AN optician from West Parley has said she is experiencing “excellent” vision without glasses for the first time after decades of wearing glasses. 

Jo Gibbons, from Sixpenny Handley, has a very strong short-sighted prescription where one eye is minus 10 and the other is minus 11 – most people who need glasses need minus two or three prescriptions. 

The 42-year-old, who has worn glasses since she was seven, had an implantable contact lens procedure done at Optegra Eye Hospital in Hampshire and no longer needs glasses. 

Having worked in optics for 24 years, starting with work experience at A levels, then later qualifying as a dispensing optician, Jo knew that she was not a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery. 

However, a work training event at a specialist eye hospital opened her eyes to a new opportunity. 

She said: “I attended a recent event which was about implantable contact lenses.  

“To be honest it was not a procedure I knew a great deal about, so it was fascinating to hear Optegra surgeon Alastair Stuart describe the procedure and its outcomes so passionately.  

“And particularly as he mentioned it was ideal for patients whose eyes were not suitable for laser eye surgery. 

“I pounced on the chance to find out more. I knew this may be an opportunity to change my life.” 

Mr Stuart, ophthalmic surgeon at Optegra Eye Hospital Hampshire, said: “We have offered implantable contact lens surgery for many years, and it delivers excellent outcomes. 

“This is a permanent procedure, and the new lens sits between the iris and the natural lens of the eye. 

“As with Jo, its impact is immediate and improves further as the eye settles."

Jo, who is married and has a 13-year-old son, said it is the day-to-day changes that mean the most to her. 

“To be able to put make-up on without a mirror practically hitting my nose, and to grab the right bottle of shampoo or conditioner in the shower, is fantastic,” she said. 

“It may sound odd, but if you have never been able to do these things, it makes such a huge difference to me every single day. You cannot put a price on that.”