A ROUTINE eye check up has meant Tamworth man, Don Willis, will retain his independence for some years to come.
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Mr Willis, 78, recently had a cataract removed and will be in to have his right eye done in a number of weeks.
The operation meant Mr Willis will keep his driver’s licence and his independence.
"It was very important that I have the licence," Mr Willis said.
"My wife's vision is very low and she hasn't got her licence."
Mr Willis saw Tamworth ophthalmologist Peter Hinchcliffe, who has been treating Don's wife for a while.
Dr Hinchcliffe said Mr Willis was a great example of the benefit of regular health checkups.
"With the removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with a clear acrylic lens, his vision is restored and his reliance on glasses will be reduced as well,” Dr Hinchcliffe said.
"It’s the most commonly performed surgery in the world and it's the most successful."
Dr Hinchcliffe said it was important to raise awareness to the fact many eye afflictions can be treated and managed, but regular check ups were key to picking up potentially blinding diseases
"Once you're 40 years of age, it should be a part of your standard health maintenance program,” he said.
This month marked JulEye, a month-long awareness campaign drawing attention to treatable eye diseases, and raising funds for incurable afflictions.