Southampton couple have cataracts operation at the same time

Janet and Ray Spinks, originally from Hull, but now residing in Southampton, had the surgery at Newmedica's clinic in Whiteley.

The couple was diagnosed simultaneously with cataracts, an ocular condition where cloudy patches develop on the lens, progressively causing blurred vision and prospective blindness if left untreated.

Janet, 79, and Ray, 84 found their vision progressively worsening.

Both initially underwent surgery in their right eyes at the Newmedica clinic located in Solent Business Park, Whiteley. Ray returned seven weeks later for a similar operation in his left eye.

Janet said: "Our experience felt beyond perfect. "Everyone at the clinic was brilliant, as they were so friendly and caring and made it a wonderful experience for us both.

"Your eyesight is so important, so if you're lucky enough to go somewhere like this for treatment, know you'll be extremely well looked after. "I love reading and doing word puzzles, and my sight now compared to before the surgery has been amazing, so I'm looking forward to enjoying these activities with much clearer vision."

Health advisors promote having an eye check-up every two years, or as often as recommended by an optician, to intercept and treat serious conditions such as cataracts early before they exacerbate.

Ray added: "The clinic had a nice, family atmosphere, and all the staff were professional and friendly which made me feel at ease.

"My eyes had gradually got worse over time, and the improvement to both after my surgery has been brilliant.

"I have a workshop at the bottom of the garden and love getting creative, and my newly improved sight will help me to continue to do so. "I would absolutely urge anyone who was nervous about having the surgery to have it done.'"

Aby Jacob, the consultant who performed Ray's surgery, said: "Mr and Mrs Spinks were lovely patients and I'm so glad that they're both recovering well after surgery. "We pride ourselves in delivering patient first care.

"For cataracts surgery, we use a high quality monofocal lens as standard for all our patients, to ensure they receive the best quality of care."