A WOMAN who has received eye treatment for more than 20 years has praised the “lovely and efficient” treatment she has received from a clinical research nurse.

Retired nurse, lecturer and counsellor Theresa Bentley has nominated ophthalmology and clinical research nurse Alexina Fantato as one of Oxford University Hospital NHS Trust’s (OUHT) Hospital Heroes.

The campaign celebrates extraordinary care given by any member of staff in the John Radcliffe Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Churchill Hospital and Banbury’s Horton General Hospital.

Mrs Fantato was nominated for her continuous dedication when treating Ms Bentley’s eye condition The 69-year-old has been treated by the the Oxford Eye Hospital since 1993, and was diagnosed with blepharospasm in 2006.

The condition causes sufferers to involuntary shut their eyelids constantly, and in Ms Bentley’s case is treated with eight botulinum toxin injections every three months.

Botulinum toxin artificially weakens the eye muscles to reduce blinking.

For more than five years, Mrs Fantato – who also works on clinical trials such as electronic implant surgery – has been the Old Marston resident’s first point of contact, providing regular treatment.

Ms Bentley said: “When I was diagnosed in 2006, doctors were the only ones who gave the injections.”

Unhappy with seeing a different physician every time she came to the clinic, she asked if Mrs Fantato could give her the injections exclusively.

Ms Bentley added: “She’s reliable, she’s efficient, experienced and she knows what she’s talking about.

“Normally if you leave someone a message they never get back to you, but she always responds and is there for you.

“She’s also involved in very important research into ocular support.

“She gives you time and she never makes you feel in a rush, even when the clinic is really busy.”

Research nurse Mrs Fantato, who has worked in Oxford since 1996, said that she was surprised by the nomination.

The 60-year-old added: “I was really delighted because Theresa has been coming to the clinic for years.

“It’s a sign that I’m doing my job right.”

The Bampton resident splits her time between clinical research and treating patients.

She has been involved in the innovative new surgeries trialled at the Oxford Eye Hospital by Robert Maclaren.

The professor of ophthalmology has created a technique to implant a computer chip into a patient’s eye, which allows people with some forms of blindness to see.

Mrs Fantato added: “The ophthalmology clinic is a rewarding occupation as we are significantly improving people’s lives.

“We’re treating individuals who could become functionally blind without receiving care.”