varied workload which I enjoy.
Assessing patients referred to us from lots of different hospital departments
means you never quite know what you'll see next. My job involves meeting all
sorts of people from all walks of life and every day is different. It's a fascinating
role and I love being part of such a great team.
In her spare time Jane completes Olympic distance triathlons and also enjoys
spending time with her colleagues at St. Paul's social events.

JANE YOUNG

Sabah Hassan is an optometrist. She is trained to examine the eyes to

detect defects in vision, signs of injury, ocular disease or abnormality. Sabah
is born and bred in Northern Ireland. She trained in London for four years
and now lives in Liverpool. Sabah says:
Working at St. Paul's is fantastic I really enjoy the patient interaction
and it's great to be able to meet so many fascinating people every day.
When I first joined, I didn't know a soul but the welcome I received was
incredible, everyone is so friendly here and I felt part of the team straight
away. My grandfather had bilateral retinal detachments which left him with
very poor vision during his later years. This experience enabled me to
empathise with patients and certainly influenced my decision to train as an
optometrist. I feel very privileged to be able to make a difference to a
SABAH HASSAN
patient's quality of life on a daily basis. I saw a patient recently who had just
been diagnosed with sight loss. They were, understandably, in a state of real despair but being able to provide
them with a relativity simple 'Low Vision Aid' literally transformed their outlook. Within half an hour I had given
them a device which would enable them to continue to perform day to day tasks that they had no longer thought
possible. Experiences like that make me feel very proud to be doing such a worthwhile job at St. Paul's.

Enhanced Counselling Service Making a Difference

When someone is told for
the first time that they will
lose their sight their
emotions can be a mixture of
shock, fear, grief, anger,
disbelief and hopelessness.
Worries about the
practicalities of day to day
living, coupled with worries
about the potential
implications on family also
cause

S R WEN DY LEE

many people a great deal of

emotional strain.
Thanks to donations from The Eye
Fund, St. Paul's was able to launch a
dedicated counselling service for the
first time. Ophthalmic Sister and
qualified counsellor, Wendy Lee,
explained to the Freedom guests
how patients are able to access
specialist one-to-one support and
also telephone advice.
Wendy says: The service has
made a huge difference to many
patients and take up is very high
which demonstrates how great
the demand is. Being able to
provide people with practical
help as well as the psychological
support to help them accept and
come to terms with their sight
loss is a really important role
which I feel privileged to be able
to perform.
Now, thanks to further
funding, the counselling service
has been extended for another
year and increased to two days
a week. This is fantastic news
and means many more patients

The Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness supports eye

research conducted between St. Pauls Eye Unit at the Royal
Liverpool University Hospital and the University of Liverpools
Department of Eye and Vision Science. Through the generosity
of our supporters, The Foundation helps specialist eye doctors
and research scientists to pioneer new eye treatments. The
more support we receive, the more we can do to prevent
blindness. Please support our new St Pauls Eye Appeal in any
way you can. To learn more about how you can help, please
visit our website or call us.
THANK YOU!

will be able to benefit.

The Eye Fund was set up in 2007 by
the Sherry family from Wirral. Simon
Sherry was diagnosed with Retinal
Cone Dystrophy in his early
thirties. A talented graphic designer
and musician, Simon was devastated
at the prospect of losing his sight
and, unable to cope with the
prognosis, he suffered severe
depression. He then stopped eating
and his health deteriorated rapidly.
Simon tragically died aged 38 from
heart failure and malnutrition.
Following his death his family began
to raise money to provide a
counselling service to provide
professional support for people.
Simon's mother Carol said: The
service St Paul's is now able to
provide is a potential lifeline for
many. I am delighted that we have
been able to raise the money
needed and hope that we can
continue to attract support and
secure the future of the counselling
service.
To access the counselling service
call 07747 476 589.

St. Pauls Eye Appeal

St. Pauls Eye Unit
Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Prescot Street
Liverpool L7 8XP
www.eyecharity.com
0151 706 4291
heather.sutton@rlbuht.nhs.uk