I don't usually contribute to forums but having read Emma's "truth about laser eye surgery" posted on 15 March I felt that I had to tell my "truth" as well. I went to Optimax in Belfast for a consultation on Thursday 11 January 2007 at 11.00am. I had already been to Optical Express and had been told that I wasn't suitable for Lasik (corneas too thin) but that I should have have Epi-Lasek treatment with Wavefront, at a total cost of £2,300.

Having done my research before going to Optimax, for a second opinion, I was more than happy to agree (if suitable and if I was content to proceed) to have the laser surgery done at 2.00pm on the day of my consultation. It was reassuring that the consultant/surgeon (Dr Qasi) also recommended epi-lasek with wavefront so I had the surgery at 1.30pm (early!) that day.

The staff gave me a while to settle down and, once I was ready, one of them went through the various drops and medication with me. They told me it was important to put my feet up for a few days and not to try to watch telly for at least 48 hours (Emma take note!!). I was warned well in advance of the surgery that epi-lasek recovery would be sore for a few days and I suppose it was, uncomfortable anyway ... my eyes were very photo-sensitive (I had to wear my sunglasses constantly) and they felt gritty (probably the bandage contact lenses). I had the surgery on Thursday afternoon and Friday and Saturday were 2 of the most boring days I've ever spent (mostly sleeping). Then on Sunday morning it all came together and my sight was great (not perfect yet and still photo-sensitive but the healing process had definitely kicked in). This was consistent with the advice I had been given by the Optimax staff and literature ALL ALONG and I had booked a week off work anyway. By Tuesday everything was great, I was SLIGHTLY long sighted for a short time but again that's part of the healing process.

In summary, I would highly recommend the surgery but don't let anyone tell you that the recovery isn't uncomfortable for a dew days (I was never given that impression by the Optimax staff anyway). But THIS IS A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE and surely "no pain,no gain" has never been more appropriate. Do ensure that you follow their aftercare advice to the letter and, in my experience, everything will be fine. The difference is amazing, and surely that's the important thing.

Incidentally, I booked my surgery having seen an offer on eBay from the Optimax owner, Richard Ambrose, and got epi-lasik with wavefront, including consultation, for £1,090.