I had my operation for short-sightedness in both eyes on 17 October 2009. I am mid 40s. Prescription was around L-3 and R-3 plus astigmatism in the right eye. As I do a lot of training and sport I went for perfect long distance vision rather than the blended vision option (one eye for short vision and one eye for long). Cost was around £2,200 (which included a one-off £100 discount that was available at the time). Dr Ali Mearza was the surgeon (FRCOphth and a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Charing Cross Hospital)

The result. Absolutely fantastic – and I am a very hard to please person. It would be fair to say that FOCUS had never received so many questions and I am sure Paula at FOCUS would back me up on this. They answered the most important ones after which I realised that the remainder were obsolete.

I initially was attracted to FOCUS because of Dr Allamby’s open and honest blog (which is beneficial for the whole industry in my view). The nurses, optometrists, receptionists – everyone was fantastic. Friendly and caring and available for any questions or issues. My thanks to them for making it such an easy process..

Dr Allamby was unavailable at the time I sought my operation and it was done by Dr Mearza. I could not have been more happy. Dr Mearza was professional yet friendly. I felt comfortable all the way through the procedure.

To avoid surprises I advise that the pressure on the eye when the flap is created is more than I thought it would be (only say a little like cold ice cream shock in the sinuses) but lasts for a very short time. The other issue I was unaware of (but made sense at the time) was a very slight smell as the laser removed the tissue. Nothing to worry about though.

Immediately after the operation the eyes stung a little bit on the way home (like getting some citrus juice in the eye) but I went to sleep and when I woke up I was fine.

A significant issue for me was that I get the occasional facial cold sore. There is a related condition of the eye with the potential that the related virus can sit in part of the eye and with the disturbance of the operation, infection set in. Although I have never suffered from the eye condition another laser company refused me on this basis although admitted that it may in the short term change its view. FOCUS covered this issue and made me comfortable that this was not an issue for me as I had never suffered from the condition previously.

An issue that is important to note for older patients (over 40) is the likelihood of ‘sudden presbyopia’. My pre-procedure investigation had made me aware of this. As we pass 40 almost everyone requires reading glasses as the eye can no longer focus so well at short distances. Often, the myopia (short-sightedness) masks the presbyopia so that after the operation it is a surprise that you can no longer see near items to read etc as well. It is worse in the first few days but does get better over time. In good light I can read okay with just slight blurriness. Fro example I am typing this currently at normal font and no glasses. Still, it is better having to only put on glasses occasionally to read rather than only taking them off occasionally. Also, for those of you that have used contacts and not been able to read too well with them on, then this is surely a better solution. The sudden presbyopia issue may have been addressed with the blended option and for less active and/or older persons this may be a better way to go.

It is now over a month and I have had absolutely none of the advertised potential side effects (halos, dry eyes etc etc). There has been no need for further lubricating drops etc and I remain with 20/20 vision. There are some very, very slight variations on a daily basis but only if I really think about it and close each eye for an informal eye check. When operating together they are fantastic.

It is amazing that the other day I was watching, with a great deal of clarity, a bird flying around its nest. It must have been half a mile away.

I repeat that I followed every single recommendation for my post-operative care procedures and this is very important. The operation is only the first step after which you must take responsibility for the end perfect result.

After the operation I saw an article in a London paper how Dr Mearza went to Ghana, leading a large team who operated on 200 people to alleviate them of cataracts. So you know you are in caring hands.

Ultimately the end result is excellent and as close to perfection as you can get. The only remaining question I have is ‘Why did I not do this years ago?’.

I hope this helps other people make an informed decision.