Julian Richards (JR): I had symptoms of sudden flashes in peripheral vision. Although concerning, this was very infrequent. An internet search led me to believe that this can be caused by floaters and was benign. A football sized dark area in vision two months later led me to suspect a more serious problem that needed an urgent visit to my optometrist.
JR: He found a detached retina, which would need urgent attention, and a taxi was booked to take me to the eye hospital straightaway.
JR: I felt quite calm during the referral. I felt reassured by the optometrist’s expertise and had a clear idea of the condition and likely prognosis. I had to have an urgent vitrectomy to re-attach the retina.
JR: Yes, I will not ignore any sight anomalies, even if they are relatively temporary, from now on. I will also have regular appointments to monitor my eye health.
“I am much more aware, mindful and appreciative of my eye health”
JR: I am much more aware, mindful and appreciative of my eye health. The experience has not had a major effect on my day to day life as my resulting vision is on a par with that previous to the detachment.
Don Williams (DW): The patient presented with an increase in floaters and flashes. It was a retinal detachment.
DW: My practice is equipped with various imaging devices and having these devices makes it very easy to show to patients what the issue is. It was no different in this case. The patient was referred to the hospital eye service straightaway.
DO YOU HAVE A CASE THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?DW: I called the patient later the same day and he mentioned that he was booked in the next day for retinal surgery. I also work at that same hospital on a sessional basis, so it was easy to follow the patient’s progress; with his consent, of course.
DW: 1.Listen to the patient’s symptoms
2. If it is a sight or life-threatening condition, act swiftly and also keep calm. The last thing any practitioners want to happen is to add to the anxiety. The more cases a practitioner is exposed to, the easier the management
3. Try and follow the patient’s progress. Show empathy and interest in their care. A follow up phone call is a good idea. 
