Cataract Surgery Timeline — Knock Knock Immingham

12 May 2025

• Eye test at Specsavers (our sponsor).

• Diagnosed with cataracts.

• Referred to Newmedica for surgery.

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19 May 2025

• Went completely blind in both eyes, triggered by the sun.

• Managed to use enough foggy vision in the right eye to get the bus to Newmedica.

• Surgeon confirmed: “If you had left it any longer, you would have been blind for life in both eyes.”

• Emergency confirmed the urgency for surgery.

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26 June 2025 — First Surgery

• First cataract operation on the right eye.

• Routine 10-minute procedure.

• Successful recovery, no major issues.

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9 August 2025 — Second Surgery

• Second cataract operation on the left eye.

• Lasted 40 minutes instead of 10.

• Complications:

  • Phaco burn (burn to the cornea from ultrasound probe).

  • Corneal folds (wrinkling of the cornea, distorting vision).

  • Three stitches in the cornea to seal the wound → causing astigmatism.

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August – September 2025 — Recovery

• Ongoing complications: blurred vision, bent lines, difficulty reading/screens.

• Unable to work outside due to dust, wind, construction, and safety risks.

• Off sick since 9 August 2025.

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September 2025 — Blog + UC Journal

• Writing blog posts to explain complications:

  1. Phaco burn.

  2. Cornea folds.

  3. Stitches and astigmatism.

• Preparing professional summary for Universal Credit journal so DWP/Jobcentre understand the situation.

Support Raymond During Cataract Recovery

Raymond is a local Big Issue vendor recovering from cataract surgery with complications. While he heals he cannot sell on the streets and needs help to cover rent and appointments.

Every bit helps — donations keep Raymond housed and able to attend vital follow-up appointments. Thank you for your support. 🙏