OFTEN 20/20 vision is something many of us take for granted.

It is only when start to lose our sight, we appreciate what it is like to have perfect clear vision.

For artist Janie Pirie she faced loosing the ability to be able to keep drawing.

The 70-year-old started to wear glasses more than 30 years ago to help her complete the finer details of her science-based work.

Her eyesight continued to deteriorate and she came to rely on wearing contact lenses or glasses and having to use a magnifying glass.

Janie’s love for nature began as a child when she helped her father grow flowers, fruit and vegetables.

She went on to study at Northampton School of Art and later at Colchester Art College.

She runs regular workshops at Ipswich Institute, Tindall’s art shop in Colchester, Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, Flatford Mill, Dedham and Higham Hall in The Lake District.

And now after nearly three decades she can see clearly after taking the brave step to have an eye operation.

Janie was inspired after her brother had a procedure at Optegra Eye Hospital Central London which freed him from glasses.

Janie realised if he was brave enough, she should be too.

Janie, who lives near Stratford St Mary, said: “I was so envious of my brother’s fantastic vision – I wanted ‘new eyes’ too.

“In my line of work I really need my eyes to work hard because I need to capture great detail.

“They are perfect now so my work is even more enjoyable than ever. I don’t have to reach for the right strength glasses to enhance what I am trying to draw because I can see everything clearly.

“I am thrilled and feel liberated.

“We all take our senses for granted and so I regularly remind myself that just months ago I struggled to see my work with the clarity I wanted – I am so lucky now.”

The treatment both Janie and her brother had was Refractive Lens Exchange.

The natural lens of the eye is permanently replaced with an artificial intraocular lens.

After the operation about four out of five patients are completely free of glasses.

It is designed to make peopleless dependent on glasses and contact lenses, helping them to lead an active lifestyle more easily.

Janie said: “It’s scary as it’s the one sense you wouldn’t want to lose.

“It was the best thing I ever did.”

Janie’s work has been exhibited in the UK, Europe and the USA, and particularly in London with the Society of Botanical Artists.

Her art, which is mainly flowers, has been recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society with two gold medals and a silver-gilt.

Mr Wisam Muen, Optegra consultant eye surgeon, said: “It was a pleasure to treat Mrs Pirie who is a talented artist and had become heavily reliant on visual aides to do her work.

“We had a detailed and honest discussion about the best treatment, and though she was nervous at first I’m pleased we were able to reassure her that she was in the best place to have this done.

“Mrs Pirie showed me one of her drawings that she had done after the surgery and I was totally amazed. It was very detailed and intricate work.”