A man born with no ears has undergone pioneering surgery to restore his sight.

Thalidomide victim John Roberts had to struggle to focus on objects because of problems with one of his eyes.

For years he was forced to try to balance his glasses on his nose because his ears did not develop properly as a result of birth defects caused by the drug.

Things were complicated further because Mr Roberts only had one good eye, in which he was long sighted.

But now he is finally able to enjoy his passion for photography without worrying about his glasses falling off.

Mr Roberts, 46, from Manor Farm, Brighton, was referred to Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, which specialises in dealing with sight problems.

Consultant ophthalmic surgeon Sheraz Daya discovered that laser treatment might restore sight to Mr Roberts's other eye, described as non-functioning by opticians.

Mr Roberts has had 44 operations to correct problems with his heart, other internal organs and limbs after he was born with deformed hands and no ears because his mother took thalidomide during pregnancy.

He said the quick operation on his eyes left him with better vision immediately.

Mr Roberts said: “When Mr Daya finished he told me to look at my watch and it was incredible because I could see it so clearly.

“I could even read the make of the watch on the dial.

“It is wonderful not to have to think about glasses and the inconvenience of trying to balance them on my nose, especially as I have to attach a hearing aid to a magnetic plate inserted under my skin every morning.

“It has been a life changing operation.

“I would urge anyone with disabilities who has problems using glasses to get in contact with their primary care trust and apply for an assessment for surgery like this.”

Mr Dava said: “This was an extreme case and highlights what we are now able to achieve with experience and the precision of modern surgical technology.

“John’s prescription was far from normal. The fact that he is not able to wear glasses or insert contact lenses because of his shorter arms meant that surgery was the solution.

“Laser eye surgery has given John better vision than he has ever experienced with this eye, leaving his good eye for distance vision.”