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Publication Date: 20 June 2011
An eye specialist from Bedford described by his patients as being caring, thorough and passionate about his work has been nominated for a national award.
Aires Lobo (44) Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Lead, for Bedford Hospital NHS Trust and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, is in the running for the Macular Disease Society’s annual Clinical Services of the Year Award.
The honour recognises Mr Lobo’s outstanding efforts to help improve the treatment, care, and quality of life of people with the condition.
Macular disease (MD) affects the eye and causes loss of central vision. This can make carrying out everyday tasks such as shopping, reading, watching television and even recognising the faces of others very difficult.
Mr Lobo said: “I’m very pleased to hear about the nomination, but obviously a bit surprised as well. You don’t expect these things.
“It makes me feel very positive to get good feedback from the patients; it makes it all worth while.
“It would be impossible to deliver and provide a high quality, effective service without an efficient and hardworking team. We have got a structure in place that makes the delivery of the treatment of Age Related Macular Degeneration possible; I’m just part of that. As a team we try to go the extra mile and I think that makes a real difference.
“I love what I do, the pleasure comes from patients telling me they can carry on with everyday activities such as crosswords or watch television that they thought they would be unable to.”
The ‘Clinical Service of the Year’ award will be presented to teams or individuals. Doctors, nurses, optometrists, medical researchers and their teams are all eligible for this award whether working in hospitals or the community.
Jennifer Meadows, who nominated Mr Lobo, said: “Mr Lobo heads a very special team of people who really care for their patients. Since he took over my care, I could not have received better treatment, he is kind, polite and very thoughtful.
“When I could not see the pictures concerning my treatment on the screen, he explained to my husband what they showed and how they had altered over time.
“When I started to see the signs of change in my good eye, I panicked and got very upset. I was able to ring the department sister who, with great care explained things, calmed me down and quickly arranged for me to see Mr Lobo.
“In all my dealings with him, I have found he has a great talent to calm and re-assure people. He is very passionate about and thorough with his work. I cannot praise him enough.”
Mr Lobo’s nomination will now be handed over to the judges, who will decide on the overall winners and present them with their awards at the Society’s annual London conference on 17 September.
Helen Jackman, Chief Executive of the Macular Disease Society, said: “Aires Lobo does an incredible job in Bedford and has done so well to be nominated for this award.
“It’s amazing to hear how people have made such a difference to the lives of others. There are some fantastic people working within the sector, so it’s great to be able to celebrate their hard work in this way.”
The ‘Clinical Service of the Year’ Award is one of three awards created by the charity. There are also awards for ‘Support Service of the Year’ and ‘Chairman’s Award’ to help show the public’s appreciation for the work of those within the eye care profession and those volunteering for the Society.
For information, advice and support about macular disease, contact the Macular Disease Society’s Helpline on 0845 241 2041 or email help@maculardisease.org.
Ends
Notes to editors:
1. Attached is a photo of Aires Lobo and the team at Bedford Hospital.
From left to Right: Carol Luck (Admin) Monica Clemo (Photographer) Sarah Farrell ( Specialist Optometrist) Ann Bell (HCA) Teresa Elia (HCA) Farouk Al-Kufaishi (Associate Specialist) Aires Lobo ( Consultant) Steven Bewley (HCA) Charlotte Shamaun ( Staff Nurse) Crina Guarino ( Staff Nurse) Sharmila Tekriwal ( Associate Specialist) Ann Stein ( AMD Co-ordinator) Agniewszka Wozniak ( HCA) Gehan Herath ( Associate Specialist)
2. The Macular Disease Society is a national charity that aims to build confidence and independence for those with central vision impairment. It is the only UK charity dedicated to helping people with macular disease - the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. Visit www.maculardisease.org for further information.
3. Macular disease causes loss of central vision, which can make it difficult for people to carry out everyday tasks such as reading, watching television, and distinguishing faces.
4. The Macular Disease Society Awards were launched in 2009 to recognise the wonderful, and often unsung, work being carried out all around the country for people with macular disease.
5. For more information about the awards, or to nominate someone, visit www.maculardisease.org/awards. The deadline for receipt of nominations is 31 May.
For further information, please contact Tim Goddard, Campaigns and PR Assistant, by email: tim@maculardisease.org or phone 01264 321987.
