A RIDING school owner from Weaverham has told of her life-changing NHS cataract treatment – after becoming the 20,000th patient to have the surgery at a Manchester hospital.

Rose Tommons, 65, who owns Sandy Lane Equestrian and has more than 40 horses, suffered gradual sight loss, leaving her lacking in confidence and struggling with daily tasks.

She is now urging others to avoid delaying the treatment.

Rose said: “I went to my optician because I was having trouble reading.

“We have a big-screen TV at home and I couldn’t see the credits.

“My optician – Boss Opticians in Northwich – initially changed my glasses, but I wasn’t comfortable driving at night and I realised that even wearing my glasses, I couldn’t read the large motorway signs.

“It got to a point where it was really affecting my confidence.

“When I returned to the optician I had cataracts confirmed and was referred to SpaMedica’s Manchester hospital.

“It all happened really quickly, and I had surgery as an NHS patient around six weeks later.”

Initially apprehensive, Rose says the treatment has had a huge impact.

“I hate anyone going near my eyes, so I was terrified,” she said.

“I was worried that they stick needles in your eyes, but it was just drops and it was so quick.

“The difference is absolutely life-changing.

“I don’t wear glasses for driving now and I can see things in detail – that’s what I’ve noticed the most.

“I can look outside at the riding school and I can identify leaves and grass stems – silly things like that – it’s like someone has cleaned a window really well.”

Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures in the UK, with around 450,000 surgeries taking place each year – about 30 per cent of adults aged over 65 will have a cataract.

Symptoms include a decrease in vision clarity that can’t be corrected with glasses, colours appearing faded or washed, sensitivity to light, glare, and seeing halos around lights, or frequent changes to glasses or contact lens prescriptions.

If you have cataracts, see an optician.

To find out more visit spamedica.co.uk.