Mr Gokulan Ratnarajan

at Queen Victoria Hospital

From an early age I have been short sighted and this, along with a family history of glaucoma, meant that my eyes were checked regularly. Over time, my sight deteriorated and my eye pressure increased. Cataracts formed in both eyes and in my mid 60s, the optician informed me that my sight was just about good enough to drive legally, although I had already given up night time driving due to being unable to cope with glare from oncoming car lights. On the recommendation of my optician, I met with Gok Ratnarajan to discuss possible treatment for both glaucoma and cataracts. Various tests were carried out and, on assessing the results, he outlined a number of options available which could help with my sight and longer term, with helping to reduce eye pressure. This involved inserting stents in both eyes to help with relieving pressure and a selection of different lens available when the cataracts were removed. These options were outlined in a clear way, detailing benefits and any potential side effects. At the end of this discussion, I agreed with the insertion of stents and chose toric lens. About a month later, surgery was completed on my left eye and six days later on my right. Although I knew my eyes were not great, I really hadn’t appreciated how much difference new lens and removing the cataracts would make. From the moment I left hospital following the first operation, the difference in my eyesight was immediately evident. It was as if a net curtain had been drawn back. I could easily read car number plates from a distance. Car lights were no longer dazzling and watching the scenery as we drove home, the colours were wonderfully clear. Living by the sea, it was a delight to be able to pick out sea birds skimming across the waves, something which I would have struggled to make out pre surgery. Admittedly it was a bit strange living without glasses after more than 60 years wearing them, but adjusting didn’t take long. I could use the computer without squinting to make out the screen and a cheap pair of reading glasses sufficed short term until my eyes settled down sufficiently for prescription glasses to be obtained. Perhaps most noticeable of all, I wasn’t constantly squinting over, through, round my glasses, struggling to make out details on TV or intricacies when constructing/painting model kits, which is incredibly frustrating. Everything became clearer. I knew exactly what to expect from my eyes. Distance/middle distance work did not necessitate the use of glasses. It was only close work that required help. It is almost impossible to explain the relief of trusting exactly what your eyes can do. Nearly six months on from surgery, both eyes have settled down and I am delighted with my day-to-day vision. Pressure has reduced slightly in both eyes. Prescription glasses have been selected for close work. Apart from being delighted with my vision, I am very grateful to Gok and his team for their professionalism and help in challenging times.

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Written by a NHS patient at Queen Victoria Hospital

I consider myself truly fortunate to be under the care of Mr Gok Ratnarajan. From the moment I first met him in the Corneo Plastic Clinic I felt so comfortable with his easy manner whilst he explained to me, the situation with my eye health. I had been with another Clinic for a few years, which no longer practiced and had to find an alternative hospital clinic to help me find the way forward with my Glaucoma and worsening cataracts. It felt like a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders to hear everything Mr Ratnarajan was explaining to me in such an easy to understand way. I had and felt total confidence in what would eventually have to take place. Mr Ratnarajan has definitely got empathy - he is very kind, and is so dedicated to his work, I would say, passionate about it. He's extremely professional and totally efficient. I have recently had combined cataract and glaucoma surgery which involved stents being inserted into my eyes and cataracts removed. I thought I could never go through with it without a general anaesthetic - but with Mr Ratnarajan's reassuring explanation of what would take place, I - over a period of months, finally decided to go ahead with the operations (separately of course) - when the time came, and having a local anaesthetic. There was absolutely nothing to worry about and it is a short procedure. Recovery is not long at all, and the improvement to my sight is incredible - so much better than when I was a teenager - without glasses! I am now 75 - and it has changed my life really.. I owe my grateful thanks to the amazing surgeons doctors and nurses who were involved with both my operations and also the laser treatment pre surgery - to help prevent further drainage issues - I'm so pleased to have had that which Mr Ratnarajan performed around 18 months ago. I had wonderful care, not only during my surgeries, but before and following. Both teams at the Queen Victoria Hospital and the McIndoe Centre were so helpful and encouraging making sure I was comfortable and OK. Very impressive attention to all details in the Theatres - and at every test before reaching the operation table... Special thanks also to Dr Natalia Maes and Dr. Khan - I very much appreciated your expertise - thank you so much. I could not ask for more. Thank you so much, I am so happy to be at the Queen Victoria for this very special and ongoing care. Mr Ratnarajan - thank you for all you do, for the enormous difference you make to patients' lives.

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Written by a patient at Queen Victoria Hospital

Mr Ratnarajan operated in Novembe 2020 to extract and replace cataracts in both my eyes at the McKindoe Centre, East Grinstead. All rooms were bright, modern and tidy. The staff, without exception, were all attentive and wonderfully patient, and incidentally in uniform with clear name badges. In theatre all equipment was stowed neatly under sterile covers. All the nurses were careful and kind and stayed within theatre when wearing sterile garments.They marked, checked, rechecked and rechecked the operation site and recited their intentions. Otherwise apart from a gentle reassuring commentary by the surgeon, there was no talking in theatre. All as it should be, but only seen after deciding to proceed with the operation, which was painless and without later complications. I did not realize how poor my eyesight had been and was astonished at how bright and clear everything had become afterwards, which is all that matters. I am hugely grateful to Mr Rajnarajan, not only for his remarkable skill, and courtesy of wearing a suit when not operating, but particularly for his detailed explanations before admission, and and also for sending copies of all relevant letters and history. This is totally unique in my experience of healthcare, the proper thing to do, and was a great help in giving me a positive and less anxious attitude to the surgical procedures. I offer my thanks to everyone in the team. It was a pleasure to meet Mr Rajnarajan and all in the team at the McKindoe centre.

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Written by a patient at Queen Victoria Hospital

I saw a number of consultants in several different clinics during the twenty or so years since I was diagnosed with glaucoma. The message never changed: keep taking the eye drops and hope for the best. Then, quite by chance, I found myself in another clinic where I was given a very different message. Gok Ratnarajan said he could remove my cataracts, which I didn't know I had, and implant iStents to help lower the eye pressure. As I am one of those people who avert their gaze at the sight of blood, wounds and needles, and has never had an operation in his life, it surprised everyone that I had no qualms about having the procedure. I was told by the hospital staff that I was remarkably relaxed before the second eye operation. In fact I fell asleep while I was waiting. In a strange way I quite enjoyed the experience and almost wished that I had a third eye requiring treatment. The reason for my tranquility was that I had total confidence in Gok Ratnarajan. I just knew that everything would be fine. It's more than fine: it's wonderful! At the age of 73, for the first time in my life, I can drive without glasses or contact lenses. The world is brighter. My outlook on life is brighter. I can see colours as they should be seen. Every day I hold my smoked-glass coffee mug up to the light and marvel at the brilliance of all the red-tinted reflections that simply weren't there previously. And I can stop worrying that the dreaded glaucoma is going to clobber my vision any time soon. I've had a quite a few exciting experiences in my life. This was yet another one. And now I'm looking forward to many, many more. Thank you Gok.

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Written by a patient at The Mcindoe Centre

I had my first consultation with Mr Ratnarajan in March and subsequently had two cataract repairs. I was a little apprehensive at first as no likes someone poking around in your eye. After very thorough testing followed by an in depth explanation of the current situation and what he intended to do, I immediately felt relaxed and in good hands. I am a nurse so that takes some doing1 Both procedures went smoothly with no complications. Recuperation went well with just a bit of blurred vision. The staff at the McIndoe were most helpful and pleasant.

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