Optical Express ( 39-41 Petty Cury, Cambridge CB2 3NB Tel: 01223 45427)

My name is Neena Sheemar; I am 38 years old and work as an accountant for the Local NHS. I would like to share with you my journey into Laser Eye Treatment.

First of all let you introduce you to my ‘team’; Elaine Norman (my ever on-line support); my very objective and ‘open to silly questions’ optician, Mitesh Gandhi and my very serious and dedicated surgeon, Rodney Blumenfeld.

I had first thought about eye surgery many years ago but like many others did not think it was for ordinary folk. It was for those with loads of money, better and more outgoing lifestyles and well, just not accessible for the likes of me!

Last December, I took my first steps through the doors at Optical Express in Cambridge. I was welcomed by Elaine, after an informal chat; I was to come back for some tests.

On my second visit, Elaine talked me through the consultation; I underwent a number of rigorous eyes examinations. My results were passed to Mitesh who was going to who was going to make recommendations personal to my prescription. I had been given coloured pictures of my eyes from every angle imaginable, with measurements and statistics at various points. I saw Mitesh within minutes, who advised I was suitable for Laser Eye Surgery. He talked me about my eyes and their health and through all my options and well, he was the expert so I let him lead. He talked about the surgery I would need, how it was to be preformed and what recovery like. I was passed back to Elaine. We had a coffee and well, I decided to go for it! I was given a date and all the necessary paperwork was completed and I forgot about it for now.

I was booked in for February 7th, Christmas passed quickly and well, before I knew it, it was the 7th. I had called Elaine a couple of times with silly questions having got a bit anxious reading the detail in the information packs and surfing the Internet! But she talked through my concerns and my mind was at ease.

My nerves kicked it again when I tipped up for the surgery, Elaine was there again and I immediately started to feel comforted. Mihesh also popped out between appointments, shook my hand and well, braved me up! Then a member of Rodney’s team arrived, I can’t remember to the name (sorry, the nerves were in full swing again!) but this lady was fantastic. She went through some preliminary tests with me and then took me upstairs to the treatment area. Upstairs there was others getting ready for surgery, more of the treatment staff, and I noticed how all of them seemed to have a very friendly disposition.

My lady sat me down and said Rodney was going to have a chat before hand and then she would come back to take me through. After a couple of minutes, I was taken to examination room and introduced to Rodney. He sat me down and talked me through how he was going to do the surgery, advised of the risks, what symptoms to what out for and the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ after surgery. My lovely lady come back and then took me through for surgery. I remember she kept smiling and talking, she even held my hands through surgery, I was really grateful because I had come on my own – hubbie was with the kids! It took all of 10 minutes and I was done. My lady came back with a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit and left me to settle down. She came back later with my ‘goodie’ bag, talked me through my drops and after care, soon after I was good to go home.

I was back at Optical Express the next day with the biggest ‘sunnies’ you could buy, Mihesh checked my eyes and when tested I had 20-20 vision. Even Mihesh was surprised. He talked me through what to expect the next couple of days and I was to return on Day 4 to have the contact lenses bandages removed.

I spent the next couple of days at home taking it easy, I listened to the radio and television and just concentrated on making sure I used my eye drops as I should. I had one night of discomfort but I was armed with suitable eye drops to deal with it.

A Norwich colleague of Miheshs’, was covering Miheshs’ appointments when I returned on Day 4. (Another lovely person with a friendly and caring disposition; I am starting to think this is a great organisation to work for, their staff are so happy in their work.) He checked my eyes, talked through my history and then removed the bandages. I suddenly felt my eyes much lighter! He advised on after care and I was to come back to see Mihesh on Day 7.

Day 7 and by now, I could get away with not wearing my sunnies indoors. I saw Mihesh, he checked my eyes again and well he gave me the all-clear. I asked if I now drive, cook, run and he said yes! At this point, I just wanted to give him a hug but I didn’t so I shock his hand madly instead. I was so pleased I could wait to get home and go for run. Yes run, I love running and well, it had been 5/6 days since I had run and I was dying to put my trainers on. Mihesh still wanted me to come back in 3 weeks just for a check up and then I was out of there.

I got home as fast as I could, got changed and for the first time, went out without my ‘sunnies’ on. It was a beautiful bright sunny day, I took my usual route, and that was when it hit me.

While I was running I noticed I didn’t just see the trees but saw the branches, I didn’t just hear the birds I saw them. I recognised and waved to familiar faces first. This was what every one else could see but I couldn’t. This was the day that I saw the world, my world as it should have been seen.

It’s a month on now; I have no regrets about my surgery except that maybe I should have done this sooner! Mihesh and his team are still looking after my eyes. I don’t do exciting things in my life but it has still made a huge difference to me. I have never felt this free and confident. This small change has opened new doors for me, doors which I sub-consciously closed because I felt the glasses got in my way. I want to do all the things I have missed out on now. Life is too short for not living it properly, so if you are thinking about Laser Eye Surgery, I would encourage you to contact Optical Express. This is not a marketing script from Optical Express; this was my experience so if you have any questions or want to talk I am happy to call you.

I would like to warm-heartedly thank Elaine, Mihesh, my lovely Lady, Rodney and all the Cambridge Optical Express team, they have all been fantastic. I have not seen this dedication, support and care in any organisation. You all do your organisation and profession proud; and I can assure you I will not be going anywhere else for my eye care.

Neena