After the initial consultation with Optimax in London, I was told that I have slightly thinner than average corneas. My best option was to have the treatment done at Croydon, where they have a machine that cuts a thinner flap than normal. It took a considerable length of time to get a consultation with the Croydon surgeon -a couple of months, with several phone calls (including some promised call-backs that never happened) and an email to the founder of the company(which seemed to speed things up enormously). I got a slot for a consultation and if I wanted, treatment the same day.

From that point on, everything has been amazing - surreal, almost. Professor Venter was calm, professional, confidence-inspiring, patient and friendly with me the entire time. I had gone to the second consultation 50:50 about whether to have it at all, after the consultation I was sure it was the right decision. The procedure took 10 minutes, was pain-free (although I was aware of all that was happening - you can feel the flap being moved, feel the laser working etc) and I was able to leave less than an hour later. It's uncomfortable, I had to take drops four times a day and wear plastic eye shields taped to my face in bed. But if you're put off by that you probably shouldn't be thinking about it at all - its worth the discomfort.

I've now been back for two follow-up appointments, my presription has gone from -6/-5.75 to 0/0, ie no prescription at all. I had LASIK with Wavefront, to minimise the night blindness. I can see brilliantly at night with only slight blurring of headlights/streetlights etc, and can easily see well enough to drive. I've now finished all the drops and just have one more appointment in a month to check the scar (small red mark at the top of my eyes under the eyelid, invisible to others and painless) has healed.

So in summary (and sorry to ramble on so much) - LASIK worked brilliantly for me, no pain and perfect vision. Thanks to all at Optimax especially Professor Venter.