Karen Westmorland

Lens Replacement Surgery

Relying on glasses to improve her vision was becoming a hassle for medical receptionist Karen Westmorland.

When she started needing them to play her weekly tennis match with friends, Karen, 52, knew it was time to take action.

Now, after seeking the expertise of consultant eye surgeon Milind Pande at Vision Surgery and Research Centre in East Yorkshire, Karen is back on top form on the tennis court.

“I did feel guilty about spending money on myself and I discussed it at length with my husband before I went ahead,” she said.

“In the end, he said that if it was going to make life easier for me, it would be worth it.

“And it has been worth it. Now, I’m so glad I’ve had it done.”

Karen, who lives in the village of Hilston in the East Riding, started wearing spectacles around five years ago for computer work and driving.

However, her eyesight deteriorated further and she found herself relying on her glasses more and more.

“I’d moved onto varifocals and was at the stage where I was wearing them constantly,” she said. “I was even having to wear them to play tennis.

“We went to India and Nepal and I was having to switch my sunglasses for my ordinary glasses if I wanted to read anything and it was all such a hassle.”

Working in the medical profession, Karen knew about Mr Pande’s reputation as a leader in the field of vision correction surgery and had read testimonies of patients.

“I knew one or two people who had visited clinics in places like Manchester but I knew that if I was going to do it, I’d be going to Mr Pande,” she said. “It’s your eyes and I knew I wouldn’t be taking a risk.”

Karen decided to go ahead with surgery after Mr Pande explained her original lenses would be replaced with new bespoke lenses tailored to suit her prescription and give her the best possible vision without the need for glasses.

Mr Pande said: “Performing this surgery when the patient is in their 50s and 60s means that they will never have to undergo cataract surgery because the new lenses are designed to last at least 50 years.

“Rather than waiting until their eyesight has deteriorated and they are in their 70s or even 80s, people can benefit from better vision while they are in good physical health.”

Karen admits she was nervous before surgery at Spire Hesslewood Clinic in Hessle, but the skill of Mr Pande and his team immediately put her at ease.

“I was petrified, to tell the truth, as I’m a bit squeamish when it comes to anything to do with my eyes,” she said. “But Mr Pande knew that and reassured me. The surgery was completed in about 20 minutes and was entirely pain-free.”

Karen knew her sight was better within hours, and by the time she had undergone surgery in her second eye, she no longer had to wear her glasses.

“I can pick up a newspaper, a book or magazine and read it without even thinking about it,” she said. “I can drive no problem and I’m no longer playing tennis in my glasses.

“I’m glad I had it done and I’d recommend to anyone considering this to go and see Mr Pande to find out what your options are.

“I had complete confidence in him and I knew if I was going to have it done at all, it would be with Mr Pande.”