Eye surgery holds no fears for centenarian Jean

Jean Overy and her daughter-in-law showed that you’re never too old to try something new when they had successful sight-saving surgery at the same eye clinic. 

Jean, who’s 103, has lived through a world war and COVID-19 pandemic, so when she began experiencing cloudy patches in her vision, she didn’t panic. 

She was told that she was developing cataracts in both eyes, so she opted to attend Newmedica Bristol eye clinic – as did her daughter-in-law, 76-year-old Gunilla Cradock, who also needed cataract surgery. 

Although cataracts are relatively common and easily treatable, they cause blurred vision and eventually blindness if untreated. 

Jean said: “Before my surgery it was difficult to pick out colours. I thought the jumper I was wearing was a different colour until I’d had the cataracts removed. 

“The surgery was so quick and there was no pain. I thought it’d be horrible, but it wasn’t. It’s so nice not to have to use a magnifying glass now or put glasses on.” 

Jean and Gunilla both attended Newmedica Bristol, where the teams provide a comprehensive ophthalmology service for NHS and private patients. 

Gunilla said: “I wore glasses since the age of 11, followed by contact lenses from the age of 18, and now I only need glasses to read. The transformation to my sight has been amazing. I couldn’t fault the surgery. It took about 10 minutes.  

“I wanted to see as far away as possible, and it all happened very quickly. It’s been very successful, for me and my mother-in-law.  

“Just like her I’ve noticed everything become more colourful. We had a motorhome and I said to my husband after the surgery, ‘Oh, it’s green.’ And he said, ‘It’s always been green.’  

“I can now see the television without having to put glasses on, and I can drive again. It’s brilliant.” 

Newmedica Bristol is owned and run by consultant ophthalmologists Mr Stuart Guthrie, Mr Johannes Keller, Mr George Kiousis and Mr Will Sheehan, as well as operational director Julian Phillips. 

Joel Seith, the eye clinic’s Head of Business, said: “Mrs Overy and Mrs Cradock were wonderful patients. I think they’re the first mother-in-law and daughter-in-law we’ve had as patients who’ve had the same surgery. 

“They’re absolutely right about the surgery being quick and painless, so there really is no need for people to be nervous beforehand. 

“With cataracts, the procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic via eyedrops while the patient is awake, and it’s over before they know it.” 

In addition to cataract-related procedures, Newmedica Bristol undertakes glaucoma, oculoplastics, general ophthalmology and YAG laser clinics. 

To find out more, visit www.newmedica.co.uk/clinics/bristol-litfield/ or www.newmedica.co.uk/clinics/bristol-aztec-west