Eye test saved my life says woman after eye removal surgery

On March 13, 2023, Jacqueline McGeough from Edenappa, outside Jonesborough, south Armagh, had blurred vision.

Her daughter suggested she go for an eye test – this revealed an abnormal retinal detachment.

Further investigations revealed a rare type of cancer that required the removal of Jacqueline’s left eye, which she believes saved her life.

“I was sent to the Mater Hospital in Belfast where my eye was checked and I was told they were 80 per cent sure there was a tumour,” she said.

“I had melanoma of eye carcinoma.”

There are thought to be around 880 cases of cancer in the UK each year, although it is believed that the prevalence could be higher in Ireland.

In a whirlwind six weeks following her diagnosis, Jacqueline had her left eye removed in Sheffield.

“I was told in Sheffield that if it leaked and got into the blood we would have bigger problems,” she said.

“So they scheduled me for surgery. I didn’t have time to think about anything but trying to save my life because if it goes to the liver…that’s it.”

“Well, you don’t get sad when you lose something. But you have to look at the other side.

“You lost an eye, but I hope I won my life.”

Jacqueline’s artificial eye was then made and fitted at the Shankill Wellbeing and Treatment Center in Belfast.

“Kerry in the center painted the eye, took a picture of my eye, a mold of my eye, and I think she matched it pretty well.

“You wouldn’t notice, but I do, obviously, because I can’t see. But when I look in the mirror I feel good.”

That said, Jacqueline admits that adjusting to life with one eye hasn’t been easy.

“Taking care of my eye is difficult. You have to take it out and clean it. I still don’t understand this.

“At first, if I poured the tea, I would miss the cup. I would throw up a lot and probably break a few cups.”

But as time went on, she became more confident in her circumstances.

Regular tests and monitoring continue, but for now he is back behind the wheel and working as a medical supervisor in County Louth.

She says family, friends and colleagues have played a key role in her recovery from a traumatic journey that began with a simple eye test, something she believes others need to be aware of.

“It’s really important that people are aware that this disease exists and it’s very dangerous – it’s life-threatening and you need to take care of your eyes and get them checked.”