After speaking to the helpdesk to book the consultation, being told I was an "ideal candidate" with my prescription (-3.25 in both eyes), and then paying my £60, I was very optimistic and really looking forward to having the treatment, despite reading the rather painful experiences of others! However, after only 5 minutes with the consultant at the Optimax clinic in Leicester, my enthusiasm disappeared completely.

Unfortunately I didn't get the consultant’s name, mainly due to the fact that she was so downright rude! She came out of her room, called my name and as I approached her to say simply "pleased to meet you" she ignored me, turned away muttering something which sounded like her name and that she was going to be my consultant/surgeon. To be honest, I couldn't fully understand (it is very difficult when someone does not face you when they are speaking to you). This wasn’t the best start to proceedings I thought!

Anyway, after the usual eye test, I was told that even if I go ahead with the treatment, the likelihood is I will need to wear reading glasses again in 2-3 years time, possibly sooner, because my "close vision" will very likely deteriorate over this period due to my age (42). However, because I need to be able to see clearly at arms length to do my job (I am a plumber), she even told me that half-moon glasses would be suitable! I told her I was only having this done so that I would not have to wear glasses or contact lenses at all for what I hoped would be at least 10 years – she said this was not guaranteed. I cannot express how disappointed I was to hear this.

So, unless I change my career in the next 6 months, which is highly unlikely, I shall not progress with the treatment. I also believe that the age issue (i.e. approaching mid-40s) should be explained in more detail at the time you first call their helpdesk. I could then have made a decision as to whether to go ahead with the consultation or not. In hindsight, if I was told I would need “reading” glasses in 2-3 years time, despite having the treatment, I definitely would not have booked the consultation. I would recommend anyone who is in their early 40s to seriously consider this before coughing up the £60 fee.