Sian's eyesight saved by state-of-the-art op

Sian Dobie (10) from Wales was one of the first children to benefit from the cutting-edge cataract surgery equipment at Sheffield Children's Hospital when she had cataracts removed from both eyes.

Sian first started experiencing problems with her eyesight back in February when she told her mum that she couldn't see what her teacher was writing on the white board at school but the operation has restored her sight. 

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens inside the eye.

It can cause blurry or hazy vision and can be a bit like looking through frosted glass.

Funded by The Children's Hospital Charity, the new equipment includes two specialist machines to take measurements of the eye before surgery, a sophisticated suction machine to remove the cataracts and a dedicated laser, which is used during the intricate procedure.

Sian's dad Alex said: “We cannot thank the staff at The Children's Hospital enough for what they have done for Sian and would particularly like to thank Mr Rogers who performed her surgery.”

Sian said: "My vision is so unbelievable, it has just changed so much and that has changed my life in so many different ways.

“My mum and dad and I are just so thankful for all the help that the hospital has given to me and to the charity for getting the special equipment.”

How eye op changed my life . . .  Full interview with Sian and her parents, see  this week's Advertiser.