Michael Radcliffe has a new perspective on life, thanks to life-changing cataract surgery at Broadmeadows Hospital.

In 2021, Michael noticed his vision deteriorating and decided to visit a local optometrist, where it was confirmed, he had cataracts. Following on from this appointment, Michael was referred to a doctor and was put on a waiting list for cataract surgery.

Whilst on the waitlist, Michael’s quality of life was severely affected.

“I couldn’t see. I was falling over a lot so I would always try and control the fall – if I was going down, it would be with my hands, but sometimes I would just fall,” Michael said.

“It affected my mental health. I couldn’t help my wife at home, I couldn’t do a lot. My grandson was playing football, and I couldn’t watch him. He would get upset because I wasn’t there and I would tell him, ‘I can’t see.'”

Michael was on the waiting list for more than two years, before he was referred to Northern Health to have the life-changing surgery at Broadmeadows Hospital.

“Things progressed quickly at Northern Health,” Michael said.

“I have learned over the years that you have to push. And I pushed and I pushed before I was referred to Northern Health, and since then, Northern Health has been great.”

Since having surgery on his left eye in 2023, Michael noticed a significant difference to his quality of life and was able to slowly get back into doing things he loved. Michael has also been able to enjoy and appreciate the simple things in life, including watching his grandson grow up.

“It has been amazing. I cannot complain at all. My left eye has been done and once the right eye is done, I can get back into things. I want to do things with my hands, I was an electrician by trade, so I like to keep my hands busy.”

“My grandson is 10-years-old and his hair changes so many times. Before, I could see it, but I couldn’t appreciate it because the detail wasn’t there.”

“When I had the surgery, he started playing basketball. I went and watched his game, and he came up to me and hugged me because I was there. I am so happy. When my other eye is done, it’ll be 110 per cent better.”

Michael is now looking forward to having surgery on his second eye in early 2024.

“It is humbling to hear Michael’s story and his positive experience with Ophthalmology and Specialist Clinics as a whole,” said Lilian Akimana, ANUM/Clinical Lead Ophthalmology, Broadmeadows Hospital.

“Michael is an amputee who was facing vision impairment and was subsequently sustaining multiple falls due to his deteriorating sight along with having only one leg.”

“Michael regaining his sight post cataract surgery gave back his quality of life, reducing his risk of falls and allowing him to get back to the activities that mean the most. I would like to thank the Ophthalmology team and all staff members for their contribution to our patient’s journeys.”

Since the Ophthalmology department expanded to full time operations, staff have seen an increase in patients accessing their services on a daily basis. Staff have been able to process referrals promptly, book patients in, complete their diagnostic testing and prepare them for surgery in a timely fashion.

“I am very proud of our team, who have been receptive in embracing these changes resulting in positive experiences for our valued patients, such as Michael. Our team strives to continue working within Northern Health’s values of safe, kind and together,” Lilian said.

Featured image: Michael Radcliffe with members of the Ophthalmology department at Broadmeadows Hospital.