Adventurer Back in the Saddle After Eye Surgery for Early-Onset Cataracts

Neil Lamont, an adventurer from Warrington, Cheshire, celebrated life-changing cataract surgery by completing a 500-mile cycle around the north coast of Scotland – just two weeks after treatment at Freedom Vision by SpaMedica.

At only 52, Neil noticed his once-perfect vision was starting to blur. “I struggled to focus on words and numbers, and my long-distance vision was going.” he explained. At his optician’s appointment, Neil was shocked to learn he had cataracts and that one eye would even fail the legal standard for driving.

“I still see myself as fairly young, so it came as quite a surprise. The advice was to wait until it got worse, but I didn’t want to risk going out on my bike or doing the things I love."

Not wanting to miss out on an active lifestyle, Neil booked an appointment with Freedom Vision by SpaMedica in Bolton. After an in-depth consultation discussing his vision needs and lifestyle, Neil chose monofocal lenses.

“The surgery was incredible, and the recovery was so quick. The morning after my first eye was done, I could already read messages on my phone. Just two weeks after the second eye, I was back in the saddle, enjoying the views of the Highlands I thought I’d lost.”

Freedom Vision by SpaMedica clinics combine state-of-the-art technology with personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. With some of the UK’s most experienced consultant ophthalmologists, patients like Neil get advice and care built around their lifestyle.

Neil chose private cataract surgery for faster treatment and more advanced lens options.

“I was apprehensive, but the procedure was pain-free, and I really valued how bespoke it was – they genuinely listened and tailored it to me.”

Stephanie Kyle, Dedicated Freedom Vision Team Member, explains:

“Many of our patients are active people who want their cataracts sorted quickly, without waiting months or years. Private treatment offers access to a wider range of lenses and shorter waiting times.”

Cataract surgery is the most common operation in the UK, with around half a million procedures each year. Yet NHS waiting times and referral criteria can vary depending on location, so private treatment can be an appealing option.