Scotland is the home of golf. Golfing parlance infiltrates all walks of life here, including eye hospitals. It seems that my personal opinion on my compatriot Rory McIlroy’s completion of the golfing career grand slam is much more important to many in my clinics rather than their corneal conditions (if you must know, I’m delighted his burden has lifted, but he should have just focused on the game, not politics).
Commonly, patients like to announce their biggest concern regarding their cataract is the detrimental effect it has had on their driving… “and I don’t mean the car, laddie!” Others state with great disappointment that they can no longer see their ball in mid-flight against grey skies – “I just hit it and it disappears” – to which I can never resist mildly retorting, “there’s no need to boast!” Such banter in the clinic goes a long way to ensure positive relationships between doctor and patient, with common ground identified and a sense of camaraderie.
Separately, I’ve always been intrigued by what patients remember and perceive of their eye surgery. The second eye is always felt to be different, with “You never did that last time; that took much longer, etc.” often heard, even if identical from the surgeon’s perspective. I recently struggled to respond when a small pupil cataract patient announced, “That must have been tough doc, as you needed a mulligan…” In my confusion, I asked him to repeat his comment. He explained that a ‘mulligan’ in golf is when you get a second go at your shot (a ‘gimmie’), like I had apparently required during his procedure. I reassured him all went well, but he insisted that was what he heard. Nonplussed, I checked the clinical records to demonstrate that even though he had a small pupil, everything was uneventful. However, it was only by checking the operation note did I realise that I must have said, “I’ll be needing a Malyugin for this one…!” (try saying it with an NI accent!).
In this edition of Eye News, there are no such communication issues. A collaborative approach to eyecare is exemplified in Bernadetha Shilio's overview of the DR-NET National DR Workshop in Tanzania, Rod McNeil provides a scientific deep dive into the recent Royal College's Retina Day, and case reports, trainee articles and book reviews provide direction to help the reader plot their way round their course.
Like golfers, a positive state of mind is essential. Matthew Hartley shares thoughts on mindfulnes in cataract surgery and Peter Cackett takes us on a fond, yet cautionary trip down memory lane. A wide range of eye society conference reports encourage us all to keep aware of the field, with another imaging supplement for your perusal.
The only way to get better at golf is through playing the game. Lessons and videos can help, but you still need to get out there and start swinging those clubs. It will be frustrating, but enjoyable (hopefully!). Similarly, don’t have the attitude that your life (like golf) has become a good walk spoiled. Keep on going, don’t quit the course, and if you need a mulligan or two, take them! – DL
