Identical twins Bill and John Bowdler, 82, from Birmingham, have always shared everything – a home, clothes, and even the same job. Now, they have added a medical milestone to their list: both needed cataract surgery on their right eye at the same time, undergoing the procedure weeks apart at the same clinic.
The pair, born in Great Barr, have lived together their entire lives. They have always dressed alike and worked for the same employer. Their latest coincidence left staff at Newmedica Birmingham astonished when they discovered the twins required identical operations.
John said: “We’ve always been identical in most things we do, so I suppose it seemed natural to us that when one of us needed cataract surgery, the other would as well. When you think about it, it’s got to be very unusual. The staff at Newmedica Birmingham were quite surprised when they saw us.”
He added: “We were very impressed by everyone at the clinic. They were really professional, and there’s a vast difference in my sight since having the surgery. Everything’s clearer and sharper now, and the TV is so bright.”
John and Bill are avid sports fans and season ticket holders at Villa Park, so good eyesight is especially important for them. They will return to Newmedica Birmingham to have cataracts removed from their left eyes. They encourage others not to let fear prevent them from having the surgery.
Bill added: “We enjoy bingo and there are people there who’ve had the surgery. They reassured us in advance that it was painless and straightforward, so we weren’t worried beforehand – but I know some people are. There really is nothing to be apprehensive about. I’d certainly urge people to have the surgery if they need it. It can make such a difference to your life.”
Newmedica Birmingham, based at Aston Cross Business Village, performs various eyecare procedures and helps the NHS reduce waiting lists.
Professor Sai Kolli, consultant at Newmedica Birmingham, said: “Bill and John were wonderful patients. They’re the first twins we’ve had as patients here, and it must be such a rare occurrence to have them both have the same procedure on the same eyes. They’re absolutely right about people having no need to be nervous about the surgery. With cataracts, the procedure is very quick, carried out under local anaesthetic via eyedrops while the patient is awake, and it’s painless.”
Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye develops cloudy patches, which typically enlarge over time. Although common and easily treatable, they cause blurred vision and can lead to blindness if ignored.
