A World Championship sharpshooting silver medallist has praised a sight-saving eye clinic in Worcester.

Phil Rowley won the silver medal after eye surgery at the Newmedica Worcester eye health clinic and surgical centre weeks before the competition in France.

Rowley, 73, who represents Great Britain in the clay target shooting discipline of Universal Trench, had his cataract removed at the clinic.

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Cataracts form when the lens of a person’s eye develops cloudy patches, which over time can cause blurred vision and eventually blindness if untreated.

Phil said: "I had laser corrective surgery 24 years ago.

"That corrected a lot of the distance vision, but with age the cataracts ended up being a lot worse.

"I knew my sight was going to be better, so I dismissed any concerns I had."

He added: "Before the surgery everything looked like a sepia photograph.

"Now the world is so bright.

"It’s incredible.

"My sight without glasses is perfect – better than it’s ever been."

Rowley is sharing his story during National Eye Health Week (September 23 to 29), which aims to encourage the public to take responsibility for their eye health with regular eye tests to help pick up any issues early.

He said: "The cataract surgery really has transformed my sight.

"It’s now excellent.

"The one issue I had was getting used to seeing everything so clearly, so quickly."

He added: "I’m getting more used to it all the time and I’m hoping I’ll be even better in competition next year.

"The surgery really has been life-changing for me, so I’d definitely urge anyone nervous about having the operation to just go for it.

"The benefits hugely outweigh any fears you might have."

The clinic operates from the Berkeley Business Park and provides services for NHS and private patients.

It is assisting the NHS with reducing its waiting lists.

Josh Raden, operational director at the clinic, said: "I’d like to congratulate Mr Rowley on his fantastic achievement at the World Championships.

"He’s also absolutely right about people having no need to be nervous about the surgery.

"With cataracts, the procedure is very quick and really can enhance people’s lives significantly."