Jo Gibbons has worn glasses since the age of seven. With a prescription of -10 in one eye and -11 in the other, life without visual aids was unimaginable.
“I’ve worn glasses all day, every day, for as long as I can remember. I literally couldn’t do anything or see at all without them,” she explained.
But thanks to specialist care at Optegra Eye Hospital Hampshire, Jo has experienced a life-changing shift. After undergoing an implantable contact lens (ICL) procedure, she’s finally said goodbye to glasses for the first time in decades.
Read on to discover how Jo’s journey led to clearer vision – and newfound freedom.
Discovering a New Option
Having worked in the optical industry for 24 years, Jo knew she wasn’t a candidate for laser eye surgery due to her high prescription. But it was during a work training event that she was introduced to a life-changing alternative – implantable contact lenses (ICLs).
The event, hosted at Optegra Eye Hospital Hampshire, featured consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Alastair Stuart, who spoke about the ICL procedure and its potential outcomes.
“It wasn’t a treatment I knew much about, so it was fascinating to hear Mr Stuart speak about it so passionately,” said Jo.
Taking the Next Step with Optegra
Following the event, Jo arranged a consultation at Optegra, where she was assessed and found to be a suitable candidate for ICL surgery.
The procedure involves inserting a custom-made lens behind the iris, in front of the natural lens of the eye. This implantable contact lens is a permanent internal contact lens which corrects vision without altering the eye’s structure. It’s designed to stay in place indefinitely and is invisible to the naked eye, offering long-term visual clarity, especially for those with high prescriptions who may not be suitable for laser eye surgery.
“Each eye only took around 20 minutes. It was completely pain-free, and I could see clearly straight away,” Jo expressed.
Discover Life Without Glasses
Since undergoing ICL treatment at Optegra Eye Hospital Hampshire, Jo no longer needs glasses – for the first time in decades.
If you’re tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses, explore whether implantable contact lenses could be right for you with our World-class consultants. Book a free consultation with Optegra and take the first step towards visual freedom.
By Author: Alastair Stuart
Medically Reviewed Date: 17th April 2025
