A life-changing moment for one patient marked a significant milestone for Optegra Eye Clinic Preston. Since opening in May 2024, the clinic has now carried out 1,000 procedures, with the landmark patient being retired NHS midwife Barbara Parkinson, 78, from Walton-le-Dale.
After decades of caring for others in her career, Barbara found herself on the receiving end of the same dedicated care when she underwent her cataract surgery at Optegra Preston.
A Special Moment for Barbara and the Preston Clinic
Barbara was told after her cataract surgery that she was the clinic’s 1,000th procedure, an achievement that reflects both the demand for treatment and the clinic’s dedication to local residents.
Clinic Manager, Sohail Bhula, said:
“We were aware that this milestone was approaching, and I was delighted that Mrs Parkinson was the one! Her treatment has made such a difference, and we were able to make her feel part of the celebrations. Since opening last year, we have helped so many people improve their vision and quality of life thanks to our partnership with the NHS. We will continue to provide a five-star service and look forward to helping many more residents live life to the full, free of cataracts.”
Fast, Local Access to Cataract Surgery
Barbara was referred to Optegra Preston by her optician and was impressed by the speed and convenience of her treatment. Barbara expressed: “Within just a few weeks of my referral, I was at the clinic for my consultation. I chose Optegra because Bamber Bridge is five minutes down the road from our house, so it was very convenient,” she explained.
She added that the support she received made all the difference: “The staff couldn’t have been more helpful; they really made me feel at ease. It was such a positive experience all round and I have already recommended Optegra to several friends.”
Clearer Vision, Renewed Confidence
Since her cataract surgery, Barbara has been enjoying a new lease of life, particularly when it comes to her hobbies. Barbara explained: “I’m really delighted with the outcome – my new vision has helped so much with my crafting, whether it’s card making, long stitch or cross stitch,” she said.
Reflecting on her NHS career, Barbara also praised the quality of care she received: “I was always told that if you treat patients as you would like to be treated yourself, you can’t go wrong. That was exactly my experience at Optegra. I’m very grateful to the whole team for taking such good care of me.”
Why Cataract Surgery Matters
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of sight loss in the UK, leading to cloudy or blurred vision that can impact everything from reading to driving. The only effective treatment is cataract surgery, which removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens.
At Optegra, we are proud to provide both NHS cataract surgery with short waiting times and private cataract surgery with advanced lens options designed to reduce or remove the need for glasses and contact lenses. Every procedure is carried out by a highly experienced consultant surgeon in our dedicated eye hospitals. Book your free consultation with our world-class experts today!
By Author: Pedro Muel-Gonzalez
Medically Reviewed Date: 2nd September 2025
