The breakthrough technique, which involves a lens being inserted into an incision of less than 3mm to re-direct light from damaged parts of the retina to healthier areas, takes between 60 seconds and five minutes, and is being introduced across the country.
The procedure, which can be done in a lunch break and uses the same technology that fixed the Hubble space telescope, is as safe as routine cataract surgery.
The Sunday Express reported how it could help millions of eyesight sufferers earlier this month.
The operation has enabled mother-of-six Lady Goldsmith, 82, to watch television, browse the internet and read small print again.
The technique, known as eyemax mono, has achieved astonishing results in patients with macular degeneration, affecting up to five million Britons, most of whom have no other treatment available.
Lady Goldsmith said: “On a long overdue visit to the optician in 2010 to my horror I discovered I had Age Related Macular Degeneration.
“I had the wet kind in my left eye and dry in the right, which meant a continuing course of injections into the left eye, which started in 2012.”
She was treated by Bobby Qureshi, who pioneered the new technique in the UK at the London Eye Hospital.
Lady Goldsmith said: “Thank God I was told of Mr Qureshi as being the expert on this condition. The results were very significant.
“I can now read and watch television much more clearly than before. I will still have to continue with the injections but hopefully less frequently.
“I am thrilled with the result and owe a deep debt of gratitude to Mr Qureshi for this miraculous treatment.”
Her eldest daughter Jemima Khan, 43, a journalist and campaigner, is also delighted.
The mother of two said: “The implant was a huge success and has transformed my mum’s life. Her left eye was virtually useless before as it was so foggy.
“Now she can see the TV, read books and newspapers and use the internet in a way she couldn’t before, and it has hugely improved her quality of life.”
Mr Qureshi said: “This procedure is so exciting. Up to 20 million patients worldwide could benefit. It can give back life to people who could no longer do normal everyday things.
“This is not a cure but it is the best thing we have to restore and maintain the vision for as long as possible.”
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