Mrs Tomlinson is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon who specialises in cataract surgery, refractive lens exchange (RLE), premium lens implantation and vision correction. She consults with patients across Bath, Bristol and across the South West helping them achieve the best possible visual outcomes through personalised lens surgery.

Further to graduating in Medicine and Surgery with an exemplary record, she has completed a Master's degree in Genomic Medicine and a Bachelors degree in Physiological Sciences whilst completing her ophthalmic training in the prestigious Severn deanery based at the Bristol Eye Hospital. She has subsequently completed internationally recognised fellowships in Adult Ocular Motility, Oculoplastic surgery and had over a decade of experience in cataract surgery.

Mrs Tomlinson is a high-volume cataract surgeon, performing a minimum of 550 cataract and refractive procedures each year. She has extensive experience in both routine and complex cataract surgery, including eyes with previous laser vision correction, high myopia and other challenging conditions. Committed to developing the best possible visual outcomes, she is at the forefront of advances in cataract and refractive surgery. She regularly incorporates the latest developments in premium intraocular lens technology and surgical techniques into her practice. This ensures her patients benefit from the most up-to-date options for achieving excellent vision and, where appropriate, greater independence from glasses.

She has a particular interest in premium intraocular lens technology including multifocal, extended depth of focus (EDOF) and toric lenses, enabling many patients to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses following surgery. She also performs refractive lens exchange for suitable patients usually over the age of 45 seeking an alternative to laser vision correction or wishing to address age-related loss of near vision.

Throughout her career she has received many awards for excellence in ophthalmology, particularly in refractive surgery and quality improvement. She has presented her work at national and international conferences, and is actively involved in training the next generation of surgeons whilst supporting a strong commitment to the delivery of safe, precise, and evidence-based care.

Clinical Interests

Mrs. Tomlinson specialises in advanced cataract surgery, refractive lens exchange and premiums lens implantation with the focus on delivering excellent visual outcomes and helping patients achieve better spectacle independence. She offers comprehensive assessment and personalised lens selection including:

1. Premium intraocular lenses with advanced technology

- multifocal lens implants

- extended depth to focus lenses

- enhanced monofocal lenses

-astigmatism correction

-standard monofocal lenses

2. Squint surgery in adults with adjustable sutures to optimise outcomes

3. Assessment and treatment of:

- dry eye disease

-red eye

-floaters and flashing lights

- eyelid margin disease

She has an exceptionally low posterior capsular rupture rate of less than 0.3% substantially below the published national average for consultant level completed cataract surgery of 1-1.5%, reflecting her meticulous surgical technique and commitment to quality outcomes. In addition to her cataract surgery and refractive practice, Mrs Tomlinson leads the Adult Ocular Motility service at the Royal United Hospital and is one of the highest volume adult squint surgeons the Bath and Bristol region with consistently excellent alignment outcomes.

Patients travel to see Mrs Tomlinson from Bath, Bristol, and beyond for specialist cataract surgery, refractive lens exchange and premium lens implantation as well as her practice in adult squint surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure to remove the natural cloudy lens and replace this with a clear artificial lens (intraocular lens/IOL). It is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures which can significantly improve vision, quality of life outcomes and independence.

What is the difference between cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange?

Both procedures remove of the natural lens however cataract surgery involves removal of the cloudy natural lens whilst refractive lens exchange involves removal of the natural clear lens to reduce dependency on glasses.

Am I suitable for refractive lens exchange?

Refractive lens exchange is usually suitable for individuals over the age of 45 who would like to reduce their dependency on glasses for near, intermediate, far distances. It can be an excellent alternative to laser vision correction especially for individuals new to reading glasses, highly myopic or not adjusting to varifocal glasses.

What are premium lenses?

Premium intraocular lenses are advanced lens implants that are designed to provide a greater range of vision than standard lenses. They are not available by the NHS pathway. Depending on your lifestyle and vision goals, these may include:

- Astigmatism correction for improved distance vision

- Enhanced monofocal lenses (enhanced distance)

- Extended depth of focus lenses (intermediate to far)

- Multifocal lenses (all range vision)

Before surgery

What happens before surgery?

A detailed assessment of the health of your eyes is completed as well as biometry, corneal and retinal imaging to check for conditions that can impact on your vision. Your lifestyle requirements together with the different lens options are discussed to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

How should I prepare for surgery?

You should continue your usual medications unless advised specifically to stop any. Specifically your blood pressure and if diabetic, blood sugar levels need to be well-controlled to optimise your surgical outcomes.

Is cataract surgery painful?

Cataract surgery is performed under local anaesthetic. Usually patients experience minimal discomfort, there can be a pressure feeling during the surgery however usually patients are surprised by how efficient and quick the surgery is.

How long does the surgery take?

The procedure takes between 10-20 minutes, however you will be in hospital for around 2 hours.

Will I still need glasses after the surgery?

This depends on the lens type selected and the ocular characteristics of the eye. Many individuals who choose a premium lens do so to reduce glasses dependence however some still require glasses for near vision.

Recovery

What is the recovery time following cataract surgery?

Most patients resume usual activities after a few days, specifically things to avoid for 1-2 weeks include bending down, lifting heavy objects, strenuous exercise, inverted yoga or Pilates positions. Avoid swimming for 4 weeks.

When will my vision improve?

This depends on the health of the eye, surgery, and the lens type. In individuals who have diabetes or a very dense lens the vision can take longer to improve. Usually by a few days the vision should have improved dramatically and by 4-6 weeks, the vision is stable. Some complex lenses require a few weeks of neuro-adaptation.

When can I drive after lens surgery?

You may return to driving once your vision meets the legal driving standard and you feel comfortable to do so. This is often a few days, but varies from patient to patient. At your follow-up your vision will be checked and you can be advised on this specifically.

• Royal College of Ophthalmologists
• British Medical Association
• European Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
• UK Cataract and refractive surgeons
• European Strabismologist Association