A Life in Music, A New View of the World
From singing with Judy Garland to entertaining troops in the Falklands, Tony Nicol has lived a life full of remarkable moments. Now 80 and still full of energy, it was cataract surgery with SpaMedica that helped him see those moments more clearly once again.
A Musical Life Like No Other
Tony’s career in music began later than most. He picked up his first guitar on his 30th birthday, and by 31, he was already performing professionally. Over the next five decades, he would tour the world, including performing for British troops in the Falklands alongside Harry Secombe, and even taking the stage in Antarctica.
One of his most surreal memories took place at the Rising Sun pub in Bethnal Green, where a woman with a beautiful voice joined him to sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Only after the performance did someone reveal who she was: Judy Garland.
“I just thought she had a lovely voice,” Tony says modestly. “It was only after the song that someone told me who she really was.
“It was the 1960s and I had only seen Judy Garland as a young woman in The Wizard of Oz, so I was blown away that she was who I’d just performed with!”
When Sight Begins to Fade
Although Tony remained active, the years eventually began to dim his world. He noticed changes in his vision in his 50s, and despite stronger reading glasses, everyday activities like reading, driving and performing music became increasingly difficult.
That’s when his optician at Vision Express referred him to SpaMedica Southampton for cataract treatment.
“It Was Like Someone Had Turned the Lights Back On”
“The difference was immediate,” Tony says. “When I got home, I looked across the road and thought the neighbour had painted their house yellow. But it had always been yellow, I just hadn’t seen it properly for years. It was like someone had turned the lights back on!”
Today, he jokes that younger friends are jealous of how clearly he can see.
“I can see every cat’s eye in the road. It’s taken me right back to my younger days as a Mod when I used to ride my Lambretta around Brighton. My younger friends are jealous that my vision’s better than theirs!”
“The Service Was Absolutely Smashing”
Tony’s praise for SpaMedica Southampton is heartfelt.
“From start to finish, the service was absolutely smashing. I was collected by the free transport service, greeted with tea and coffee, and treated with such kindness. Everyone knew my name – it felt personal, not clinical – and the surgery itself was over in minutes.”
He credits his treatment for restoring not only his vision but his confidence and quality of life.
“Having my cataracts done has genuinely changed my life. I can read again. I can drive without anxiety. I can play and enjoy music fully.”
Encouraging Others to Take That Step
Tony now urges others not to wait if they’re struggling with their sight.
“Don’t wait. If your optician recommends cataract surgery, go for it, and if you can, go to SpaMedica. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Want to take the next step?
Find out how you can get referred to SpaMedica and begin your journey to clearer vision today.
Getting a referral to SpaMedica | SpaMedica