Art for hospital that saved sight

An artist who feared she may go blind has said thank you to the Edinburgh staff who saved her sight by giving a series of paintings to the hospital.

Miriam Vickers, based in Edinburgh, faced the possibility of losing sight in one eye in 2006 after suffering complex retinal detachment.

But Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion doctors saved Miriam's sight and she was able to continue painting.

The six paintings will be unveiled on Tuesday.

Miriam's paintings will be hung in ward E2 where she received treatment for her eye condition, alongside a series of poems written by award-winning poet Gerry Loose.

Extracts from Gerry's poems will also be painted in the stairwell of the Eye Pavilion.

Ms Vickers said: "I am so pleased to have been able to have made these pictures for the hospital.

"I said to myself very early on in my treatment that I thought that the hospital should have some good artwork.

"Seeing my pictures hanging here is the fulfilment of my wish. I hope they will bring pleasure to other patients and the wonderful staff here for years to come."

Dr Bal Dhillon, NHS Lothian clinical director of ophthalmology, said: "What makes this even more special is that the paintings have been created by a former patient, and given to the eye pavilion for staff and future patients to enjoy."

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