The South Eastern HSC Trust team help James restore his vision
This World Sight Day, the South Eastern Trust is encouraging people to prioritise their eye health and have regular eye tests as part of the global ‘Love Your Eyes’ campaign.
74-year-old Bangor man James Robinson, has praised the expert care he received at from the Ulster Hospital’s Orthoptic Team when he developed double and blurred vision.
Having always attended his regular eye appointments, James explained how his symptoms came out of the blue in December 2025.
James was subsequently diagnosed with Myasthenia gravis, a rare, long-term autoimmune condition that causes muscle weakness, double vision and fatigue by blocking the chemical signals between your nerves and muscles.
A keen football fan, James detailed how his enjoyment of watching the sport was affected when it looked like, “There were about 40 players on the field instead of 11!”
James said: “I play golf and I could not see where I was going on the green. I was hitting the wrong balls and it affected my life. I could not drive and my wife was then having to drive me and pick me up. I could not take her anywhere.
“I was put on a course of tablets and had special lens on my glasses to help me to see. Since December last year my sight has got better and my treatment has been very good, the staff here have certainly helped me.”
For optimum eye and general good health, South Eastern Trust, Adult Lead Orthoptist, Katharine Hand stressed how important it is to have regular eye tests.
Katharine added: “The official theme for World Sight Day this year is ‘Love Your Eyes’. Some people say that the eye is the window into your health and eye health can tell if you are Diabetic and if there are any underlying issues with your thyroid.
“We would encourage people who are experiencing any double vision to attend their local Optician who can refer to Orthoptics if needed.
“With patients such as James, there are lots of treatment we can give as well as specific exercises, the use of prism lenses which we can adjust as the patient’s condition improves.
“We would encourage regular eye tests and if a person feels any changes to their eyes, to attend their local Optometrist.”
