Delia Worth had both her cataracts removed within two months of each other at our dedicated Eye Unit, which performed approximately 2,900 cataract surgeries in 2022. Delia also had toric lenses inserted to correct astigmatisms which differed in both eyes. Learn how our Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Mr Damian Lake, made the world 'a clearer, brighter place’ for Delia.

What symptoms or changes in your vision led you to see a healthcare professional?

“Over the past year I had really struggled with my vision due to the development of cataracts in both of my eyes. Reading and driving became a real problem, so much so that I stopped driving in the dark, which is very limiting.”

“I decided to go to Benenden Hospital for my cataract removal surgery because two years ago I had my gallbladder removed at the hospital and the treatment from start to finish was exemplary. I did also have an appointment at another hospital to discuss my cataract treatment, but they couldn’t offer me the options that Benenden Hospital could, as I required a different type of lens in each eye.”

Were you aware of the available treatment options for cataracts before consulting with an ophthalmologist?

“For my initial consultation, I saw Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Mr Lake. He was very informative and friendly and he explained all the various options available to me. I was offered toric lenses to correct severe astigmatism and I decided to have one lens for reading and the other lens for long distance. He carefully explained the risks to me and I was given an informative booklet prior to my surgery.

“I had my first cataract removed in February and my second in March. During the actual operation, I was terrified, I was even shaking. However, Mr Lake and the Eye Unit nurse quickly put me at ease. They explained the procedure step-by-step and this helped me calm down. It was relatively painless, with just some discomfort and pressure, which was to be expected.”

What happens during cataract removal surgery?

Delia would have been awake during her procedure but would have had a local anaesthetic to numb the eye. After the local anaesthetic had taken effect, Mr Lake would have made tiny cuts on the surface of Delia’s eye in order to remove her cloudy lens. The lens is usually broken up using ultrasound waves before it’s removed. The capsule the lens sat in would have been left behind and the new artificial lens would have been placed in this capsule, where it remains permanently.

Our expert Ophthalmic Consultants use computer assisted cataract surgery with Callisto Eye®. This modern microscope can achieve perfect alignment of the toric lenses. This technology allows for faster treatment due to less manual functions and reduces the risk of refractive errors and residual astigmatism.

Find out more about our lens replacement options from our cataract surgery brochure.

What postoperative care instructions were you given?

After cataract surgery, patients generally return home the same day, although they won’t be able to drive themselves. The eye is usually left without stitches and has an eye shield on it to prevent infection. Delia was informed of the aftercare instructions and they discussed the follow-up appointments.

Delia adds: “I was given a chart to help me dispense the right amount of drops needed after the surgery. When I returned home, I was phoned by the Eye Unit staff to check on my wellbeing. I was also provided with a 24-hour helpline if required.”

What were the staff and surroundings like at the hospital?

“Every member of staff, ranging from reception to the people working in the Eye Unit, to the Consultants to the Nurses were friendly, approachable, knowledgeable, and patient.

“Benenden Hospital is set in the stunning countryside with beautifully maintained grounds. There is a light, spacious atrium where you can sit and wait with your partner, or whoever you’ve brought with you. The hospital is super clean, there’s a lovely café where you can get reasonably priced drinks and coffee. All of this helps to put you at ease. I would 100% recommend Benenden Hospital.”

Delia's double cataract surgery success

Delia Worth - video transcript

Hi, my name's Delia. I'm a Benenden member. I had my cataracts removed in February and March. I have severe astigmatism, which was corrected.

Over the last year. I've really struggled with reading. I couldn't read very small print. And driving was a real problem, a real struggle, so much so that I had to give up driving at night.

I chose Benenden Hospital because, two years ago, I had my gallbladder removed and the treatment then was exemplary. I also tried another hospital for cataracts, but they weren't able to offer me the options that Benenden Hospital could.

I was offered toric lenses to correct astigmatism. And I chose to have one lens for distance and one lens for reading, which has been mind changing because I've now been able to totally dispense with contact lenses and glasses.

Mr Lake was my consultant from the outset. He was clear, he explained all the options available. He explained what the risks were. During the actual operation, I was absolutely terrified. I was shaking, but all through, he just explained really carefully what he was doing and what would happen, and he completely put my mind at rest.

The procedure was really short, about 15 minutes and nearly painless. There was really good follow up after the operation; I was given a phone call 24 hours afterwards. I had a booklet given to me. I also had a droplet chart to help me put the drops in. And there was also a 24-hour helpline provided as well.

Each and every member of staff, ranging from reception to the people working in the Eye Unit, to the consultants to the nurses were friendly, approachable, knowledgeable, warm and welcoming.

Benenden Hospital is set in stunning countryside. The grounds are beautifully maintained. There's a spacious and airy Atrium area where you can sit and wait for your appointment, and also take your partner, whoever, to sit there comfortably. There's a cafe with reasonably priced food and drinks and there's plenty of seating.

In the 3 to 4 months since I've had the procedure, it's been life changing. I've been wearing glasses and, later, lenses since the age of 11. I can now drive at night. I can read. I can swim without worrying about water getting in my eyes. It's an absolute miracle. Colours, the world seems a brighter place and the colours almost jump out at me.

I would 100% recommend Benenden Hospital. My treatment has been exemplary from start to finish. It couldn't be bettered.

Having the cataract procedure was the best thing I've ever done. Every day I wake up the world is a brighter, clearer place and it's just a miracle for me and I can't stop talking about how wonderful it is and how good it is to see clearly after all these years.

Can you describe the changes you’ve experienced?

“In the four months since having both my cataracts removed, it’s been lifechanging. I’ve been able to dispense totally with my lenses and glasses which I’ve worn since the age of 11. I can now drive at night, I can read and I can swim without worrying about getting water in my eyes. The world seems a brighter, clearer place as colours jump out at me. It’s just a miracle!”

Would you recommend Benenden Hospital to someone who is considering cataract surgery?

“Having the cataract surgeries has been the best thing I’ve ever done. There’s nothing to be frightened of and the procedure only took 15 minutes and was nearly painless; 15 minutes to change my life. I recommend Benenden Hospital and its cataract surgery to my friends and family all the time. I can’t stop talking about how good it feels to be able to see clearly after all these years.”

Upgrade your vision with special lenses post-cataract surgery

At Benenden Hospital, we go above and beyond being the number one provider of private cataract surgery in England (PHIN, 2023). We also offer a selection of premium, advanced lenses on top of our standard lens options for clearer, brighter vision and improved independence post-cataract surgery.

Special (advanced) lenses

Monofocal toric lens
Multifocal lens
Multifocal toric lens

Limited offer: Book a free cataract surgery consultation

For a limited time, we're providing free initial cataract consultations (terms and conditions apply). Book online or by calling our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.

Published on 18 July 2024

Delia’s cataract surgery success