BIRDS of prey are renowned for their incredible powers of sight.

Now Enzo the Falcon has reclaimed that gift after yesterday becoming the first bird in the region to have a cataract operation.

Enzo, a three-year-old lanner falcon, had cataracts in both eyes meaning he couldn't fly without bumping into things.

His owner, falconer Nigel Brown, first noticed problems with flying the bird to lure about 18 months ago, and the condition has meant he hasn't been able to fly him for the last four months.

Jim Carter, a Royal College of Veterinary surgeon and recognised specialist in veterinary ophthalmology, and Ian Sayers, a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon certified in zoological medicine, performed the operation at South Devon Referrals, Abbotskerswell, yesterday morning.

The visual acuity of lanner falcons is much higher than that of humans, enabling them to spot prey from far away and high up while hunting on the wing.

Mr Brown said: "Problems started when Enzo wouldn't land on the glove – instead he tried to land on a horse. When I first saw Jim and Ian, Enzo had some sight but things have gradually become worse. Enzo has now finished his moult and we thought the time was right to do the operation.

"The fact Jim and Ian work locally is a bonus, and means Enzo doesn't have to travel far to see a specialist."

Mr Carter regularly performs cataract surgery on dogs and cats said he relished the challenge of operating on the bird of prey.

He said: "Birds of prey have conscious control of the pupil size, which mammals don't, and although the eyeball is relatively bigger than in mammals, it is still pretty small, and eyes are delicate whatever the species.

"We hope Enzo will make a good recovery. Sadly his eyesight won't be perfect, as the lens won't be replaced like it can in humans or dogs, but if the eyes are left it is likely things will deteriorate further and become painful."

Mr Sayers added: "The anatomy and physiology of the way birds breathe is different to mammals and has bearing on how we anaesthetise them, but with the equipment and techniques we're using we're confident Enzo should have a smooth, pain-free operation."

Enzo was last night recovering from his anaesthetic – and looking forward to flying solo once again.

"There were few tricky bits but the procedure went well," said Mr Sayers. "Enzo is back on his perch and should be flying in about 10 days."