It's been just 24 hours since my procedure. And here I am reading and writing - no need for glasses!!!
I had my initial consultation at Solihull. Previously I went to Optimax and they quoted me for over £3000 for Wavefront Intralase Lasik!! It put me off as my friends with serious astigmatism and really bad prescription paid the same. I had -2.75 on both eyes, additionally I have been told that I had slight astigmatism 0.5 and large 7mm pupils hence I needed wavefront.
In Solihull I was told that my prescription was perfectly normal and I wouldn't be charged any extra for wavefront, They do not perform Intralase. When I asked about it I was told there is no difference between Intralase and Keratome treatment, both involves touch (!!), risk and healing process are the same. Just the price is oh so different!
I was given anaesthetic drops and the doctor poked me with a piece of equipment (that was to measure the thickness of my cornea). That change completely my attitude as there was no pain at all. I wanted to book the procedure straight away. They offered me an appointment at London clinic 2 days after but I was told I could have my po-op appointment in Solihull.
I had t wait for about 1hr before I was seen. I was really scared, shaking all the way through but they just went on. The nurse held my hand and in less tan 10 minutes it was all over and done with. I was still shaking and as I sat outside nobody came to check on me for another 15 minutes. I really needed it as I was still in a bit of a shock!
The biggest disappointment was that they made me to come back to London for my next day appointment. I had already made my arrangements to go to Solihull the next day but the doctor in Solihull was not able to see me. It meant I had to travel all the way down from Midlands just for a short visit.
All in all I am pleased with the outcome, hopefully my vision will gradually improve.
My advice is to definitely shop around to find your best match as probably each clinic offers something different. In terms of pain and procedure itself just go with an open mind. It lasts only a few minutes so it's as long as I used spend just putting my contacts in and out!!