Lucy, 48, has been a consultant eye surgeon at the RVI for the last 10 years and has worked in the North East for over 20 years. She specialises in orbital and oculopastics surgery (plastic surgery around the eyelids and socket).
What’s your involvement in the series?
In Episode 5, we see Lucy carry out an intricate procedure to remove a tumour that is growing behind a patient’s eye as she explains: “Although the tumour was benign, which means it was non-cancerous, it was growing and pushing the patient’s eye forward and could have threatened her vision if left untreated.
“The anatomy of the eye is extremely complex with delicate structures which are vital for the functioning of sight. We removed a small piece of bone from the side of the eye socket to get access to, and remove, the tumour then rewire the bone.”
Did you enjoy filming?
While she found the interview stressful, Lucy enjoyed the company of the film crew and was glad to be asked to take part.
“I am very proud of my job and the patient care we deliver here. I was pleased to be able to try and show this to a wider public and to help represent women in surgery.”
What do you do in your spare time?
“I enjoy skiing in the winter, camping and open water swimming when it’s not so cold. I have an allotment and am passionate about growing, cooking and eating food.”
What would you say to someone who was interested in pursuing a similar career here?
“I think this is the ideal hospital to work in this specialist field.”
