13 October 2026…A Wythenshawe woman who has spent 20 years training guide dog puppies to improve the lives of people with sight loss has now had her own vision transformed – after ditching her glasses for the first time in 70 years.
For more than two decades, Sandra Reid has devoted her time to helping people with visual impairments, taking in guide dog puppies when they are just eight weeks old and helping prepare them for their future lives supporting people with sight loss.
Now, aged 83, Sandra has experienced her own sight transformation after cataract surgery at Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester, and says she is delighted to be able to see clearly at distance without glasses for the first time since she was just 12 years old.
Sandra has trained an impressive 25 guide dog puppies, introducing them to everything from busy roads and public transport to shops and everyday family life before they progress to their formal guide dog training at around 14 months old.
And for Sandra, one of the greatest rewards has been seeing the puppies she has raised go on to make a difference to people’s lives. She said: “It is so rewarding to see them with their clients, fully supporting them and knowing I played a tiny part in that.”
But after more than 70 years of wearing strong prescription glasses, Sandra’s own eyesight had begun to deteriorate because of cataracts and she turned to local Didsbury-based Optegra to help.
She was first diagnosed with cataracts four years ago but gradually found her vision becoming increasingly cloudy and unclear. It eventually began to affect her confidence behind the wheel, particularly as one eye had become significantly weaker than the other.
She explains: “I was legally allowed to drive but was aware that one eye was not so good and knew it would get worse if I did not act on it. I had heard that Optegra Manchester offers drop-free cataract surgery which I thought would be so much more convenient, so I approached them to see if they could help.
“My sister also encouraged me as since her cataract surgery she has not needed glasses, and I through that would be wonderful after 70 years. And these mischievous little puppies are rather partial to my glasses, they love to play with them!”
Sandra went to Optegra for thorough eye tests and consultation, and as she had a strong prescription to help her see at long distance, was advised that she could have NHS surgery but would still need to wear glasses. Alternatively, she could upgrade the lenses used in the procedure to a tailored prescription lens which would allow her to be free of glasses for long distance. Sandra decided to go for it, and now only needs glasses for reading – she is delighted.
For someone who has spent much of her life helping others navigate the world more independently, she says being able to see it more clearly herself has been particularly special.
She said: “Because of my work which I thoroughly enjoy, I have always really valued the importance of good eyesight. The number of clients who have said to me ‘if only I could have one more day with sight, to see everything again’ – so I know how precious my vision is.
“While I have had a number of operations over the years, this one, on my eyes, was the one I was rather nervous about! I told my surgeon Mr. Gormley how I felt, and he absolutely reassured me and I felt so calm then, not nervous at all going to the operation.
“It was so fast and pain-free, and I could see well straight away, even with the protective eye goggles on – I left the hospital looking like a little bug!
“The next morning, wow! I was so impressed how clearly I could see, it is wonderful. I even went out to the road where I live and could read all the number plates already – it was perfectly clear. This has given me back my sight, it is so much better than it used to be!”
Her ophthalmic surgeon at Optegra, Mr Jack Gormley, said: “It was a pleasure to treat Sandra and improve the sight of someone who has worked tirelessly to aid others with visual loss.
“Cataract surgery is transformational and restoring vision is the best part of my job. While cataracts are a common feature of ageing, we are becoming better at treating them with improved outcomes and safety. Sandra was also able to access modern lens technology that gives the possibility of increased freedom from glasses. I wish her all the best.”
Sandra is married to Andy and has three children. She loves her garden, thoroughly enjoys reading, watching quiz shows on television and listening to various kinds of music.
When training the Guide Dog puppies, she provides all the basic dog training but also gets them used to different forms of transport, and handling the level crossing, so they wait to hear the beep and that cars have stopped or passed by before they cross. She also helps them become familiar with everyday environments from supermarkets to theatres and even getting used to different levels of lighting in Sea Life Centre in Trafford.
All of which are more enjoyable with her new, clear vision!
Optegra Eye Health Care is a specialist provider of ophthalmic services. Established in 2007, with its first hospital opening in 2008, it has completed over one million eye procedures from its 74 eye hospitals across the UK, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Holland.