Newcastle councillor awaiting 'life-changing' eye operation makes plea for more donors
by Daniel Holland · ChronicleLiveA Newcastle councillor awaiting a life-changing operation has urged more people to become eye donors.
Stephen Barry-Stanners received the “incredible” news last week that he is finally set to receive his first cornea transplant in the new year, after years of struggling with deteriorating sight. The Lemington ward representative was diagnosed after a routine eye check-up more than a decade ago with keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to weaken and change shape.
His eyesight has since deteriorated so severely that he tries to avoid going out in the dark, struggles when approaching steps, and must have his computer screen just a few inches from his face in order to read. The 34-year-old has been on the cornea transplant waiting list for around two-and-a-half years and was left in tears of joy after receiving a call from the Royal Victoria Infirmary’s eye department telling him that his first operation is scheduled for January.
And, with the NHS’ bank of donated corneas 27% below the target level, the Labour councillor is encouraging more people to become donors and give the gift of sight. Donation involves only the corneas, the clear outer layer of tissue at the front of the eye which lets in light, rather than the whole eye.
Coun Barry-Stanners told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that a successful cornea transplant “will change my life” and that eyesight is “something that I will never take for granted again”. He said: “It was incredible [when he got the call from the RVI]. They were very clear when they put me on the transplant list that there were delays and it could take a long time. It all depends on the amount of donors and their suitability for you. But when I got the call it was incredible.
“I think there are a lot of myths and worries about it [cornea donation]. Long before I had any of this, I was the same. I remember telling my family that I would be happy to be an organ donor, but for anything but my eyes.
“There are a lot more people who opt out of donating the eye than any other organ. There is a stigma or something that puts people off, but it is so important and I don’t think people realise how life-changing it can be. You can donate even if you don’t have good eyesight, it has nothing to do with that.”
The NHS Blood and Transplant service confirmed that current stock in its eye banks is just 218 corneas against a target of 300. It said that most people are able to donate their corneas when they die, even cancer patients or those unable to donate other organs.
A spokesperson added: “By donating corneas, you can enable a person to see their loved ones, care for themselves and others, restore their confidence and independence - enabling them to resume work, driving and other things that we may often take for granted.”
Coun Barry-Stanners, who was elected earlier this year, described how when he first noticed a worsening problem with his sight he believed something was wrong with his glasses prescription. But a trip to Specavers resulted in him being referred to the RVI and his condition has continued to deteriorate ever since.
Though he wears contact lenses, he still struggles to see and had to give up driving. He told the LDRS that he “felt like Mr Bump” during his election campaign because of the number of falls he suffered while out delivering leaflets.
Coun Barry-Stanners added: “I try to have someone with me wherever possible just so I can hold their arm. My husband is fantastic, I say he is like my seeing eye dog because he is always helping me.
“It is particularly bad in the dark and the dark nights at the moment are horrendous. I just can’t see anything. I have to try and avoid going out in the dark if I can, but obviously that is not always possible when it gets dark at 3pm or 4pm – you still have to live your life.
“I had worn glasses since I was a kid and my eyesight was never great. But it is something that I will never take for granted again. If this transplant works then it will change my life.”
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