Mr. Graves went to the Lincoln emergency department, had surgery the next morning – less than 24 hours after his accident – ​​and was able to go home the day of his procedure.

He added: “The NHS have been brilliant. They have been very quick and efficient. There has been no waiting. I am very grateful that I have not lost my sight.”

Mr Javed joined the Lincoln Ophthalmology team in September and is working to establish the Retinal Surgery Service.

“We were able to help Louis with the emergency care he needed within 24 hours of his incident and we will continue to see him in our clinics as he continues his recovery,” he said.

“People with this type of retinal damage are at risk of losing their vision and are more likely to have better outcomes when they receive care quickly.

“It’s an important step to be able to establish a service that was previously only available in regional specialist centers and to reduce travel for our patients.”

Listen to the highlights of Lincolnshire on BBC Soundslook at it latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should cover here, external.