Sponsored Editorial

For Canterbury resident, Ann Clewer, a medical emergency led her to arrange the cataract treatment she had been delaying – and she is now seeing a whole new world of colour thanks to her surgery at the brand new Optegra Eye Clinic Maidstone.

Having been diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes about 10 years ago, she put off surgery as she was nervous about the operation.

But earlier this year the decision about surgery was made, as Ann suddenly experienced flashing lights and floaters in her vision. An emergency trip to the optometrist confirmed that she had a vitreous detachment. It was also confirmed that her cataracts needed to be treated sooner rather than later.

Retired university lecturer Ann, 75, was lucky to have her initial consultation on the Optegra clinic’s opening day, making her one of the first patients to experience the new five-star facilities.

To help tackle the long NHS waiting lists for cataract surgery Optegra commits to consultation within two weeks of referral and treatment within just six weeks - patients just need to ask their optician or GP to refer them to Optegra Maidstone.

Ann explained how the cataracts were affecting her vision.

“I was struggling to see writing on the TV and I stopped driving at night due to the glare of oncoming headlights. One of my hobbies is stamp collecting which needs fine, detailed vision, but I was struggling to see the small print. It was also hard to focus for any length of time on anything.”

She added: “I had waited so long for surgery but I now wanted to be treated as quickly as possible. My husband had just seen an advert for the new Optegra clinic in Maidstone and noticed that they treated NHS patients. I asked my optometrist if I could be referred there, and I had an appointment within a few weeks. I was really nervous on the day of surgery but the staff were amazing and everything went smoothly.”

Optegra consultant surgeon Robert Petrarca performed Ann’s surgery.

He said, “Ann has waited over 10 years to have her cataracts removed so we were delighted she chose Optegra and that we were able to welcome her as one of the first patients in our new clinic.

“After her experience of flashers and floaters, it demonstrates how precious eyesight is. Cataracts are a main cause of poor vision – cloudiness, glare, blurred vision – and affects one in three adults, so we are delighted to be able to help local people restore their vision and so improve their quality of life.”

Post-surgery, Ann is amazed at how bright the world has become.

“I’m due to have my second cataract removed in a few weeks so my vision will be even better after that,” she continued.

“For now though, I am amazed at how much colour and detail I can see in the garden and I’m looking forward to driving again. It’s so bright that I sometimes have to wear sunglasses at home!

“I no longer need glasses for distance vision and I don’t think I will need glasses for driving either, which is excellent.

“My husband and I travel regularly in the winter months so this year I will be able to experience it all in technicolour.”

Optegra Eye Clinic Maidstone is part of Optegra Eye Health Care and is a specialist provider of ophthalmic services. Established in 2007, it has completed over one million eye procedures from its 34 eye hospitals and clinics across the UK, Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia.

Optegra brings together leading-edge research, medical expertise and state-of-the-art surgical equipment. It performs more than 100,000 treatments annually, both private and publicly funded. Its top ophthalmic surgeons are renowned for their areas of expertise, offering excellent clinical outcomes and great patient service.

For more information, visit www.optegra.com/nhs or telephone 0800 077 3272.