A former welder from Pembrokeshire is enjoying his retirement with fresh eyes thanks to a consultant ophthalmologist at BMI Werndale Hospital. Sixty-seven-year-old Gordon Robson had cataract surgery on both eyes and has paid tribute to his surgeon as he looks forward to spending his retirement with his wife with new vision.

It comes as eye care charities, organisations and health care professionals join together to mark National Eye Health Week, September 16 -22, to raise the profile of the importance of eye health.

Around 16,000 people in Wales are registered blind or partially sighted[i] and for many, cataracts can be a main cause:

Cataracts are a common condition that tends to occur later in life as the lens inside the eye becomes less transparent.

The symptoms are often misty or cloudy vision which can increase over time, making it harder to see and carry out every-day activities such as driving or reading.

Cataracts can be removed in a simple operation where the misty lens is replaced with an artificial one, giving clearer vision almost instantly.

In Wales cataract surgery is available on the NHS, but only on one eye, if both are affected. However, many do not realise that they are able to have this operation privately.

Consultant ophthalmologist Mr. Dylan Jones, who practices at BMI Werndale Hospital, said: "Many patients have no idea how quickly they can be treated for this condition. While it can be daunting, this procedure is usually straightforward and more often than not completely painless under needle-free local anaesthetic."

He added: "I see patients every month who are in desperate need of cataract surgery, but they just didn't know they could have the procedure at their local private hospital."

Gordon Robson, who lives in Pembroke, said his eyes had deteriorated quite recently.

"I went to the opticians for a check-up as my vision had gone cloudy, once they examined my eyes they told me I had cataracts, but said not to worry as my sight wouldn't deteriorate too quickly. Unfortunately, it was only a matter of weeks before my vision was too blurry to drive."

Gordon was put on a waiting list to have his eyes treated through the NHS, but decided he didn't want to wait and began investigating other options:

"I felt like I needed my eyes sorted as soon as possible. I've got a few health issues like angina and arthritis, but there's nothing worse than not being able to see properly."

Gordon explained how easy and straightforward everything was once he had decided he would have the surgery performed by Mr. Jones at BMI Werndale Hospital in Bancyfelin.

"Mr Jones is lovely, an absolute gent. Once I had my consultation, I rang to book the procedure and was given an appointment straightaway. I was a bit nervous about having an operation, but Mr. Jones explained exactly what the procedure would involve and made sure I was happy with everything. The procedure was really quick and completely pain free. It only took about half-an-hour and afterwards I had a meal in my room with my wife."

He went on: "It was lovely, I had a view of the fields from my room and a nice meal, nothing like being in hospital really. The staff at the hospital were brilliant and couldn't do enough for me."

Gordon went home the same day and was able to see clearly through his right eye.

"I couldn't believe the difference after the procedure, I could see colours that I hadn't seen properly in years. It's hard to explain if you don't have problems with your eyes, but I honestly am so pleased to have my sight back again."

A month later, Gordon returned to BMI Werndale Hospital to have his left eye cataract removed and is now able to see clearly in both eyes.

"I can do so much more now that my vision is clear. My wife hates driving, so she's pleased that I'm back to being her chauffer."

Consultant ophthalmologist Mr. Dylan Jones said: "I'm delighted that Gordon's surgery was so successful. The procedure can make a massive difference to a patient's life. We sometimes take our vision for granted and so it is important in light of National Eye Health Week to recognise the symptoms of cataracts and have eye tests every two years.'

For more information about cataract surgery at BMI Werndale Hospital or to make an appointment, please call 01267 225647.