A young girls playing with crafts at a table. Her mum is sat next to her play too.

Eva’s successful treatment at Moorfields transformed her life, enabling her to enjoy a normal childhood and inspiring her family to help other children. Now, they’re helping us raise money for a vital piece of equipment.

Holding back

Kirsty and Daniel had always been mindful of the issues their daughter, Eva, had with her eyes. Since she was three months old, they had regularly been taking her for tests and monitoring.

Unfortunately, what initially appeared to be relatively minor issues gradually worsened. By the time Eva was four, she had developed a cataract over her right eye and had a pronounced squint. Beyond their concerns for her sight, it was clear Eva’s condition was affecting her happiness and holding her back.

All Eva wanted to do was play with her friends, but she was too scared.

Kirsty, Eva’s mum

A visit to Moorfields

Having previously been treated locally, Kirsty and Daniel decided to bring Eva to Moorfields to receive the best care possible. 

At Moorfields they met Dr Lucy Barker, an ophthalmic surgeon in the amazing paediatric service at Moorfields City Road. Using state-of-the-art equipment, Lucy and her team operated on Eva to remove the cataract and help with her squint.

Surgery can be scary for anyone, let alone a young child. But thanks to Lucy and the rest of the amazing Moorfields staff, Eva felt comfortable.

Dr Lucy always makes me feel safe.

Eva

Dr Lucy Barker and Eva

A growing confidence

Thanks to the expertise of Lucy and her team, and their access to the latest medical equipment, the cataract removal was a success.

Since Eva’s surgeries, her condition has greatly improved, and she’s been able to do more of the things that make a happy childhood. 

She’s growing in confidence. She’s playing outside with friends and drawing again!

Kirsty, Eva’s mum

Eva and her family

Helping more children like Eva

Eva’s family are determined that every child can receive the kind of care she did. Kirsty has provided support and advice to other parents of Moorfields patients, and Eva’s story featured as part of a Moorfields Eye Charity appeal to bring the type of surgical microscope used on Eva to Moorfields at St George’s Hospital.

By equipping clinicians at Moorfields St George’s with this vital piece of equipment, more children like Eva can receive timely sight-saving surgery without the need for referrals to other facilities.

Having overcome uncertainty about her own future, Eva and her family now work to ensure other children can enjoy happy childhoods unhindered by sight loss.

Eva’s story is significant proof that what we do here at Moorfields can change everything for a child struggling with sight loss. Your support helps us make sure that every child we treat has the best chance at a happy life

Mr Lloyd Bender, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields St George’s