My prescription was -5.25 in both eyes. I had my consultation at the Westfields branch and my surgery at Harey Street with Dr Blumenfield

After my first check up I was a bit dubious as I had read other reviews on here saying Optical Express gave a hard sell, and funnily enough they did recommend the most expensive treatment. So I went to a few other clinics to get a second opinion (which I would highly recommend). I was told at Accuvision that my cornea was just borderline thick enough to allow me to have Lasik treatment (500-550ish microns) and they recommended Lasek.

I then did my own research and found out that intralase treatments result in a thinner 'flap' and are therefore more suitable for people with thinner corneas (Accuvision only have the option of manual flap creation when undertaking lasik procedures). So I was wrong in my worry that I had been recommended the most expensive treatment as a sales technique. There is still an element of risk as it makes me less suitable for a re-treatment should something go wrong, and obviously I can't yet advise about the long term effects. However I weighed up these risks against my preference to have the less painful treatment.

I had initially booked for lasek treatment and paid a deposit to Accuvision. However when I phoned up 2 weeks before the procedure they were very good and gave me my deposit back straight away with no fuss.

I had the treatment 24 hours ago. The treatment wasn't painful at all, a bit weird because I knew what was going on, but not painful. The first three hours my eyelids were very heavy and I struggled to open my eyes, it was very difficult to fight the urge to scrunch up my eyes, and they felt very gritty. I kept my eyes closed for most of the evening and after about 6 hours it just felt like I had a dry/uncomfortable contact lens in.

The day of the treatment took about 2 hours (most of it hanging around waiting to have various tests done). I didn't spend very much time with the surgeon himself. A quick check up where he asked if I had any questions (which he would have answered). However, as by this time I was committed to the payment, I had asked all my questions to the optometrists beforehand!

This morning I am fine. My vision seems the same as when I wear contact lenses. I am really looking forward to waking up in the morning (once I no longer have to wear the googles) and being able to see!

I have my one day check up in a few hours, and if any of my opinions change I will be sure to update on here.