Southport resident has sight restored from extreme prescription
With an incredibly high prescription of -18, Margaret Paterson’s vision had become so restricting that she struggled to even leave the house or cook meals safely.
But now, thanks to NHS cataract surgery at Optegra Eye Clinic Preston, she has regained both her sight and her independence, and she couldn’t be happier.
Margaret, 77 from Birkdale, near Southport, was first told she had cataracts in 2024 and was placed on a waiting list for her local NHS hospital. However, 15 months later her vision had deteriorated to the point where it was severely affecting her daily life, and she still didn’t have a date for her surgery.
She said: “I struggled with everything – even walking down the street was a challenge by myself and I needed someone with me all the time. The glare from car headlights and streetlights was awful.
“I look after my grandchildren a couple of days each week which I love but my husband had to step in to help as I couldn’t walk the short distance to school anymore as it is along a busy road and it did not feel safe not being able to see. I could not enjoy the usual activities I do with them. I didn’t even want to answer the doorbell as I couldn’t see who it was.
“I have always been very active so the lack of independence was really starting to affect my self-confidence. It was a horrible feeling.”
Returning to her Vision Express optician, who said her cataract now needed immediate attention, Margaret was delighted to be referred to Optegra Eye Clinic Preston where she was seen within a month. She said: “It was such a relief, knowing that I was going to be able to see again. From the moment I walked through the doors of the clinic I felt so relaxed. The staff were wonderful, so informative and helpful, it didn’t feel like I was having surgery at all!”
Sohail Bhula, Optegra Preston Clinic Manager, said: “We were taken aback by how strong Mrs Paterson’s prescription was when she came to see us. -18 is extremely debilitating and means not being able to carry out everyday tasks, or enjoy regular hobbies, but that needn’t be the case.
“We can provide free, NHS cataract treatment within weeks of referral and help people like Mrs Paterson regain their independence and self-confidence. Seeing how much this means to her makes our job so rewarding.”
Having worn glasses since the age of five, it’s a revelation for Margaret to now only wear them for reading. “I have taken up knitting once again and am enjoying spending time with my grandchildren. I can hop on the bus into town, cook dinner, walk down the street by myself. These might sound like small wins but it’s given me my life back with renewed energy, and that’s priceless.”
Optegra Eye Health Care is a specialist provider of ophthalmic services. Established in 2007, it has completed over one million eye procedures from its 78 eye hospitals and clinics across the UK, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Holland.
As well as providing private vision correction treatments – from lens replacement and laser eye surgery to implantable contact lenses – Optegra treats cataract surgery both privately and through its partnership with the NHS. Optegra also treats medical conditions AMD and glaucoma; and has launched the first ever treatment for people with the Dry form of AMD.
Optegra brings together leading-edge research, medical expertise and state-of-the-art surgical equipment. It performs more than 170,000 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.
Tel: 0800 054 1971