At age 37 my long sight was becoming more of a problem as I got older. I had worn contact lenses since I was in my late 20's and had some damage to my eyes as a result of excessive wear. Basically I had grown extra blood vessels due to my eyes being starved of oxygen. This then resulted in having to wear glasses which I hated, and by the end of the day I struggled to see clearly even with glasses on. I remember not being able to read a menu with my glasses on, and decided I had to find out about laser treatment.

I had changed my optician and asked her about laser treatment to be told I would not be suitable because my sight prescription was too high, +4.75 and +3.75, and because I had 'dry' eyes. My heart sank. Still, she recommended I find out for sure and I telephoned several clinics including Optimax, Ultralase and Accuvision. The first two advised me that my prescription was too high to be treated, but they could have a go at one eye, although they didn't think the result would be very good. It was cheaper, about half the price of Accuvision, but I was not prepared to chance my eyesight for only minimal improvement. They didn't have the technology that Accuviosion had hence the lower cost. I received a lot of brochures and telephone calls from sales staff, even though they had said I wasn't a suitable candidate.

After a telephone converation with Accuvision I travelled the 70 miles to London for a consultation. I felt like I was clutching at straws and had braced myself for the liklihood that I would be turned down for treatment. Initially they were concerned about my dry eyes and sent me to another nearby location to have further tests. Finally, once they were happy with the results I heard the magic words that they could treat me. I was so excited, a life free of glasses. They were totally honest with me from the start and told me that they thought 20/20 vision was unlikely, but that somewhere close to that was achievable. That was fine by me. I was having to wear glasses from the time I got out of bed until I got back in it.

I had my wavefront guided lasik treatment on 29 May 2003. I was very nervous on the day, but all the staff there are very nice and put you at ease. I felt sensation during the lasik treatment but no pain, it only took minutes per eye. I had some problems with very dry eyes and had to use a lot of eye drops. I had fluctuating vision and I experienced halos around light at night time for a few weeks. I had been warned this may happen, especially as I had already had dry eyes. My vision was in effect very short sighted whilst my eyes were very dry and I couldn't drive. I had my follow up appointments with Vikash Patel who was brilliant. If I was worried I telephoned and staff were always there to reassure me.

Now just over four months since the treatment I don't need glasses for reading, driving - anything. I haven't got 20/20 vision in both eyes, my left eye is slightly short sighted, but it doesn't cause me any problems. Not a day goes past when I don't wonder at my amazing sight. It was the best £4000 I have ever spent.

If you are thinking of having lasik treatment I would thoroughly recommend Accuvision and to consider the following:
Take your time and do your research thoroughly,
Don't be harassed by 'hard sell' companies,
Remember you generally get what you pay for, and lastly
You can't put a price on your eyesight.

I have been delighted with all of my care and would like to thank all at Accuvision especially Joan, Darius and Vikash. If you wish to contact me about my own experience please do so at sallyjennings66@hotmail.com