Optical Express

Had Lasik on April 6th in Newcastle. The surgeon Dr Jain was excellent. The procedure is just as most have described (uncomfortable but painless) My sight after 4 hours was astounding compared to pre-op. It has continued to improve every day. Only nightime driving is strange due to glare and halos but I am told this will improve in the coming weeks. I can only recommend anyone thinking about laser eye surgery to go for it.

I had lasik eye treatment at the beginning of January in Birmingham (Mr George) after an intitial consultation in Nottingham - no complaints - all went much as others have indicated and my eyesight is about 20/20 BUT - if, like me, you were short sighted and also needed reading glasses because of ageing eyes (I'm 57) and wear vari/bifocals)but could read without glasses before the operation, after surgery you will find you need off-the-shelf reading glasses. They are cheap and no problem to find but for the less active it may be worth considering whether the excahnage of existing optical aids for another is worth the cost. The final decision will probably be down to vanity!

Four days in from having standard LASEK peformed at the Manchester branch by Mr Khan. Obviously, my recovery is still ongoing but I thought I'd let everyone know what I think so far. First off, let's get my only gripe out of the way. For anyone considering Optical Express, forget the £395 price they put about. My price was £695 per eye. You may be lucky, but don't bank on it. Nonetheless, £695 is still on the low-end of the price range so I was happy. Now on to the good stuff. I attended my consultation, where I was seen by Alain. Like all other Manchester Optical Express staff I have seen subsequently, Alain was friendly, approachable and staunchly professional. After a thorough examination of my eyes, he said that I was a good candidate for standard LASEK. I asked about Wavefront, but he intimated that for a -2.00 (both eyes) prescription, the extra expense probably wasn't really worth it. He also explained that as my pupils are slightly larger than normal (7mm as opposed to 6mm) that I may stand the risk of hazing. However, he then told me (which corresponded to my own investigation) that at such a small prescription it was unlikely to cause any problems. I then asked why I was better off with LASEK instead of LASIK, and he told me about the pros and cons of each procedure. Basically, because of my pupils, and the fact that I play rugby, the flap could be something of an issue. I also believe he mentioned that LASEK was the main procedure performed at Manchester. The one sticking point was that I had a small lump in my left eye. On closer inspection, this proved to be a very slightly infected tear duct. They packed me off with some chloramphenicol which completely sorted that out. As a result though, I had to wait just over a month for my surgery. That surgery was performed on Friday 14th April by Mr Khan, as mentioned above. Once again, Mr Khan and his entire surgery team exuded the friendly professional confidence of people who have been doing what they do for many years. I couldn't have asked for better. The procedure itself was unusual, to say the least, but I wouldn't say I felt any real pain during it. The most uncomfortable stage was having the 'eyelid-stretchers' removed. At each step through the procedure, what was happeneing was explained to me, and my girlfriend viewing the proceedings with a queasy stomach from the viewing booth, seeing exactly what Mr Khan was seeing. There was no pain, however, and it was over in about 15 minutes. After the surgery, my vision was slightly like a 70s porn film - as if vaseline had been smeared on my eyes. I was given a very clear and concise talk about what I needed to do post-op by a member of the surgery team. I have been given a cocktail of eye-drops to take, from artificial tears to steroids, and they're all going in fine. Post-op, I've felt, once again, no real pain as I would describe it. I appreciate that I may be a lucky one, but my eyes don't seem to have minded that much. In fact, my left eye seems to have been caught off guard and is winning the healing race by a margin. The right eye has been a little uncomfortable at times, but is bearing up well. My sight is unquestionably better in my left at the moment, which can be a little disconcerting, but I'm sure the right is catching up. In summation, I'll say that I've read a lot of questions about Optical Express along the lines of 'But they're cheap, surely they skimp somewhere?'. Well, having never used another clinic (obviously :)), I can't make a comparison, but I can't feasibly think of any way in which I'd improve Optical Express Manchester. The staff were absolutely first-class, enjoyed a bit of banter, but during the procedure were consummately professional. The equipment, which I believe to be the B&L Technolas 217z, is hailed by B&L as 'the world's leading excimer laser for personalized vision correction'. I may write another report on how my eyes are shaping up. One thing I would say to people recommended LASEK, bear in mind that it does take time for all your sight to come back. I was lucky in that the day after I had it done, my left eye was working pretty well. However, I may well have at least another week before it is perfect (touch wood :) All in all, the Manchester Optical Express has guided me through this possibly traumatic experience admirably. I'd have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone (even if I didn't £100 cashback for each person I recommend) :) If you can avoid the slightly 'marketing-speak' approach of the parent company, then you'll be very happy.

LASEK surgery yesterday 18/04/06, in Reading. All went well and painless. I will return of the contact lenses out on Friday when I will write further. No streaming eyes and so far, 24 hours later, no gritty eyes either. dDo not waste time thinking about it. Just go for it.

Wavefront Lasik, Optical Express, Milton Keynes, Weds 29th March 2006. THE PROCEDURE I was petrified about having my eyes clamped open Clockwork Orange style. In reality, they basicly taped my eyelashes open with some medical masking tape stuff & I couldn't feel a thing coz of the numbing eye-drops. The worst bit for me was the pressure on the eyeball when the flap was being cut. It wasn't painful, but wasn't entirely pleasant. Yes, there was a burning smell, I was aware of it, but it didn't bother me. 3 WEEKS LATER At 4 days & 10 days my vision was 20/20 in the left eye, but still -0.75 astigmatism in the right eye. As there was no change in those 6 days, I'm not very optimistic that my right eye will improve any more. Because my right eye is my dominant eye, the fact that it's blurred is REALLY annoying me, & I can't appreciate the fact that my left eye is 20/20 coz overall, my vision is still blurred. I'm having trouble opening my right eye in the mornings, it's really heavy & I really have to force my brain to get it to open... don't know what's going on there?? I'm not saying my experience was negative, I'm definately happier & more confident not having to rely on glasses. This site is full of success stories... I'd really like to hear from people in a similar situation to me... I can't be the only one!!!

I had lasik treatment March 27th 2006 at Optical Express Milton Keynes. I have had to wear contact lenses for about 8 years. I hated wearing glasses & was getting fed up of using my lenses, i knew a few people that have had laser surgery & decided that i would have it done. I was very nervous of the treatment & its all i could think about before my appointment. On the day of treatment i read a book of peoples comments which did help me feel better! The surgery didn't hurt but was uncomfortable when the flap was created, I couldn't believe how quick the surgery was & was back home an hour & a half later! My eyes did sting for a few hours after & it felt like i had been poked in both eyes as they kept watering & i could not open them. But as soon as i could i noticed my vision had already improved, the next day my vision was as good as it was wearing my contacts!. I have just been for my 3 week check up & my left eye is 20/20 vision & my right eye is better than 20/20 vision! I would definatly recommend having it done it is so worth the money.

First my thanks to Mr Aziz he put me at ease from the start, very professional friendly and polite. I had LASIK surgery at leeds on 22/04/06, I found the surgery to be uncomfortable not painful, the clamp that was put in the eye is possibly the worst part more so because it felt so unnatural, so although i didn't need to blink perversely i wanted to!! after surgery i was fine, and watching TV without glasses for the first time in 16 years only 5 hours after the op. So far no pain, grittiness or dry eyes and its been 48 hours since the procedure, had my first checkup this morning and my eyesight is one better than 20/20 to anyone thinking of laser eye surgery the thought and anticipation of the surgery is worse than the procedure. I still feel a bit odd without glasses and keep thinking i will need to take my lenses out, but no more worrying about spare glasses in the car and remembering to take extra lenses on holiday or when swimming, no more prescription sunglasses or expensive slimmed lenses. Its worth every penny even if the cost before the procedure seems a lot.

Had Lasik surgery in Manchester 7/4/06, the procedure is fine & nothing to worry about but getting home walking thru town & then on the train (with my parents) was awkward as I had my eyes closed most of the time (like when you put lens disinfectant in your eye by accident but you can't wash it out - ouch!) went to bed for 2 hours and was amazed to be able to watch a DVD when I got up! 20/20 vision at my checkup the day after and I was thrilled as you can expect. The following 3 or 4 days I had headache which I think was from the pressure of the bit while the "flap" is made, paracetamol kept it at bay. My weekly checkup shows I am a bit longsighted now (was -4.50 shortsighted before) but I'm told that will improve, my sight varies a bit during the day but because I'm using a PC 9 hours a day I suppose that's to be expected. I agree with previous comments that £395 per eye is a bit misleading (this applies to anyone with approx -1.00 - maybe Optical Express should grade this as I paid £795 per eye). Having said this to be able to drive & get up in a morning without sticking lenses in my eyes for the 1st time in about 20 years is great & hopefully will improve, will let you know how it goes!!

Had Lasek surgery on Saturday 22nd April 2006 in Birmingham. Appointment was supposed to be for 2:30pm but didn't take me through until after 6pm (make sure you take a good book!). Staff were all very friendly & helpful throughout so wasn't a big problem. Procedure itself was really strange to say the least, but not at all painful - plus its all over in a matter of minutes. It really is nothing to worry about. No discomfort at all for the first night - just very light sensitive. Over the next two days I suffered a lot of discomfort and my eyes were burning too much to keep them open for more than a few seconds - apparently I was just unlucky :( On day four the pain had cleared and when the lenses were removed the eyes felt fine - very blurred vision though! It is now day 6 and vision is still fairly blurred but improving all the time. Night time vision is fine so far and not experienced a problem with Halo's as yet. Would recommend anyone to go for Lasek at Optical Express (just be prepared to wait a few weeks to see the results).

For anyone considering laser treatment, these are my experiences. I had Wavefront LASEK on 21st March 06 at the Birmingham clinic, the procedure being carried out by Dr George. My consultation took place in Nottingham. I had wanted the LASIK procedure because it was supposed to be a less painful operation with a quicker healing time. I was restricted to LASEK because my cornea was a little too thin and I practice contact sports. My prescription was -5.50 in both eyes with astigmatism. My experience has been quite good so far. I must admit that I had been very nervous about the procedure. My eyes had always been an area of concern to me, having worn glasses since the age of 11 and me now being 40. It was only in the last few months since wearing monthly disposable contact lenses and discovering the freedom I felt it gave me that I seriously gave consideration to having laser treatment. My appointment was for 1130 AM and I finally left the clinic at 1440. There seemed to be so much waiting around which did nothing to settle my nerves. Although I had been forewarned that I might be there for a couple of hours the waiting seemed unnecessarily long. I finally went into the treatment room at 1405 and settled into the chair. The worst part of the procedure was when the anaesthetic drops were put in my eyes. I was warned it would sting and it did but the discomfort only lasted for a few seconds until the anaesthetic took effect. The staff were very efficient in the way they managed the whole procedure and explained each stage as it took place. I noticed a smell of burning, again I had been forewarned about it and it wasn’t very pleasant as I knew exactly what was causing it but it was too late to worry. I left the treatment room at 1420, the whole procedure taking 15 minutes. Afterwards I received a briefing on what to expect during the healing period and had the use of the eye drops explained to me. I left the clinic wearing my sunglasses and fortunately it was an overcast day so my eyes were not sensitive except when the strong wind blew into them. Once out of the wind they were fine. I returned home and took the eye drops as prescribed but I did not experience any pain or any other side effects that I had been warned to expect apart from a bit of watering. My eyes were blurred but nowhere near as bad as my sight had been pre-op. The following morning my eyes were a little bit sensitive but this soon wore off after I had taken the drops. I wore my sunglasses indoors just to rest my eyes. My eyes were settling quickly with just a little blurring but I was able to watch TV and read fairly comfortably. Again I was pain free so no need to take any painkillers. There was no grittiness but they did ache very slightly but I suppose that was due to light sensitivity. Day two saw another improvement. My eyes were less blurred and still pain free. I only had a slight ache, just like you’d get if your eyes were over tired. Day four and the bandage lenses were removed. Overall assessment was better than expected at this stage, especially for the LAZEK procedure. Could see 20/20 though this was still just a little blurred, but still a massive improvement since the op. Day five, the first morning after the bandage lenses were removed. I woke up and as I opened my eyes experienced a severe pain in my right eye which was totally blurred. I tried to rationalise what had happened and considered that my eye might have dried and then the epithelium tore as I opened the eye. The pain eased during the day as I used the anaesthetic drops and pain killers. I phoned my local store in Nottingham and they told me what they thought had happened, which was as I thought. The following morning I went into the store where the optometrist, Susan confirmed that a large piece of the epithelium directly in front of the pupil had indeed been torn. She put in a new bandage lens and as the day wore on the blurring started to ease and the pain totally went away. As the weeks go by my vision keeps improving. I was worried that it hadn’t turned out as well as it should have done as I have been suffering with a slight double image in both eyes but this is reducing and I have been reassured that this is caused by a haze which will clear. I also get a little bit of glare at night. It is seven weeks since my op and I probably expected everything to be perfect by now. I have been reminded that it is a slow healing process so I expect things will continue to improve over the coming weeks. I do suffer a little bit from dry eye but I think this is because I work in an air conditioned office and had this problem with contact lenses. The Blink solution is helpful and I am finding that I don’t need it so often now. Overall, I am delighted with the results. There is one word that is used here very often and for very good reason, and that word is FANTASTIC. The freedom from glasses and contact lenses is well worth the pre-nerves and expense of the operation. Finally, am I one of those who wished I’d had it done years ago? To be honest, no. But only because I hadn’t been convinced by the technology before now. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you are considering having it done and are nervous about it that’s only natural. Virtually everybody that’s posted their experiences here was nervous beforehand. Go for it.