I had LASEK at Ultralase in St Albans at the end of October 2003. My Surgeon was Mr Gupta.

Pleased with it? Understatement - I wish I'd had it done years ago - £2300 well spent!

I had a consultation at Guildford where I was told that, although unsuitable for LASIK, I was suitable for LASEK. I was not offered wavefront as I was unsuitable as I have thin corneas. My prescription was R -5.5, L -6.5 with astigmatism.

On the day, Mr Gupta talked me through the procedure, I went through the post-op medication chat and relaxed on the operating table.

Nearly 15 minutes later I sat up, operation complete. I was able to see, for the first time I can remember since squinting at the blackboard at junior school. In the darkness of the recovery room, my eyes started watering - to this day, I'm not sure it it was the effects of the operation or the fact that I was getting emotional about the fact that I could see!

The only downside of the op was that the alcohol solution that was used on my right eye stung a bit, but my left eye was fine! I felt no pain other than this and although incredibly squeamish (I have a needle and dentist phobia!) was quite happy about being talked through the op by one of the nurses.

3 months on, I believe I have great vision, I was OK'd to drive after 1 week, although my left eye was slow to 'catch up' I believe I have both good eyesight and have achieved value for money. I suffer no hazyness, problems with low-light vision or with watching TV, and my need for eye drops is now decreasing - 2 drops in the morning and 1 before bed.

I'm happy, and am happy to recommend Mr Gupta as a surgeon for LASEK and Ultralase as a company that provided me with excellent service.