Initial consultation took place in Inverness and it was eventually decided that my prescription was too high for laser surgery, left eye -8.45 and right eye -11.00. Taking into account my age (65) it was decided that refractive lens exchange would be the best option and a consultation appointment was made at Princes Street in Edinburgh. I saw Dr Mantry and explained that I needed to be able to drive at night, I also spend a couple of hours a day at the computer and I am an avid reader! For many years, my short sight has been slightly under-corrected on the right eye to enable me to read without varifocals, so we agreed on fixed focus lenses with the right eye being slightly under corrected.

I was really scared before the first procedure, but they give you something to keep you from freaking out. The whole thing was done in about 15 minutes and wasn’t at all unpleasant. They put a patch over my eye, gave me a cup of tea and biscuits and instructions regarding the drops and walked me round the corner to my lift.

I removed the patch that evening to put the first drops in and, although my vision was a bit cloudy (to be expected) I could tell it was going to be good! Next morning, I opened the curtains and looked out and found it very hard to believe what I was seeing. It was spectacular, and that was just with my non-dominant eye. Frustratingly, I had to wait 2 weeks for the next eye to be done as we were cut off by snow, but Optical Express were able to change my appointment to suit.

I had no fear second time around, I was so looking forward to it. Same procedure but the next morning it was just incredible. I’ve worn specs/contact lenses since I was 6 and have never been able to see like this. When they checked my eyes the following morning, I was nearly 20/20 in the right eye and was able to read 3 lines better than 20/20 with the left eye. I had no pain or discomfort at any time.

I can drive day and night, operate the computer and read all but small print without any reading glasses.

So, why only 4.5 rating? Some of the admin procedures were a bit lax but I have since written to them and received a phone call to say that the issues are being addressed.

I would especially like to thank Anna and Hans in Inverness and Dr Mantry and his team in Edinburgh for their support and amazing skills.