An optician is experiencing excellent vision without glasses for the first time in decades.

Jo Gibbons, 42, who lives in Sixpenny Handley, had a very strong short-sighted prescription, needing glasses with a minus 10 prescription for one eye and a minus 11 for the other.

She said: "Since the age of seven, I have been in glasses all day, every day.

"For decades, the first thing I have done, every single day, is reach out to grab my specs.

"I literally cannot do anything or see at all without them."

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Jo has had to wear glasses since she was seven-years-oldJo has had to wear glasses since she was seven-years-old (Image: Optegra) After an Implantable Contact Lens procedure at Optegra Eye Hospital Hampshire, she now needs no glasses at all.

Jo, who has worked in optics for 24 years, knew she was not a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery due to her strong prescription.

Yet, a work training event at a local specialist eye hospital introduced her to the possibility of Implantable Contact Lenses.

She said: "I attended a recent event which was about Implantable Contact Lenses.

"To be honest, it was not a procedure I knew a great deal about, so it was fascinating to hear Optegra surgeon Mr Alastair Stuart describe the procedure and its outcomes so passionately.

"I pounced on the chance to find out more. I knew this may be an opportunity to change my life."

The training event led to a consultation with Optegra, where she was found suitable for the procedure.

The operation involves creating an individually-tailored lens that is inserted just behind the iris, acting as a permanent contact lens.

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Jo had 10 pairs of glasses to match every outfit (Image: Optegra) Mr Stuart, ophthalmic surgeon at Optegra Eye Hospital Hampshire, said: "We have offered Implantable Contact Lens surgery for many years, and it delivers excellent outcomes.

"As with Jo, its impact is immediate and improves further as the eye settles."

Jo, who works in West Parley near Bournemouth Airport, was delighted with the result and the surgical experience.

She said: "The procedure for both eyes was only around 20 minutes, it was completely pain-free, and I could see well immediately – an amazing experience for the first time since I was about seven-years-old."

The optician, who had 10 pairs of glasses to match every outfit, has now recycled most of them.

She added: "I still reach out for them some mornings and then smile when I remember that I can see without them."