LASEK - B'ham Jan '06 - Surgeon: Mr George
I am extremely pleased with my results. I have better than 20:20 vision and I've joined the group who now say they wish they'd done it years ago. In fairness, I was never convinced the technology or the expertise was really established until a few years ago, so I do consider my timing right and my choice of clinic correct too.
After what considered an extensive search for the right clinic at a reasonable price, (I paid £600 per eye and on interest free credit, which is great) I got myself all geared up to have the LASIK treatment. It gives the same results as LESEK, had a very short recovery time, is less painful and the results were the same. Only on the day of the treatment did Mr George lay preference for me to have the LASEK saying it was a less intrusive treatment and removed the threat of any potential flap problems. The recovery time is longer and it proved as much. I had to write the week off, and struggled to operate efficiently for the next week and a half. I set my laptop to large font and for this time and attempted to work 2-3 inches from the screen. To be fair, the consultant staff did say that the surgeon may lay a preference on the day depending on your personal situation, it was just that LESIK appeared the easiest and simple of the 2 options.
The treatemt is amazing. Believe me, I'm squeamish, but at no time was I ever concerned or nervous. On the contrary, the staff make you feel very relaxed and portray an air of total efficiency. They explain all the steps as they go along. As with most things, verbal explanation is a lot worse than the real thing. Alcohol in the eye, scrape over the outer layer, laser the eye, push back the layer, slight smell of burning (eye I guess!) all sound terrifying and enough to put anyone off. But, it simply isn't like that.
All over in less that 15 minutes in the chair, I was then in another room being given instructions to a cocktail of drops, then back home.
The sight for me was very blurred for the first week and a half. Imagine scraping a taught layer of cling-film to one side, and then puling it back. There are going to be creases and depending where those creases are in relation to your line of sight will depend on how blurred your vision is. Once I rationalised it this way I was comfortable with the healing process knowing it was a matter of time they ironed out.
Its been 7 weeks now sinse the treatment and it is fantastic. I can't express my delight strongly enough.
The staff are great, the surgery is very clean and hygienic. I would have liked more information on Mr George before the treatment. Telling me he was some kind of Medical Officer in the Navy (Optical Express website) covering diving doesn't tell me his expertise, qualifications, referral rates, etc. Even when I asked for his CV I was presented with a laminated version of his career, which I had to hand back. I quickly noted some key points and attempted to search the internet to ensure he was indeed someone you would trust with your most precious gift. Of course he proved to be excellent. I did find his name on the Wolverhampton Hospital web site so I was assured he wasn't some struck-off surgeon with a snorkel. He was very professional and I thank him for giving me fantastic vision.
So, well done to all. Would I recommend? I have, 6 friends and family have already booked for consultation.