For portrait photographer Stephen Webb, clarity isn’t just important, it’s essential. Working with young children in fast-paced nursery and school photography settings, there’s no time to second-guess focus. But when cataracts started clouding his dominant eye, Stephen realised he was losing the sharpness his craft demanded.
At 75, and still running his business, Second Look Photography in Leicestershire, Stephen noticed the creeping effects of cataracts. “It became harder to tell if a subject was truly in focus,” he explained. “I found myself relying more on the camera’s autofocus than on my own judgement, which isn’t how I like to work.”
Choosing Vision Correction That Works for His Lifestyle
After a visit to his optician confirmed cataracts in both eyes, Stephen requested a referral to Optegra – following a glowing recommendation from one of his own clients. He initially attended Optegra Eye Clinic in Leicester, where he began to explore his lens replacement options.
Rather than undergo standard NHS treatment, Stephen was drawn to the upgraded lenses available privately at Optegra. “I’d worn glasses and contact lenses for 15 years, but I wanted to be rid of them,” he said. “The upgraded lens meant I could not only treat the cataract, but also reduce my dependency on glasses – and that really appealed to me.”
Stephen opted for extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses, which provide clear vision across near, intermediate, and far distances. This decision meant travelling slightly further to Optegra Eye Clinic Uttoxeter, but the result was well worth it.
Comfortable Care, Fast Recovery
Stephen described the Uttoxeter clinic as calm, welcoming, and stress-free. “The environment felt more like a boutique clinic than a hospital,” he said. “We were able to park right outside, and I was taken through for surgery within minutes. The staff were kind, professional, and made everything straightforward.”
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Mr Fadi Alfaqawi treated both of Stephen’s eyes in a single visit, an efficient option that allowed him to return to work quickly. “For patients like Stephen, whose livelihoods depend on precise vision, the extended depth of focus lens is a fantastic choice,” said Mr Alfaqawi. “It gives freedom from glasses across most visual ranges, which is life-changing for people who need accuracy and clarity in their day-to-day work.”
Seeing the Difference, Every Day
Following surgery, Stephen says the impact was immediate. “I could see all the settings on my camera again – clearly. I felt like I had control back. Being able to trust my own eyesight again made a huge difference.”
He’s also enjoying everyday benefits, from reading packaging to using his computer without glasses. “It’s freed me from the hassle of lenses and frames, and saved money in the long run,” he added.
Stephen is now back behind the camera, capturing portraits with precision and confidence. “The experience at Optegra was faultless. I’m so thankful to have my vision and my independence back.”
Discover How Cataract Surgery Could Transform Your Vision
At Optegra, we provide both NHS cataract services and a range of private treatment options, including EDOF lenses like Stephen’s. If you’re ready to explore vision correction that fits your lifestyle, why not start with a free, no-obligation consultation?
By Author: Fadi Alfaqawi
Mr. Fadi Alfaqawi is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon renowned for his expertise in cataract, cornea, and refractive surgery.
Medically Reviewed Date: 14th October 2025
