I went for my assessment yesterday at the Milton Keynes Eye Clinic. The atmosphere is very pleasant and the staff are friendly. I was first led to one room and had the pressure testing on my eyes. I was then introduced to the Clinical Manager, a really nice lady called Dasi. In a further room she carried out sight test and a measurement of the shape of my eye. 3 types of drops in all, one to see a certain part of the eye, one drop to dilate the pupil and then a 3rd drop was a slight anaesthetic when she had to use another machine which was a very small probe that touched my eye, with Dasi holding and this measured the thickness of my cornea. Dasi was explaining every step of the way during each test and made me feel very comfortable. At this point I suggest my husband come back to meet me as the counselling session would begin and he too could ask questions. My eyesight at this point had taken effect to the dilation and wow, what an experience that was! The counselling session with Michelle was very useful - she explained in simple terms with the difference between LASIK and LASEK and also summarised the main risks of surgery. She answered all our questions and showed us around the laser room. The counselling session was carried out in the quiet cosy area within the laser area which is where you go and sit to recover after surgery.

The assessment was what I expected and was pleased to learn that I am suitable for surgery, I am -2.50 in each and pupils are normal size and thickness of cornea is good. I have decided to go ahead with surgery but have not as yet decided whether LASIK or LASEK. I did not realise that the choice is mine.. but I can now take my time and decided what is best for me.

Some 24 hours after the assessment I still have some of the effects of the dilation. I did not realise that it would make my vision go a bit weird, this is all normal apparently. As I am short sighted, I have had some long sightness which is very confusing and the pupils are almost back to their
normal size. However yesterday my pupils were bigger than my cats! I must
admit I did feel the need to lie away from light and to stop focusing so went to bed for a few hours. Walking away from the shops with busy shoppers made me feel a bit weird, although not having an breakfast probably did not help!

I would certainly recommend MK so far - word of mouth is the best recommendation and my friend's friend has been and had surgery last year there and has no complaints. I did not realise that the appointments for surgery are just 5days a month so am planning to fit in with busy diary sometime in end of May.

The clinic was very busy yesterday and obviously the offer is popular but I did hear that the offer is unlikely to end.... seems like the cost of surgery is coming down and patients can benefit.

MK does have 24 hour telephone support and will do any unfortunate enhancements for no extra fee.

Overall I was very pleased with the assessment although wish I knew that the dilation bit may take more than just a few hours to recover. Good luck to anyone thinking of going to MK and let me know how you get on.