Celebrating 10,000 Cataract Surgeries at Optegra Brighton

The Optegra Eye Clinic in Brighton recently celebrated a major achievement, performing its 10,000th cataract surgery since opening in April 2023. The landmark procedure was carried out for West Sussex resident and keen golfer, Nigel Turner, who says the transformation to his vision has not only improved his daily life but also his performance on the golf course.

Clinic Manager, Julia Warnes, expressed:

“We were aware that this milestone was approaching, and I was delighted that Mr Turner was the one! His treatment has made such a difference for him – I am so happy that he agreed to be part of our celebrations and that we were able to make him feel special.

“It’s incredible to think that in just over two years we’ve helped thousands of people improve their vision and quality of life thanks to our NHS partnership. We will continue to provide a five-star service to local residents and help many more live life to the full, free of cataracts.”

From Tee to Green – Seeing the Ball Clearly Again

Nigel Turner, 69, from East Preston, had been living with cataracts for a couple of years before his optician advised that it was time to consider surgery. Over time, the clouding in his lenses had slowly but noticeably affected his day-to-day life.

A keen golfer, Nigel first began to realise the impact on the course.

“It was becoming increasingly difficult to track the ball from my tee shot, so my playing partners had to tell me where it landed,” he explained. “Golf is as much about precision as it is enjoyment, and not being able to follow the ball really took something away from the game for me.”

The problem wasn’t limited to sports. Away from the fairway, Nigel noticed he was struggling to read road signs, even after his glasses prescription had been increased.

“I found myself moving my head to find the clearest angle to see things properly,” he said. “That’s when I realised it was definitely time to have my cataracts treated.”

Fast-Tracked NHS Cataract Surgery

When Nigel’s optician referred him to Optegra Eye Clinic Brighton, he was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the process moved.

“I had a few clinic options, but Optegra had by far the shortest wait time – much faster than the local Trust hospital,” he said. “Within two weeks of my referral, I was in for my full assessment. My surgery was booked for just a month later, and it would have been even sooner if I hadn’t had a three-week holiday planned!”

For many patients, the idea of eye surgery can feel daunting, but Nigel found the entire experience far less intimidating than he expected.

“It was easier and less painful than a trip to the dentist,” he recalled. “From the moment I arrived, the team put me at ease. Everything was quick, efficient, and professional – and before I knew it, it was all done.”

Seeing the World & The Golf Course in a New Light

Since his cataract surgery, Nigel has been enjoying the kind of sharp, vibrant vision he hadn’t experienced in years.

“I can now spot a small white ball hundreds of yards away – any golfer will know how satisfying that is,” he smiled. “What really amazed me was the colour. I hadn’t realised how much the cataracts had dulled everything. The yellow haze has gone, and now the greens are greener, the sky is bluer, and the world just feels brighter. I only wish I’d done it sooner.”

Why Cataract Surgery Changes Lives

Cataracts can cause blurred or cloudy vision, make colours appear faded, and interfere with everything from reading to driving to enjoying hobbies like golf. The only way to remove cataracts is through surgery, a quick and safe procedure that can dramatically improve quality of life.

At Optegra, we offer both NHS cataract surgery with short wait times and private cataract treatment with advanced lens options, all performed by highly experienced consultant ophthalmic surgeons. Get in touch to book a free consultation today!