New Mother's Vision Restored After Birth Complications Through Donated Plasma Treatment
Jessica Kent-Hazledine, a 33-year-old dentist from Cornwall, feared she would never see her son grow up after losing vision in both eyes following childbirth. Her sight has now been dramatically restored thanks to a pioneering plasma exchange treatment provided by the NHS, made possible by blood and plasma donors.
The Terrifying Onset of Vision Loss
Two weeks after giving birth to her first child in April 2025, Ms Kent-Hazledine woke up with significantly diminished vision in her left eye. Initially attributing it to exhaustion from new motherhood, she soon experienced complete vision loss in her right eye as well, leaving her terrified about her future.
"I was a new mum, not getting much sleep," Ms Kent-Hazledine recalled. "But I thought I should probably get it checked out and the next thing I knew I was having an urgent MRI and blood tests. It was all very scary, I was thinking the worst."
The prospect of permanent blindness haunted her during those early weeks of motherhood. "I wouldn't be able to see how his face changed or when he took his first steps or had his first day at school," she said. "I had been a mum for two weeks and was faced with the prospect of not being able to see my son again, it was awful."
The Revolutionary Plasma Exchange Treatment
After conventional treatments proved ineffective, medical professionals arranged for Ms Kent-Hazledine to undergo plasma exchange therapy through a new service operated by NHS Blood and Transplant in the South West region. This innovative treatment involves:
- Removing the patient's plasma - the liquid component of blood that transports cells, nutrients and hormones
- Replacing it with donated plasma from volunteers
- Stopping harmful antibodies from attacking the protective layer around nerve fibres in the eyes
Ms Kent-Hazledine became the first person in Cornwall to benefit from this therapeutic apheresis service, which is now available at four hospitals across the region. She underwent five exchanges at Royal Cornwall Hospital, with noticeable improvement beginning after the third treatment.
Remarkable Recovery and Renewed Vision
The treatment produced transformative results for the new mother. "By the fifth exchange, I felt pretty much back to myself, it felt like magic," she explained. "It's been almost a year now and my sight is so much better - I still have some blurring in half of my left eye but I can look after my son and live an independent life, which I was worried I wouldn't be able to."
Currently, Ms Kent-Hazledine enjoys clear vision in her right eye and approximately 75% vision restoration in her left eye, allowing her to fully participate in her son's development and daily life activities.
The Critical Importance of Blood and Plasma Donation
Both Ms Kent-Hazledine and medical professionals emphasize how this recovery story underscores the vital importance of blood and plasma donation. "I'm eternally grateful to those people who donated blood and plasma - it's only thanks to them that that plasma was available and I'm able to see again," she stated.
Emma Warner, lead nurse at NHS Blood and Transplant's Therapeutic Apheresis Services in Plymouth who treated Ms Kent-Hazledine, explained: "This vital service is giving patients access to timely, specialist care close to home. For new mum Jessica, this meant everything. She was able to receive the treatment she needed as an outpatient, staying by her baby's side instead of enduring long, stressful journeys or the prospect of being admitted far from home."
An NHS England spokesperson confirmed the service addressed a significant regional gap: "Plasma exchange is not typically commissioned as a standalone service by NHS England, as it often sits within broader treatment pathways. However, we knew there was a gap in provision of this service in the peninsula and, following a procurement process, we commissioned NHS Blood and Transplant to fulfil this need."
Ms Kent-Hazledine concluded with an impassioned plea: "I don't think people realise just how much good donation can do - we all know blood can be used in emergencies but it can also be used to help so many people like me. I'd urge absolutely everybody who is eligible to go and give blood or plasma - and thank you to those who already do."
