Ultralase

I visited this clinic and was initially very keen to go along and get my eyes treated, especially in light of my brother having had PRK 10 years ago with the obvious side effects of having this done in the early days. LCRS are keen to enhance fears of laser surgery and base their opinion on PRK treatments of 10 years ago and all the horror stories ensuing this early treatment. They do not tend to answer questions as directly as I would have liked and based their dislike of laser on a small internal sample of patients that they had treated a long time ago - surely this must have been PRK patients as I don't believe they ever went in for Lasik. I found it hard to research RK (which is what their "microsurgery" is) as it is not really performed any longer globally. There is a good reason for this, as I found: For LCRS treatment go to HYPERLINK http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ and search "PERK AND cornea" which will give you the only properly conducted long term study led by Professor George Waring at Emory University (formerly the "champion" of RK in the USA). Professor Waring himself has not performed RK for at least 5 years and only performs excimer laser surgery. I cannot stress enough the long term risks of this treatment with a very high percentage of people going long sighted as these studies show. In addition, the eyesight will fluctuate daily. Finally, something I found very useful was contacting other people on this website. All at present have good daytime vision - note that the long sighted vision progresses over time in these studies so most people won't have a problem for some time with that.The universal problem that everyone has though is night time star burst. The reason for this is the light enters the eyes refracted through the incisions which enter the field of vision when the pupil dilates at night. I had responses from many LCRS patients listed here and all have starburst! They get used to this, but current day lasik is so far in advance of this treatment it is quite unbelievable that anyone would opt to get RK/microsurgery done in possession of the full facts. I next went to the London Vision Clinic to find out the real risks/benefits of current Lasik. Note that their rating is 100% on this site. They really seem to be the most up to date in this field and I will post there once I have researched current lasik to my satisfaction, and made a decision whether to get surgery done or not based on the current day facts.

I had wave-front Lasek on 19 December 2003 performed by Vinod Gupta at the Hammersmith clinic. After an initial mix up with taking my wave-front tests at Tottenham Court Road and being unable to transmit the information to Hammersmith, I received a lot of care and attention at Hammersmith and the surgery was fine if not a little unnerving. I was tested at 20:20 the next day but blurred shortly after. The contacts came out and I blurred markedly but this has been improving ever since. The epithelium is healing and I anticipate a very good outcome. I did not experience ONE MOMENT of pain much to everyone's surprise. I'm very sorry to hear that someone has been unhappy with the information given at an Ultralase clinic. I tend to stand up for my rights vociferously and would certainly complain at being treated in that manner. I had the red carpet treatment after having to come to London again for another wave-front consultation at Hammersmith, a 2 hour journey for me, after I spoke to Justin Annett in the management department. I am now a very satisfied customer and am heartily recommending it to everyone. I would say that blurring and use of drops just goes with the territory, patience and positivity is the key. And the clinic has always been most happy to have me blither on the phone with any concerns. I'd say GO FOR IT !!! Big thanks to Vinod, Daniella, my lovely Antipodean nurse, Darren and everyone else.

I had my LASIK treatment with ULTRALASE in Chester on 22.12. and I'm more than pleased with the results. I researched for quite a while and expected at least some mild forms of side effects like glare or halo during the first few weeks - well, I did not experience any side effects whatsoever!! The day before the treatment I went onto lasikdisaster.com and got really really scared. But surgeon and staff are absolutely spot on, you couldn't wish for anything better - they are also a very cheerful bunch, which put my mind at rest that they wouldn't be "quacks". Surgery itself is not painful at all, but I was terrified when they "switch your lights off". Also to relax and at the same time "do not move while we apply the laser" was the hardest thing I ever had to do. But my "lifeline" was the friendly lady assistant's voice during every step of the surgery. So reassuring and she even praises you!! Well done Ultralase Chester and thanks for everything - I am still not getting over being able to see so well without any discomfort at all ! Definitely 5 ***** for you!!! Nicole

The best money I've ever spent, freedom in many ways and a new found confidence - all made possible due to the excellent service offered by Ultralase. No pressure, but professional staff and a first class service.

Viv - in response to your enquiry about patients who have been treated at our Manchester clinic, try clicking on www.TheGiftOfSight.com. If you select the "Search" function, then choose "Manchester" from the drop-down list of Ultralase clinics, you can read the testimonials of some of the patients treated there.

The treatment doesn't hurt at all and has made a huge difference to my lifestyle. The staff are very friendly and helpful.

I had LASEK at Ultralase in St Albans at the end of October 2003. My Surgeon was Mr Gupta. Pleased with it? Understatement - I wish I'd had it done years ago - £2300 well spent! I had a consultation at Guildford where I was told that, although unsuitable for LASIK, I was suitable for LASEK. I was not offered wavefront as I was unsuitable as I have thin corneas. My prescription was R -5.5, L -6.5 with astigmatism. On the day, Mr Gupta talked me through the procedure, I went through the post-op medication chat and relaxed on the operating table. Nearly 15 minutes later I sat up, operation complete. I was able to see, for the first time I can remember since squinting at the blackboard at junior school. In the darkness of the recovery room, my eyes started watering - to this day, I'm not sure it it was the effects of the operation or the fact that I was getting emotional about the fact that I could see! The only downside of the op was that the alcohol solution that was used on my right eye stung a bit, but my left eye was fine! I felt no pain other than this and although incredibly squeamish (I have a needle and dentist phobia!) was quite happy about being talked through the op by one of the nurses. 3 months on, I believe I have great vision, I was OK'd to drive after 1 week, although my left eye was slow to 'catch up' I believe I have both good eyesight and have achieved value for money. I suffer no hazyness, problems with low-light vision or with watching TV, and my need for eye drops is now decreasing - 2 drops in the morning and 1 before bed. I'm happy, and am happy to recommend Mr Gupta as a surgeon for LASEK and Ultralase as a company that provided me with excellent service.

Fantastic! Lovely feeling not to worry about contact lenses or glasses! I would recommend it to everyone, it was painless and recovery was quick. The staff were great. All I can say is 'wow' to see again!

An update following my 6 week check-up after having bi-lateral LASEK (on 15/11/03):- Still 20/20 which is good. Slight problem with looking at very near objects but I've been told that it is early days and that this is due to the slight over correction. I am seeing am improvement day by day..

I'm absolutely thrilled with the treatment and care I have received with Ultralase. Every single member of staff have been helpful, friendly and very caring. Its been one of the best decisions of my life!