Only weeks ago, Honey Donovan's sight was so poor she could not even see that there were black letters on the eye chart she was asked to read.
Now after cataract surgery and the fitting of artificial lenses by the Lions Eye Institute, the Subiaco woman can read the second smallest line and says the experience is life-changing.
Ms Donovan was diagnosed with early cataracts many years ago but it was only in the past few months that the sight in both eyes deteriorated significantly. About a month ago, she had surgery on her left eye, followed by an operation on her right eye two weeks ago, to restore her short and long sight.
"Life in general changes so much when you can see again and the results were immediate," she said.
"It's been amazing."
The eye institute's managing director David Mackey said he was worried that cataract surgery could become out of reach for some patients after a decision by the Federal Government in this year's Budget to halve the Medicare rebate for the procedure.
The Government plans to save $153 million over four years by reducing the Medicare reimbursement from about $600 to $300 from November 1.
But Professor Mackey said having cataracts removed was an essential treatment, not only restoring sight but reducing rates of falls, fractures and depression that were linked to poor vision.
