Bride-to-be teacher has eye surgery as Leeds clinic warns of online learning strain

The bride-to-be from Bradford had worn glasses since her late teens but had found she was becoming more and more dependent on them.

Rachael Clifton, 32, decided to have eye surgery at Optegra Eye Clinic Leeds to help her teaching and so she could enjoy her wedding and honeymoon without worrying about glasses.

Rachael said: “As a primary school teacher it is really hard at the moment, with a third of the school in, but the rest at home so we are having to double up on lessons.

“As well as the everyday improved vision and being able to work without glasses, my wedding and honeymoon were definitely a key motivator to get my eyes done – I wanted to enjoy my big day without my eyes getting tired, and especially not have to wear contact lenses on a long air-conditioned flight, and then on the beach on honeymoon."

The hospital group Optegra has noticed an increase in enquiries from teachers hoping to book laser eye surgery this half-term due to a significant rise in screen time taking a toll on the eyes.

Rachael’s surgeon Mr. Shafiq Rehman said: “As the recovery time for laser eye surgery is so quick, teachers are realizing they can improve their quality of life and fit it in to half term.

“Rachael had excellent results and so this will improve her quality of life every day and she will also really reap the benefits when she gets to enjoy her wedding and honeymoon with perfect vision!”

Private eye surgery is able to go ahead under current Covid-19 restrictions, with safety measures in place.

Rachael said: “I did not have many worries myself about Covid, because I am out every day with work, but I imagine people who are staying home may be a little concerned.

“But there is no need to worry – Optegra had so many procedures in place, more than I could have imagined, so I felt really safe.”

On top of the surgery improving her teaching and her wedding experiences, Rachael has also noticed a benefit to her main hobby, dancing.

She is looking forward to getting back into that without glasses balancing on her nose or worrying about contacts getting misplaced.

Rachael said: “My favourite thing is waking up and being able to see straight away – no trying to find my glasses.

“It is the best money I have ever spent.”

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