Two years ago, Ginka Dobreva from Radnevo spent nearly two years living in semi-darkness as her vision gradually faded away. Today, she can once again see the world clearly, in color, and with gratitude. Her story is a deeply human testimony to the professionalism and care of the team at Vereya Eye Clinic, who brought the light back into her life—both literally and symbolically.
„I worked as a crane operator at TPP-2 for 38 years. Many people think this is a man’s profession, but in fact, when I think about it, most of us were women. In a cabin high above the ground, we operated a crane that lifted enormous loads of 100 to 120 tons. People have asked me, ‘What if you drop the load and press the wrong button?’ That simply cannot happen—we were trained for this and worked responsibly for so many years. In recent years, they were welding large wheels, and I was the one turning them. There was a lot of welding, and perhaps the smoke affected my eyes negatively.
I retired three years ago, and a few months later I began to feel an unpleasant pressure in my left eye. Day by day, my vision became weaker and weaker. It got to the point where I could not even see the coins in my hand, and I could not read labels or prices in brochures or in the store. At the same time, my other eye—the right one—seemed to start straining as well, trying to compensate.
I had no explanation for why this was happening, because throughout the years, both at work and in daily life, despite all kinds of factors, I had never had problems. I am diabetic, and perhaps taking insulin—it has already been ten years—started to affect me in some way.
In practice, I could not see at all with my left eye. My sister lives in Nova Zagora, and through her I got in touch with Dr. Kamburova from the team at Vereya Medical Center. I went to see her, and she immediately said that I had a cataract and advised me to have surgery. I agreed right away, because my almost complete loss of vision in that eye was also affecting my nervous system, and I realized how badly it was impacting every part of my daily life—from household tasks to social contact, going out, reading books, Facebook, television… everything. It was very difficult for me.
My surgery was scheduled for November 12 in Stara Zagora. They welcomed me wonderfully, with such attention and human warmth. Before the operation, they put anesthetic drops in my eye.
They took me into the operating room, and Prof. Dzhelebov told me that during the surgery I would feel nothing except a sensation as if cold water were being poured into my eye. And that was exactly how it felt—precisely as if water were being poured in. I felt so calm: no pain, no discomfort. And throughout the whole procedure, Prof. Dzhelebov explained step by step exactly what was being done. Everything took about 10 to 15 minutes. When the doctor said, ‘That was it,’ I was only a little dizzy. I stayed in a room for about half an hour to rest, then they gave me a small card for the lens and told me to come back the next day so they could remove the dressing. After that, I went to Nova Zagora for a follow-up examination with Dr. Kamburova, and for two months I had to use eye drops.
Beforehand, I had no fears or worries at all, and indeed it turned out that I had been right. Everyone there is an exceptional professional. I have not stopped telling friends and relatives how satisfied I am and how they brought the light back into my life. Do you realize that by the third day, I could practically see again? The despair and darkness from before were replaced with light and gratitude.
Now I have no problems with anything. Coins, Facebook, TV series, magazines… I can see everything like an eagle.
My right eye has calmed down as well. Now I put one drop in both eyes every evening, and the pressure is good—around 15 to 17. Dr. Kamburova is still monitoring them, and in December I will have a scan.
Everyone who has similar symptoms and complaints should not delay! The solution is at Vereya Medical Center. They should not worry. The operation is not complicated, it will not hurt, and there is nothing dangerous about it. Let them come and get treated, so that the light may return to their days as well. They will find outstanding care, courtesy, responsibility, attentiveness, and professionalism of the highest level.
I came then with courage, and I left with joy.
Thank you to Professor Dzhelebov and the entire clinic team.”
Vereya Medical Center:
4 Kenali St., Stara Zagora
Phone: 042 937 300, 0899 614 220