When Ann’s eyesight deteriorated to the point where driving was difficult and everyday life was challenging, she knew it was time to have her cataracts removed. Read on to discover how our experienced Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons and our caring eye unit team gave Ann clear vision again.
Why did you choose Benenden Hospital for cataract surgery?
“My Optician told me about three years ago that I had cataracts forming. I started having problems about two years ago when driving became increasingly difficult. It was like looking through a fog and at night the headlights were like starbursts, it was uncomfortable.
“The last time I went to see an Optician he said he’d refer me to Benenden Hospital as I had been a member of Benenden Health for years. I live in Sidcup in Southeast London so I’m only a one-hour drive away from Benenden Hospital.”
Ann Jewell: Cataracts patient
When Ann’s eyesight deteriorated to the point where driving was difficult and everyday life was challenging, she knew it was time to have her cataracts removed. Read on to discover how our experienced Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons and our caring eye unit team gave Ann clear vision again.
Ann’s patient journey
Ann’s cataract surgeries were carried out by our two of our expert Consultant Ophthalmologists here at Benenden Hospital.
“I did have the choice of having my cataracts removed so I wouldn’t need to wear glasses anymore or removed so I did still require glasses. I chose to continue wearing glasses because I’ve worn them since I was 12 and they’re a part of me. However, I was told that some patients may still need to wear glasses after having cataract removal surgery so it is dependent on the individual.
“From when I had the first cataract removal surgery in June through to August when the second cataract removed the time just flew by! It’s such an easy operation and I was talked through everything from beginning to end. Initially, I was terrified because I hate people touching my eyes but the eye unit staff team couldn’t have been nicer. Every step of the way I was told everything that was going to happen and by the time I returned for my second operation I felt at ease and relaxed.
“After I was discharged from the operation, I was given drops to put in my eye, starting four times a day, gradually weaning it down over a period of a month to once a day.”
Staff and hospital environment
“The staff are absolutely wonderful, to them you’re a person, you’re not a number. They explain everything, if you’ve got a question they’ll answer it, if they can’t answer it, they’ll find someone who can for you. It makes life a lot easier and you relax a lot more as a patient.
“I would describe Benenden Hospital as a hotel with medical facilities, it is beautiful and so are the surroundings. Nowadays, my vision is so much clearer. Everything is just brighter and lighter and driving is a pleasure again.”
Ann’s advice
“Anybody who has got any doubts about their eye health or who has cataracts, come to Benenden Hospital. It is probably the best place on earth and especially for cataract removal surgery because your eyesight is so important, get it done as soon as you can.”
Private cataract surgery in our award-winning Eye Unit
Our highly respected Ophthalmic Consultants – supported by a team of experienced eye healthcare professionals - can quickly assess and diagnose any eye condition you may have and carry out treatment at our safe and comfortable award-winning Eye Unit. We’re proud to be the number one provider of private cataract surgery in Kent and Sussex*
We offer our patients three different types of special lenses following their cataract removal surgery such as monofocal toric lens, multifocal lens and multifocal toric lens. Are you looking to have private cataract surgery and want to know more about our range of advanced lenses? Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Mr Damian Lake and Eye Unit Sister, Jane Styche explain the three types of special lenses in our guide to special lenses.
Find out more about our private eye treatments available through self-pay and private medical insurance, by completing our online enquiry form, contacting us via Livechat or by calling our Private Patient team on 01580 363 158.
*Private Healthcare Independent Network 2021
Published on 28 October 2022