Speaker Evening - Dr Pankaj Agarwal

On Thursday, 18 January 2018, members and guests of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry were treated to an extremely interesting presentation by Dr Pankaj Agarwal MBBS, DO, FRCSEd, FRCOphth. He is a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Expert and is a consultant at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Edinburgh and St John's Hospital, Livingston and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer University of Edinburgh.  His talk was entitled 'The Thieves of Sight' and gave detailed information on cataract and glaucoma. 

Cataract comes from the word waterfall because of the opacity or cloudiness of the lens which causes visual impairment. Symptoms include blurring of vision and being very aware of the glare of lights at night. The main causes of cataract are ageing, trauma, diabetes, and can be hereditary.  The only cure is surgery.  Dr Agarwal described the surgery in detail and added that nowadays an intraocular lens is often inserted to give the patient better vision.

Glaucoma is caused by pressure on the eye due to damage to the back of the optic nerve, this damage is due to a blockage in the drainage passage.  Up to 40% of the optic nerve fibres can be damaged before glaucoma is noticed.  Vision is lost from the periphery of the eye inwards.  Unlike cataract, glaucoma will lead to blindness but early intervention and treatment can prevent this.  Dr Agarwal again stressed the importance of regular eye tests, especially if glaucoma runs in the family.  Treatment can be either through eye drops or surgery if pressure cannot be medically controlled.  

It was a fascinating and highly informative presentation leading to many questions from the floor.  Pankaj was introduced by Enrico Prentice and the vote of thanks was given by Drew Graham.  

Our picture shows Enrico, Pankaj and Neil.

Senior Citizens' Concert

Our annual senior citizens' concert will be held on Friday 16 March in Queensferry High School.  

If you are a senior citizen residing in the Dalmeny, Kirkliston or South Queensferry area, you are invited to attend our annual concert at Queensferry High School on Friday 16th March 2018. Please add your name, address and telephone number to the lists now available at: 

Transport can only be provided if the guest requiring transport has no other means of getting to and from the concert.

The last day for adding names to the lists is Friday 23rd February 2018.