Blind woman regains sight after rare stem cell transplant

‘THIS CAN TRANSFORM LIVES’: From left, Sid Goel and Abhinav Loomba, consultant ophthalmologists, and Clinical Director Colin Vize

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

A blind woman from Hull has regained her sight following a rare and highly specialised stem cell transplant carried out at Hull Royal Infirmary.

Eye Hospital patient Trudy Smith had experienced worsening vision for many years due to severe ocular surface disease, eventually being registered blind. She had been attending the eye clinic for much of her life, but her condition continued to deteriorate.

Mrs Smith, 59, said: “It was getting worse and worse, and they could not find a name for it. I had cornea problems and started getting blurred vision. I went totally blind for a few years – I could not see a thing. I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face. It was very scary.”

Following assessment by consultant ophthalmologists Sid Goel and Abhinav Loomba, she was offered a limbal stem cell transplant – a complex procedure undertaken in only a small number of specialist centres across the UK, and one that had not previously been performed in Hull.

The operation involved transplanting donor tissue to restore the surface of the eye, allowing stem cells to regenerate and prevent further scarring.

The surgery is technically demanding and can take several hours, with extensive preparation required, including sourcing donor tissue. Given the severity of Mrs Smith’s condition, each eye was treated in stages, starting with the less affected right eye.

Mr Goel said delivering the procedure locally marked a significant milestone: “Only a small number of centres across the UK are performing these procedures, so to deliver this in Hull for the first time is a significant step forward.”

Mr Loomba said: “This is a complex operation but can transform lives, taking patients from being practically blind to regaining their sight and independence.”

The results for Mrs Smith have been life-changing. Her vision has improved significantly, with her right eye returning to full sight and overall vision now exceeding the legal driving standard.

“I wish I had it done earlier,” she said.