I just thought I'd let everyone know about the fantasic treatment I had at Optimax, Manchester. I had Lasik with wavefront, and less than 24hrs later have 20/20 vision. Much better the 3.75 with astigmatism 2.25 and 4.25 with astigmatism 1.25, that I had before. I thought all the staff were really professional and friendly and I would highly recommend Optimax to anyone. I had been to Ultralase and Optical Express and was impressed with both, except that they were really expensive and they attach a person to you. This person, I felt, was a glorified salesman and really pushed the payment side of the treatment. Trying to get me to upgrade ect. At times it was a little uncomfortable. This did not happen at Optimax and as I had done a lot of research I felt I could go ahead with treatment the same day, although I saw a couple of people book in for the next day, so there was no pressure. I really liked this aspect as I felt I couldn't get too worked up over the whole "flap" part. I was really scared about that bit. My surgeon, Dr Boezaart(spelling?) was fantasic. Really to the point in my consultation. At Optical Express and Ultralase I had not met the surgeon and wouldn't til day of treatment! A little dodgey if you ask me! The waiting room was also nicer at Optimax. Less pressure. All the info was available if you wanted it, but there were no cheesy "thank you" cards reinforcing the fact that they are good. It really felt like they were saying "if you want to have your eyes fixed here...great. If not never mind." The treatment itself was MUCH easier than I thought it would be. The worst bit is when they replace the flaps and you can see this spatula brush your eye. I remember thinking "oh that really close...no it must be touching because its tickling!" Other than that it was really easy. The surgeon was fantasic and I can't sing his praises highly enough! He talked through my entire procedure and even let me sing (badly) when he used the noisy instrument. The surgery itself only took about 15mins. My mum only got chance to look through half the mag! She said when I came out my eyes looked a little puffy, but I was grinning. I could tell something must be right because even though my vision was still blurred, it was clearer than before. I was worried about how long they would keep me at the clinic, I just wanted to get home. At the other two places they said they would keep in recovery for about half an hour, then a little longer in the waiting room. This would have been awful for me. After about 20 mins I was given my medication and a check up I was told I could go, my long sight was great at this point, but my close up vison was still very blurred, the opposite to before. As I got to the car the drops started to wear off and I just needed to close my eyes. I couldn't open them again for a about 2 and a half hours (if I'd have been at Ultralase/Optical Express I would have been stuck there). I was a little uncomfortable when they were closed. If my face tensed up they stung abit. I also took a painkiller for a headache. I definatley would not say it hurt, it was just uncomfortable. When I opened my eyes I could see everything really clearly, and have been able to ever since. The pitfalls so far are minimal, bug eye sheilds at night (not very attractive), loads of eye drops, but I'm getting used to those and I wore goggles in the shower this morning, again not very atractive. Still I weigh these up against shoving my fingers in my eyes everyday putting in my lenses, swapping my glasses and sunglasses (hated transitions), taking spare pairs of contacts with me ect... and even if I had to put drops in my eyes everyday for the rest of my life it would be worth it. After all I had to put drops in when my lenses got tired anyway! I would advise people do your research and barter with the price, it isn't fixed. I managed to get half price in the end, don't forget they want your custom, and what have you got to lose? I look forward now to the rest of my life without glasses (I've already driven my husband mad reading number plates clocks, posters!). Good luck Niki x