Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures worldwide. During the operation, a 2.2-millimetre incision is made to access the cloudy natural lens and remove it using ultrasound waves (phacoemulsification). A clear, permanent artificial lens called an Intraocular Lens (IOL) is then inserted into the same position to restore vision.

While standard lenses usually provide clear distance vision, we offer premium lenses which have additional benefits. These include multifocal or enhanced depth of focus (EDoF) lenses, which allow clear visionat multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far), and Toric lenses designed to correct astigmatism. Premium lenses are typically only available privately and can significantly reduce dependence on glasses after surgery.

Arthur Okonkwo holds the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Certificate in Refractive Surgery and a Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction in Cataract and Refractive Surgery from Ulster University with focus on presbyopia treatments.

Contact us for an assessment and discuss whether a premium lens are suitable.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a procedure identical to cataract surgery, but it is performed electively to correct vision before a cataract develops. This is vision correction surgery that can treat high levels of short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism and the age-related loss of reading vision (presbyopia). The long term benefit is that because the natural lens is removed, a patient will never develop cataracts later in life, and their corrected vision remains stable for decades.

While standard lenses typically provide clear distance vision, we offer premium lenses which have additional benefits. These include multifocal or enhanced depth of focus (EDoF) lenses, which provide clear vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far), and toric lenses designed to correct astigmatism. Premium lenses are often only available privately and can reduce your dependence on glasses after surgery compared with a standard lens.

Arthur Okonkwo holds the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Certificate in Refractive Surgery and a Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction in Cataract and Refractive Surgery from Ulster University with focus on presbyopia treatments.

Contact us for an assessment and to discuss if premium lenses are suitable.

Laser vision correction uses advanced precision technology to reshape the cornea (the clear front window of the eye) to treat myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism and presbyopia. 

In LASIK, a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea, the laser reshapes the tissue underneath, and the flap is repositioned. 

SMILE involves removing a laser shaped disc of cornea from a pocket.

In PRK/LASEK, the surface layer is gently removed, and the laser treats the surface directly, which is better for patients with thinner corneas. 

PTK is a treatment used for RCES and corneal scars, this is similar to PRK/LASEK, but smooths and clears the surface of the eye rather than reshaping it.

These procedures work by changing how light enters the eye so that it focuses perfectly on the retina. Most patients notice significant improvement in their vision within 24 hours. It is a quick, outpatient procedure that typically takes less than 15 minutes for both eyes, offering a long-term alternative to glasses or contact lenses.

Arthur Okonkwo holds the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Certificate in Refractive Surgery and a Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction in Cataract and Refractive Surgery from Ulster University with a focus on premium lenses. Additionally, he is dual fellowship trained in laser eye surgery at both Moorfields Eye Hospital, London and The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne. 

At St James’s Laser Vision, your initial consultation to determine suitability for laser eye surgery is free of charge with no obligation to proceed to treatment. Please note if you require a second opinion after previous laser surgery, we charge £225 for a consultation.

A corneal transplant, or keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure where damaged or diseased corneal tissue is replaced with healthy donor corneal tissue. This is often recommended for conditions like advanced Keratoconus, Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy, corneal swelling or corneal scarring.

Arthur Okonkwo offers surgical treatment tailored to your needs only transplanting the diseased layer of the cornea to speed visual recovery. Procedures may include  a full thickness transplant (PKP) or a partial-thickness transplant (DMEK, DSAEK or DALK). This surgery can be a life-changing option for restoring sight in eyes that would otherwise remain blind or severely blurred.Arthur Okonkwo holds a Master in Transplantation with Distinction, is dual fellowship trained in Corneal transplantation at both Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, and The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne. He has an interest in individualised patient care and has co-developed a Corneal Transplant Outcome Calculator to help inform clinicians about patient outcomes.

An Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is a thin, flexible lens that is surgically placed inside the eye, sitting between your natural lens and the iris (the coloured part of the eye). Unlike a standard contact lens, it stays in the eye permanently and cannot be felt. ICLs are often an excellent option for patients who have very high prescriptions or thin corneas and are not suitable candidates for laser eye surgery.

One of the biggest advantages of the ICL is that it does not involve removing any corneal tissue, making the procedure reversible if necessary. The visual results are typically very sharp and high-definition, providing excellent night vision and UV protection.

A detailed assessment is required to ensure the procedure is suitable and can be performed safely.

Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking is a treatment designed to stop the progression of Keratoconus. During the procedure, riboflavin (Vitamin B2) drops are applied to the eye and then exposed to a controlled amount of ultraviolet (UV) light. This strengthens the cornea and prevents visual deterioration. In suitable patients, this can be combined with laser eye surgery to improve vision in glasses.

Arthur Okonkwo has published the fantastic results of Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking in Leeds. Read here

Contact us for a personalised plan.

CAIRS is a modern variation of traditional corneal ring surgery used to treat Keratoconus. Instead of using plastic segments, this procedure uses donor corneal tissue (allogenic tissue), which is inserted into tiny channels within the patient’s own cornea. These segments help flatten the irregular “cone” shape of the cornea, making it more symmetrical.

We use Keranatural CAIRS, a natural human tissue rather than synthetic materials) The eye tends to tolerate these segments very well with a lower risk of complications. This procedure can significantly improve vision and make it much easier for patients to be fitted with comfortable contact lenses or glasses.

A detailed assessment is required to ensure the procedure is suitable and can be performed safely.

When a pterygium (a fleshy growth on the eye) becomes irritated or affects vision, it is surgically removed. To reduce the risk of recurrence, surgeons use a technique called a “conjunctival autograft.” This involves taking a small piece of your own healthy tissue from under the eyelid and “glueing” it onto the site where the growth was removed.

The autograft acts like a natural barrier, significantly reducing the recurrence rate compared to simply removing the growth alone. The eye may be red for a few weeks following the procedure, but the result is a smoother, clearer, and more comfortable eye.

For patients with chronic dry eye, advanced procedures like IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and LipiFlow can help to improve symptoms. 

IPL uses gentle pulses of light to reduce inflammation around the eyelids and break up blockages in the oil glands. 

LipiFlow uses a specialised device to apply controlled heat and gentle pressure to the eyelids, melting away “clogged” oils that prevent healthy tear production.

There are several steps to dry eye management. Contact us today.