At Optegra, our consultants are not only leaders in their field but also deeply committed to guiding patients through life-changing treatment. In our Meet the Consultant series, we introduce the people behind the expertise, sharing their stories, insights, and advice for protecting your vision.
This edition features our Medical Director and Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Dr Alastair Stuart, whose career in ophthalmology began almost by chance but has since become his lifelong vocation. With years of experience performing cataract and refractive surgery, Dr Stuart has helped thousands of people regain clear, comfortable vision.
A Career Sparked by Chance
Dr Alastair has relished his journey into ophthalmology, he expressed: “As a junior doctor straight out of medical school, ophthalmology was the first job I was given. I loved it immediately!”
That instant spark became the foundation for a career focused on restoring vision and transforming lives. Today, he continues to take pride in seeing patients rediscover everyday joys, from reading to driving, thanks to clearer sight.
Transforming Eyesight in Minutes
Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations in the UK, but Dr Alastair never loses sight of its profound impact.
“It’s a privilege to be able to perform a procedure for a patient in under 15 minutes that transforms their life. The most rewarding part is when we treat patients with large prescriptions who notice a huge improvement as soon as they sit up afterwards.”
In those first moments when patients realise how sharp and colourful the world looks again, it remains the highlight of his role. If you’re considering treatment, discover what to expect from cataract surgery at Optegra.
The Impact of Screens on Children’s Eyesight
In today’s digital world, screen use has become a daily reality for children. But Dr Alastair warns that overuse can have long-term consequences.
He expressed: “Studies have shown that prolonged screen use in children is linked to increased rates of myopia, which in turn increases the likelihood of sight-threatening conditions such as retinal detachment. Screen use is part of modern-day living, but it must be moderated.”
Encouraging outdoor play and limiting prolonged close-up screen time are simple yet powerful steps parents can take. Explore more in our article on how screen time affects children’s vision.
Cataracts: What They Are and How They’re Treated
Cataracts often raise one big question for patients – and Dr Alastair explains the answer in simple terms:
“A cataract is when the natural lens in a patient’s eye becomes cloudy with time. This makes it harder to see clearly, and replacing it with a clear plastic lens is what restores vision.”
Cataracts are a natural part of ageing, and while healthy habits such as protecting your eyes from UV light, eating well, and avoiding smoking can all support long-term eye health, once a cataract develops, the only effective treatment is surgery. At present, cataracts are not preventable; they can only be treated with surgery.
The good news is that cataract surgery is safe, highly successful, and restores clear vision for the vast majority of patients. To explore the differences between NHS and private cataract treatment, visit our guide on NHS vs private cataract surgery.
What Patients Should Know Before Surgery
One thing Dr Alastair wishes all patients understood before treatment is the choice available in modern cataract surgery.
“There are options to choose lenses that reduce glasses dependence. All patients need to be informed of their options as part of their consent process.”
From standard monofocal lenses to advanced multifocal or toric implants, patients can tailor their surgery to suit their lifestyle. Explore the different cataract lenses available at Optegra.
Exciting Innovations in Eye Care
Always looking ahead, Dr Alastair is especially enthusiastic about Optegra’s new drop-free cataract surgery pathway.
“I am extremely excited about our new ‘dropless cataract aftercare’ for patients at Optegra. Post-operative drops come with side effects and are a hassle for patients, so removing them from the aftercare process will have a huge benefit for patient experience.”
This breakthrough approach replaces weeks of daily drops with medication delivered during surgery itself, simplifying recovery for patients. Read more about our drop-free cataract surgery.
What Patients Say After Surgery
For Alastair, the feedback is always rewarding: “Most patients say they wish they had it done years ago!”
The clarity and freedom regained through cataract surgery often make patients wonder why they waited – a testament to how transformative the procedure can be.
Book Your Free Cataract Consultation Today
From a chance beginning in ophthalmology to leading innovations in cataract care, Dr Alastair Stuart represents the very best of Optegra: compassion, precision, and a relentless focus on improving patient experience. His enthusiasm for innovations like drop-free aftercare reflects our mission to continually advance eye care while always putting patients first.
If you’d like to learn more about cataract surgery or book a free consultation with one of our leading consultants, get in touch with Optegra today.
By Author: Alastair Stuart
Dr Alastair Stuart is Medical Director at Optegra, and has extensive experience in both Laser eye surgery and Cataract Surgery.
Medically Reviewed Date: 24th November 2025
