'We'll be able to see the way we used to': Cork's 'cataract express' makes 150th trip to Belfast

Sarah Horgan talks to patients going to the North for eye ops under the Cross Border Directive

A bus service dubbed the “cataract express” embarked on its 150th journey to Belfast on Saturday morning in a milestone trip for the passengers aboard who are all hoping for life-changing medical procedures.

The so-called Belfast or Blind bus was the brainchild of Independent TDs Michael Collins and Danny Healy Rae and made its maiden journey in 2017.

Since then, the initiative has helped to remove thousands of people from the waiting list who were in desperate need of cataract surgery. Many of the passengers were aged between 75 and 99 had been slowly going blind.

Some 24 passengers boarded the bus in Bishopstown, Cork, at 10am on Saturday for the trip to Belfast to be treated at the Kingsbridge Private Hospital. The cataract surgeries are made possible under the Cross Border Directive which facilitates healthcare in other EU and European Economic Area states.

Kathleen and her husband Don Payne, from Drimoleague, were among the Belfast-bound passengers availing of the service.  

Kathleen had previously travelled with Don to provide moral support when he was having treatment. Now, he is returning the favour by joining her on this latest trip.

He hopes Saturday’s surgery can mark a turning point in both their lives following years of poor vision.

“Joining Don on the last trip was a lovely experience,” Kathleen said.

Don and Kathleen Payne from Drimoleague setting off on Saturday on the 150th Belfast or Blind bus trip to Belfast. Picture: David Creedon

“He had one eye done already so he was able to reassure other people travelling who were nervous about the treatment. He told them that it only took between 10 and 20 minutes and there was nothing to it. We watched out for these people and cheered when their operations were over and they were able to return home.”

She praised the staff of Kingsbridge Private Hospital staff for how helpful they were.

“At one point I asked if there was any chance of a sandwich after explaining that we had been on the road all day. The lady said ‘oh, I’ll ask’ only to return with a huge plate filled with sandwiches. I really appreciated the trouble they went to.”

She also joked about what life will be like after the surgery. 

“When I got the first eye done I commented that the radiator looked a bit dirty so Don’s probably afraid I’ll be going around spotting all the dust that I couldn’t see before.”

Eileen Lehane from Mallow and Marie Larsen from Ballincollig. Picture: David Creedon

Don said that, if left untreated, the cataracts would have put a halt to their independence.

“In our village you can get a bus every hour up to lunchtime. After that, it’s every two hours. If we didn’t drive we would definitely be stuck here,” he said.

The 87-year-old hopes his wife can experience the same happiness he enjoyed post-surgery.

“I had sight before but it was very blurry. I just thought this was part of getting older until I had the operation. The feeling I had afterwards was like being born again. Everything was sharper. The colours were more vibrant and how they were supposed to be. The clarity is fantastic which means my driving is perfect.”

He said they are looking forward to new adventures after the surgery.

“After this one, she will be perfect. Kathleen and I are going on holiday to Portugal at the end of the month and we will be able to see the way we used to in the old days. I’ll be able to look at Kathleen and think ‘here she is looking as young as ever’.”

More than 40,000 people were waiting for eye surgery across Cork City and county this time last year. Socialist Party TD Mick Barry who raised the issue in the Dáil said the waiting lists are “outrageous.” One of his elderly constituents was told he would have to wait eight years for surgery. His appointment was scheduled for July, 2031.

 

Independent TD Michael Collins said that not much has changed since they started the Belfast or Blind project.

“There is no doubt that these waiting lists come down to mismanagement by the HSE who have no ability to deliver for ordinary people,” Mr Collins said.

“People are going blind on these waiting lists, leading to lots of other issues. A loss of vision means people are much more prone to falls and a loss of independence.

“I had people telling me they were going blind but had no choice but to wait. They could no longer look out their windows and passed their time instead sitting in a chair crying.”

Patricia and JJ O'Donovan from Bantry making the trip to Belfast. Picture: David Creedon

He described the 150th journey as a cause for celebration.

“There will definitely be a little bit of celebration before the bus arrives. We might even crack open some champagne. Not many believed we would make it this far but once we got over the hump of accepting that this was never going to happen with the HSE, things moved very quickly.”

He praised the initiative for bringing people together.

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“We had friends reunite after 25 years after meeting on the bus. Some people were nervous on the way up and singing on the way back. They are much more relaxed when the procedure is over.

“On some occasions, you’d even see the odd squeeze box or musical instrument being played on the bus. People are so happy just to be together and discussing how well everything went.”

This article was first published on Sunday, April 14, 2024.