It’s been wonderful to help give people their sight back
Ophthalmologist Leonard looks back on an amazing 30 years
Kirst y McKenzie
One of Paisley’s top ophthalmology consultants has set his sights on retirement and is leaving the Royal Alexandra Hospital after nearly 30 years service.
Current and former staff are bidding goodbye to the muchloved ophthalmologist Dr Leonard Eskakowitz as he leaves the hospital.
Johannesburg- born Dr Eskakowitz, 65, says the memories made and challenges he faced went far beyond anything he could have envisioned as a young medical student in South Africa.
He added that he feels lucky to have seen so many major changes implemented in the hospital since he joined as Paisley’s first eye specialist in 1989.
Dr Eskakowitz told the Express: “One memory that really sticks out is one day around 20 years ago.
“It was 8.45pm and the power just shut off during surgery. We were operating on a patient who was awake and all the equipment shut down while I was working inside his eye.
“We were in total blackness, it was incredibly exciting. We just had to keep going and keep the patient calm.
“We kept our cool and the patient came to no harm – but it really was a thrilling moment.
“The next day they introduced uninterruptable power.”
Dr Eskakowitz, who also spent time working in Glasgow, London and Aberdeen, has met people from all walks of life over the years.
He said: “Working with children was a real joy.
“To give people their sight back is such a wonderful thing to be part of.
“People who have had squint eyes fixed tell us how much it has restored their self- esteem and given them more confidence in their workplace and social life.
“But one of the most rewarding things has been to restore sight through cataract surgery to people with mental health diseases.
“They might not necerarily voice how they feel conventionally but you can see what a big improvement it makes to their life.
“It’s wonderful.”
There is no doubt that Dr Eskakowitz has achieved incredible success over the years, but now he’s looking forward to toasting to the achievements of his girlfriend, Judith Bernstein, who is set to receive an OBE for her contribution to services in justice later this year.
“I will be going down to London and accompanying her to Buckingham Palace which is sure to be an incredible day,” he explained.
Royal visits aside, Dr Eskakowitz is looking forward to using his free time to enjoy life’s more simple pleasures.
The doctor loves to hillwalk and cylcle and has a keen eye for photography.
He said: “I can’t wait to enjoy it all.”
Anne Harkness, South Sector director, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Dr Eskakowitz has made an enormous contribution to Ophthalmology Services over more than 30 years at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
“He has been a highly-valued, much- respected colleague and an extremely caring doctor appreciated by the local community.
“We all wish him a very wellearned, long and happy retirement to enjoy his hobbies of vintage cars and the great outdoors.”
One of the most rewarding things has to restore sight through cataract surgery