Meet the Consultant: Mr Mike Adams

With expertise rooted in the science of sight and nearly two decades of clinical experience, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Mr Mike Adams brings advanced knowledge and a focus on predictable results to his role at Optegra. In this edition of our Meet the Consultant series, he shares what drew him to eye surgery, busts a common myth about cataract timing, and explains how safe, drop-free cataract surgery has transformed patient recovery.

The Vision Scientist: From University Master’s to Surgical Precision

Mr Adams’s commitment to ophthalmology began early, with a deep interest in the complex mechanics of vision.

“I went straight into ophthalmology once I’d completed my House Officer jobs, in 2002,” Mike explains. “During my university medical training, I did an additional Master’s degree in the physiology of vision, so it was an area I’d been interested in for a long time.”

He was drawn to Optegra because of the predictability and focused nature of the care. “As independent providers are able to focus fully on cataract surgery, the flow of the surgical list is very smooth,” he notes, ensuring a better, more relaxed experience for every person.

Myth-Busting: When is it Really Time for Cataract Surgery?

Mr Adams addresses a major misconception he often encounters, putting the patient firmly in charge of their vision health decisions.

“The right time for cataract surgery is when the cataract is impacting your daily activities, not when a health care professional tells you so,” he confirms.

If your vision loss is making it difficult to read, drive safely at night, or enjoy your everyday routine, that is the true sign that it is time to discuss treatment options with a specialist.

Reassurance for Anxious Patients: What You Actually Feel

It’s completely natural to feel anxious about cataract surgery, but Mr Adams ensures patients understand they will be safe and comfortable.

“This is naturally a common concern,” he says. “I always explain that the person will feel water splashing on the eye, and may notice a feeling of pressure at certain points during the operation.”

He stresses that the anaesthetic given before and during surgery numbs the nerves that conduct pain. For those who are still very anxious, Optegra offers comprehensive support: “It’s very easy to top up the anaesthetic at any point, if the person experiences any discomfort. For those who are very anxious, we also offer anti-anxiety tablets prior to surgery.”

The Evolution of Cataract Treatment and Drop-Free Surgery

While the fundamental surgical technique remains safe and reliable, the field has seen major advancements since Mr Adams began practising.

“Every step of surgery has become safer, and lens technology has advanced dramatically,” Mike confirms. Both NHS-funded and private patients can now expect far superior outcomes.

He highlights the most significant recent breakthrough for patient comfort: “The recent advent of safe drop-free surgery has transformed post-op recovery, particularly for those patients who struggle to administer or tolerate eye drops.”

Optegra’s Advantage: Accessibility and Reduced NHS Wait Times

Independent providers like Optegra are crucial in tackling long NHS waiting lists. Mr Adams details the practical benefits patients receive when choosing Optegra for NHS-funded care:

• Accessibility: Easier access to appointment dates and times, often with shorter waits.
• Predictable Experience: Because the units focus purely on eye surgery, the flow is smooth, and each patient can expect to spend only an hour or so in the unit.
• Quality of Care: Highly predictable and excellent results.

He also clarifies a common misconception about wait times: “While long waits are still the case in some areas of the UK, the average waiting time for surgery at independent providers is around 6 weeks.”

Lens Choice: Equal Care, Different Options

Mr Adams confirms that NHS and private patients receive the same high standard of surgical care and expertise. The difference lies only in the complexity of the replacement lens.

“The more complex lenses, which permit distance and near vision, are still very expensive,” he explains. “Consequently, the NHS funds single-focus lenses: the lenses used at Optegra are high-quality hydrophobic acrylic lenses, which give excellent light transmission.”

Optegra ensures all patients are made aware of the option of complex lenses and offers a no-commitment consultation for those who wish to explore upgrading to multifocal or toric lenses.

Mr Adams’s Final Word: Simple Precautions for Eye Health

Mr Adams’s top tip for maintaining healthy eyes at any age is simple, easy to implement, and backed by major research into eye disease prevention:

“Wear sunglasses; don’t smoke. These two measures will halve your risk of eye disease and sight loss.”

Book a Consultation with Our Experts Today

If Mr Adams’s passion for precision and patient-centred approach has inspired you to take the next step, Optegra is here to make your journey to clearer vision simple and stress-free. Start your journey with a friendly, zero-obligation virtual or telephone consultation today.