Every child deserves a happy childhood: Eva’s Story 

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.

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.

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. 

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.