For Josephine Powell, now 78, poor eyesight was something she had lived with for most of her life. Relying on hard-wearing contact lenses since the age of 22 to correct her severe short-sightedness, with a prescription of -10.5.
“My eyes were terribly short-sighted with a prescription of minus 10.5, which meant everything was a blur. I just could not manage without relying on contact lenses all day every day, to the point that I also had to carry emergency glasses.”
“As I wore hard contact lenses, they could be problematic, say if I got dust in my eye, and so I would sometimes need to take them out for driving, etc. My eyes would also get very tired, so I would have to remove the lenses to rest my eyes. It was always a hassle, but also a state you get used to after so many years. To now be free of all of that really is liberating!”
For decades, the effort of managing contact lenses had simply become routine. But that changed when her vision began to decline even further.
Cataracts Complicate an Already Difficult Prescription
Josephine had always been diligent about her regular eye checks, but her optician noticed further changes. Her contact lens prescription no longer felt quite right, and it became clear that something else was affecting her sight. That’s when she was diagnosed with cataracts, a natural clouding of the eye’s lens that can dramatically worsen vision.
“My optician was struggling to get the contact lens prescription correct, as the cataracts were further distorting my vision. They could not even guarantee a prescription which would allow me to continue driving, as my sight was so poor. Instead, they recommended Optegra to me for my cataract procedure.”
This moment was a turning point. Not only was her short-sightedness making life difficult, but her vision had become so impaired that she was at risk of losing her independence as a driver.
Exploring the Right Treatment Path
Josephine was referred to Optegra Eye Hospital Hampshire, where she met with Mr Alastair Stuart, consultant ophthalmic surgeon and Medical Director. He discussed the options, including standard NHS cataract surgery, which typically involves treating one eye at a time.
However, this posed a unique challenge. With such a high prescription, having only one eye corrected at a time would leave her visually unbalanced, unable to function comfortably in the interim period between surgeries.
“My consultant, Mr. Stuart, explained to me that I could have NHS surgery where one eye is treated at a time. The problem was that my very strong prescription would leave me very unbalanced for the weeks in between the two operations, with one eye clear and the other not.”
“So, by choosing to upgrade to have Extended Depth of Focus lenses, I was able to not only remove the cataract but also improve my ongoing vision in both eyes by having lenses tailored to my specific prescription, and both eyes treated in one procedure! My quality of vision is so much better now.”
By choosing premium lenses that corrected her vision while also treating the cataracts, Josephine was able to reduce her dependency on glasses altogether, something she never thought would be possible.
A Procedure That Changed Everything
Despite her initial concerns, Josephine was struck by how quick and comfortable the procedure was — and how life-changing the results turned out to be.
“It was amazingly good, quick and very professional. In fact, I felt quite emotional and overwhelmed – usually, as soon as I took my glasses off, all I could see was a blur. So when I lay down for the procedure, I could not see anything at all.”
“Then, in no time at all, Mr. Stuart told me it was all done. I looked up and could see everything, and it was totally amazing – I went from seeing nothing to seeing all the equipment and lights over me, and people around me. I felt quite overwhelmed, to be honest – it was so sudden and so amazing. I certainly had some happy tears!”
Clinical Expertise Meets Compassionate Care
Mr Alastair Stuart, who led Josephine’s surgery, highlighted how impactful tailored lens solutions can be, particularly for patients with long-standing visual challenges.
“It was an absolute pleasure to treat Mrs. Powell – she really captures the impact that cataract surgery can have, and how vastly it can improve vision and quality of life. For everyone with cataracts, their vision will distort due to the clouding of the lens, but added to this, her very strong short-sightedness meant that everything was a blur.”
“The procedure is pain-free and much faster than patients expect – and so it is not surprising that Mrs Powell was a little emotional when, after such a short treatment, she could see so clearly for the first time in so many years!”
Rediscovering the Everyday Joys
Now free from glasses and lenses for the first time in over half a century, Josephine has fully embraced her newfound visual freedom. Once challenging tasks are now effortless, from gardening and reading, to cooking and coastal walks.
Josephine and her husband, who once ran a local carpet shop, are now enjoying a slower pace of life. With a clear vision restored, she’s making the most of every moment with her family, including her three daughters, and rediscovering the simple pleasures that come with independent living.
Speak to Our Experts Today About the Right Cataract Treatment for You
If you’re experiencing vision loss due to cataracts, especially if combined with short or long-sighted vision, tailored cataract surgery at Optegra can help you regain your independence and clarity. Contact our team directly to explore private treatment options with a free consultation.
By Author: Alastair Stuart
Medically Reviewed Date: 28th May 2025
