Lifelong specs wearer’s vision corrected in minutes

A Plymouth woman who has worn glasses since she was a child has praised the sight-saving clinic whose surgery meant she will never need them again. 

Debbie Girdler, 62, was eight years old when she began wearing glasses to correct her astigmatism, which causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances, as well as eye strain and headaches. 

She was then recently diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes. The condition can cause blurred vision and eventually blindness if untreated, although cataracts are relatively common and easily treatable. 

Debbie elected to go to Newmedica Plymouth to have her cataracts replaced with artificial lenses – and now she doesn’t wear glasses for the first time in more than 50 years. 

She describes the surgery as “life-changing” and is urging anyone who’s in need of the procedure not to let fear get in the way. 

Debbie added: “In recent years my sight was getting worse. I’d had an increased prescription for my glasses each year, but it wasn’t helping. 

“Newmedica Plymouth were amazing. You go in there nervous, but they were all so kind and organised and caring. They asked me if I’d like someone to hold my hand during the surgery, and I did. It was very reassuring.  

“In fact, the experience both times for each eye was painless and efficient, and I was home again within an hour. It was so much easier than a dental filling – and I’ve not worn glasses since. 

“Everything is brighter and sharper, and my prescription has gone from minus 9.75 down to 0.05. That’s incredible. I could read a number plate of the car in front on the journey home after the surgery, but before it I couldn’t even see the subtitles on the television.  

“This experience has been life-changing for me. I wish I’d had it done years ago. Not only is my sight so good now, but I also don’t have to pay a fortune for my very complicated glasses each year.  

“I would certainly urge anyone needing cataract surgery to have it done. People really shouldn’t be frightened. It’s a breeze, so there’s no need to hesitate.” 

The Newmedica Plymouth clinic is based in Derriford, providing services for private patients and NHS patients, which assists the NHS with reducing its waiting lists. 

The clinic is owned and run by consultant ophthalmologists Mr Tom Cudrnak, Mr Nick Edmeades and Mr Vasant Raman, as well as operations director Amanda Champion.   

Mr Edmeades, the consultant who carried out Debbie’s surgery, said: ‘I’m delighted that we were able to arrange Mrs Girdler’s operations so quickly, as she was suffering from cataracts in both eyes and, if left untreated, it could have impacted her sight permanently. 

“Mrs Girdler has lots of interests and wanted to continue being active, so to hear about her positive experience with us is wonderful. 

“Testimonies like his show that although many people may fear such an operation, the reality isn’t frightening at all and can make such a significant difference to their lives.” 

In addition to cataract procedures, Newmedica Plymouth undertakes YAG laser treatment. To find out more, visit www.newmedica.co.uk/clinics/plymouth