James Taylor from Hedge End, Hampshire, had lived his whole life tethered to glasses and contact lenses. Diagnosed with extreme long-sightedness (+8.5 prescription) from the age of three or four, James’ vision challenges impacted every part of his day-to-day life.
Despite trying contact lenses as a teenager to help with sports, he still faced daily irritation, inconvenience, and limits on how he could enjoy holidays or relax. Laser eye surgery wasn’t an option due to his high prescription. Like many, James had resigned himself to a life reliant on corrective eyewear.
Discovering a New Option: ICL Surgery at Optegra
Frustrated but hopeful, James reached out to his local Optegra Eye Hospital in Hampshire. A consultation with Dr Alastair Stuart, Optegra’s Medical Director and Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, revealed that James was a candidate for Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery, a procedure he had never heard of before.
ICL surgery involves placing a soft, flexible lens between the eye’s iris and natural lens. Unlike traditional lenses worn on the surface of the eye, ICLs are invisible, permanent (though reversible), and suitable for patients with high prescriptions who may not qualify for laser surgery. The surgery takes around eight minutes per eye and has a rapid recovery.
James was thrilled: “When they told me I was suitable for ICL treatment, I literally punched the air! I could not have been happier.”
Life-Changing Results After Surgery
Nervous but excited, James underwent the procedure and experienced near-instant results. “I remember standing up and being able to see people’s faces and read the posters on the wall. It was surreal.”
The ability to see clearly without glasses or contacts was transformational. Everyday tasks became easier, holidays more relaxing, and his confidence soared. Looking ahead to his wedding, James shared that the surgery had come at a pivotal moment. Having recently lost his father, he used part of an inheritance for the surgery, calling it “the perfect legacy” for a man who understood the daily challenges James had faced.
What is ICL Surgery?
ICL surgery involves placing a soft, flexible lens between the eye’s iris and natural lens. Unlike traditional lenses worn on the surface of the eye, ICLs are invisible, permanent (though reversible), and suitable for patients with high prescriptions who may not qualify for laser surgery.
The procedure is ideal for people with:
- High prescriptions (both myopia and hyperopia)
- Thin corneas that aren’t suitable for laser surgery
- Dry eyes or other conditions that rule out LASIK
Benefits of ICL surgery include rapid recovery with minimal discomfort, long-term correction for high prescriptions, and preservation of the eye’s natural corneal tissue. Unlike surface-based vision correction, ICL is also reversible if needed.
Learn more about the benefits and process of ICL surgery at Optegra.
Expert Care at Optegra Eye Hospital Hampshire
Dr Stuart, who performed James’s surgery, highlighted the importance of bespoke care. “We had to complete a number of tests before confirming James was suitable. I’m so delighted Optegra could make such a positive difference to his life.”
James echoed this sentiment: “Everything was explained so well, I was made to feel incredibly comfortable, and I could ask as many questions as I needed to.”
A Clearer Future Ahead
James is now planning his wedding with clear vision and new confidence. “You know the saying ‘there’s light at the end of the tunnel’? I feel like I’m through the tunnel and into the light. The future looks incredibly bright, especially now I can see it so clearly.”
If you’ve been told you’re not suitable for laser eye surgery or are exploring alternatives to glasses and contacts, ICL could be your solution. Book a free consultation with one of Optegra’s world-class surgeons to find out more about your options.
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: 28th July 2025
