Archery enthusiast’s sight is back on target following ‘life-changing’ eye surgery for cataracts

Just three days after treatment, Roger could read a number plate “from 62 yards away!”

Retired bus driver and keen archer Roger Kent is feeling grateful for his improved quality of life after undergoing successful cataract surgery at Freedom Vision in Bolton.

Roger, from Alvaston, Derby, has always struggled with his short sight but he found his long vision began deteriorating significantly after his retirement at 73.

“I already knew I had small cataracts and I’d been waiting for it to be treated,” explains Roger, now 77. “When my long sight went, though, and I could no longer read road signs when driving, that’s when I knew I had to do something.”

Used to travelling up and down the country to archery competitions and with his practice field 30 miles away, Roger knew that if he had to give up driving, he’d also have to give up the sport he loves, and his social life.

“I’ve been lonely since my wife passed away and my sport gives me something to enjoy. Luckily, my daughter found out about Freedom Vision and within a couple of months I’d been booked in for surgery at their Bolton hospital,” he said.

By opting for world-class private treatment, Roger could access lens choices that were specific to his vision needs. Having practiced archery for almost 40 years, Roger sought to improve his long vision, particularly in his shooting eye – and he discussed this with his surgeon.

“The treatment was superb,” he continues. “Everything was explained so well and every angle was covered. The team were wonderful and we talked about what I wanted, with the surgeon recommending I didn’t try to do too much.

“He gave me all the options but after talking it through, we decided to just treat my long sight. That’s what was important to me with driving and my archery. He said I could always wear glasses for my short sight – that was a brilliant piece of advice.

“I went out for a walk the day after my first surgery.  I got near my local bank and there’s a big metal sign above it. Out of the corner of my eye I found I was able to read what it said – I’ve not been able to read that in over 40 years. Just three days later, I did my party trick: I could read a car number plate from 62 yards (56 metres) away!

“I also saw some of my old archery skills return. Soon after the surgery, I was able to shoot four arrows into a target from 20 yards and they were so close together, you could cover them with just one thumb.

“I’ve got stunning vision now – how can anybody complain about that? This surgery gave me everything I wanted and it’s changed my life.”

Freedom Vision has clinics in Bolton, Wokingham, Leeds, Southampton, Solihull and Swansea. Its expert team – of some of the UK’s most experienced and reputable consultant ophthalmologists – provides tailored treatment plans designed to accommodate each patient’s unique lifestyle and set of requirements.

Roger adds: “I think everyone feels apprehensive before surgery and we’ve all got that worry when it comes to people touching our eyes, but I found I had implicit trust in the surgeons.

“To anyone feeling nervous about cataract surgery, I’d say just go for it – and do as you’re told when it comes to looking after your eye afterwards. You need to do your bit as well.

“I was given some eye drops to use and a booklet with really good instructions about aftercare, but the thing I found really useful was the chart where I could write down the number of times I’d taken the eye drops. At my age, you tend to forget very quickly so that little booklet was a piece of gold.”

He adds: “Without surgery, I would have had to get two buses to the field to practice with my friends, making a three-hour shoot near enough nine hours including travel. Getting my eyes done means I haven’t had to give that up.

“For me, it wasn’t a cosmetic thing. It was necessary. I’ve got so much out of it. The only regret I have is that I didn’t get my eyes done before I went to Australia with my wife. I would have loved to have seen more. But I’m so grateful I’ve had it done now, and I rejoice in the fact I went to Freedom Vision. I can’t thank them enough.”

Stephanie Kyle, National Patient Liaison Manager at Freedom Vision, explains: “Roger is typical of our patients – they’re busy and active; they want to sort out their cataracts straight away once diagnosed so they can get on with life.

“Cataracts are common in adults – about 30% of adults aged 65+ will have a cataract that is affecting their vision and requires treatment.

“As Roger experienced, a specialist consultant can advise on a wide range of lenses on offer, from multifocals that help with both distance and reading, to Toric lenses that can correct large degrees of astigmatism.

“This kind of bespoke service, which can restore vision and even remove reliance on glasses, is a benefit of opting to invest in the treatment through a private provider. Plus, recovery time is usually quicker, because the cataracts have been treated earlier. Sadly, with NHS waiting times an issue UK-wide, a private hospital has a lot to offer.”

Cataract surgery is the most common operation performed today in the UK, with around 450,000 surgeries taking place each year.

Cataracts Symptoms

You may experience one or more of the following symptoms if you have cataracts:

• A decrease in vision clarity that can’t be corrected with glasses
• Colours appear faded or washed out, sometimes with a yellow haze
• Sensitivity to light, glare, and seeing halos around lights
• Frequent changes to glasses or contact lens prescriptions

It’s best to see an optician if you think you have cataracts.  They will perform a thorough eye check and will be able to refer you for treatment if needed.

Freedom Vision Bolton is open Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm. To find out more, including pricing and FAQs visit www.freedom-vision.co.uk