Optical Express

Southampton, LASIK/Wavefront, 7 Nov. Customer Service - 4. They try hard, I am sure, and they are friendly enough, but their admin is poor. Surgeon - 5. I used to wear glasses, now I can function without them. Simple. Technology - 5. It worked perfectly. If they could find a way of getting the ring around the eye without it feeling like a donkey is trying to kick a cannonball into it, it would be great! Value for Money - 4. Let down by the overall admin. It kind of kills the experience of a day which should flow, and it's a lot of cash, whichever way you look at it. OK, following on from the post below, I had the surgery yesterday (7 Nov). As we know, Optical Express and timekeeping are not the best bedfellows, but it would be nice for them to keep people updated. They do say that you should expect to wait around three hours, but they should keep you updated as to the stage you are at in the whole process, but to be honest it's not that bad once you compare that to a lifetime of wearing glasses. The staff were really nice, it just didn't come across as being too admin-professional! The redid all the tests, which gives you a warm feeling. As for the surgery, it was brilliant. I had a lady surgeon who was very professional, as were her staff. Everything was explained, a minor panic when they said my eyes may be "too flat" and that I might have to reconsider alternative surgery, but it all went well in the end. I was only in the chair for around 30 minutes. When I sat up, I could see the signs on the walls straight away! I got the "wow" moment... Post op I came out, and lied to everyone else. The "little bit of pressure" at the start was a killer, so much so that I pushed up as the surgeon pushed down to get it sorted quicker (to get the ring over the eye). I told everyone it was painless....didn't seem fair to panic people who were already nervous! Apart from that, the actual surgery is freaky - the microkeratome is quite noisy, the laser is quite noisy, and the revelation at the end is incredible. The smell is insignificant, for all those who are imagining loads of smoke and burning skin! After about an hour, I started to feel uncomfortable as the anaesthetic wore off. NOT painful, just similar to having looked into a bright light for too long! I was very light sensitive, but a good pair of shades got me home in the car (no, I wasn't driving!), and drawn curtains and sleep was what was needed. The eye protectors are VERY sexy, and scared the wife stupid this morming when she thought she had woken up next to "The Fly". However, my eyesight was such that I was able to function as normal around the house, and got myself to Southampton from Portsmouth on the train for the follow up. The follow up was another example of Optical Express and timekeeping. An hour later than the alleged time of the appointment, but the lady who saw me was great, really reassuring and enthusiastic. When she apologised for being late (which was an improvmement for Optical Express!), someone else pointed out that there had been delays as far back as anyone could remember with Optical Express - possibly when Moses got LASEK before parting the oceans. I think that if you use Optical Express, you have to accept that their timekeeping is bad. BUT - weigh it against their surgeons and their results. I am now 20+/20+, and have just driven home. There is no pain for me, but my eyes are not yet perfect at all distances (I don't know what I expected after 24 hours!). The drops are good for clearing vision, and overall I am very chuffed with the results. Back next week, but it is getting better all the time. I think that if Optical Express could tighten up on the admin, more people would be happier. However, if you accept that they are a conveyor belt who produce good results, and that you are not paying for BUPA private rooms, then I suppose it's a fair deal. The literature could be updated (you sign forms that are a couple of years old), and they could do with getting people's opinions on the whole process and trying to improve. But, as this is likely to be a "one-off" shot for most people any improvements would be hard to quantify! I MET THE LADY WHO ONLY PAID £395 FOR ONE EYE - SO SHE DOES EXIST! I would also like to thank the incompetent staff at Natwest in Gosport who managed to take my cash deposit, record it as a cheque, and then refuse to clear it for three days, messing me and Optical Express around. It almost cost me the surgery, and now that I am happy that the payment has been made, I will be popping in to see them (properly!) to find out exactly which piece of the training about deposits the fool on the front desk managed to miss! Overall, I know that some people have bad experiences, and there may be valid medical or post-op reasons that they do not get perfect results. All you can do is weigh up what you know, or what you can find out, against the cost and the risks. It's a big step, but it worked for me (and as far as I can see, all the others who were done on the same day). Some of the scare-mongering is not very professional, and I don't doubt that people don't like the way that Optical Express work, but they are a business, they want your money, and they provide a service to the best of their ability. If you want better, then you are going to have to pay more, and I think that many of us use Optical Express because they are affordable, local and convenient. I was never "hard-sold" anything, I explained that I would not sign "on the day", and I never had a problem with the staff - they went out of their way to help me when NatWest mucked up the payments, and they have always been nice enough in the store.

I had my surgery done on Nov 1st at Bristol. I'm really impressed with the are from start to finish. I had my consultation at the Cardiff clinic, where they were really understanding and nice. They gave me all the info I needed. I thought it over for a few days, and then booked it. In between booking it and the actual surgery i got scared and rang up a few times double checking things, and each time they were really patient and understanding. I think i was lucky with my experience. I had no pain whatsoever. it was a weird sensation when they clamp your eye open, but i wouldn't class it as uncomfortable or painful. I now have 20:20 vision in one eye, and above driving standard in the other, and thats only a week after treatment. I'm really really glad I went for it. i'm a very nervous type of person, and if I can do it anyone can!! i've just had my week appointment, where they're really pleased with my progress. My eyes are slightly dry but I'm using the drops as prescribed. Whenever i want to ring, I feel comfortable to do so because they're all very patient. If you're thinking about it, I'd at least go for a consultation. Obviously there is variation between clinics, but I can't really fault the cardiff branch. Good luck!

A little expensive, but who can put a price on better than 20/20, when you have been wearing glasses for 18 years. Im still grining 4 weeks later, better than ever expected. on the day its a bit nerve wracking, but the staff and surgeon where very good and it was over before you know. have it done you will have forgot what it is like not to have to wear glasses all the time.

After much deliberation, I decided to have lasik surgery done in the summer of 06. I can't believe the results, so amazing to ditch the specs after 16 years!Wish i'd done it years ago. I recommend it to everyone, go for it!Brilliant results. Birmingham branch.

I had my laser surgery done in Birmingham 3 months ago, even though I had all my consultations done at Milton Keynes. I was conditionally approved surgery in February of this year, but had to wait till April as my latest prescription was only 10 months old. I went on holiday in April and only came back in May. Unfortuneatly I got an eye infection on holiday which delayed my surgery until August! Needless to say, it was quite frustrating but Dasi Reyu of Milton Keynes was great and supported me all the way. I wanted to have it done before I went on holiday to America in September and we could only get an appointment in Birmingham. I had the wavefront technology done during surgery and I have never looked back. I was tip top a month later for my States holiday and looked on in pity as my friends struggled with contacts and glasses on our rugged tour. It is as if I had never had an eye problem and I am suprised how quickly one takes good eyesight for granted. It was literally a few moments of discomfort, but it was hardly a fair price to pay for better than 20/20 vision. So I would definitely recommend it to anyone tired of struggling with glasses and contacts.

When I first thought about laser eye surgery I was very apprehensive but I researched Optical Express and eventually came for a consultation. My mind was put at rest during the initial interview and I took the plunge. I opted for the less invasive but initially more uncomfortable Lasek procedure. I was dreading the thought of having this done but gritted my teeth and went ahead. I was in the operating room for a total of fifteen minutes. The laser was used for around thirty seconds per eye and I did not feel a thing. The contact lens was installed in each eye as I had been instructed. What was I so worried about? I was informed about the aftercare procedures that needed to be followed and was then driven home. The discomfort started after about two hours but was not unbearable. It felt like I had a piece of grit in my eye but as I was tired I soon was asleep. With Lasek it is imperative that you rest your eyes for the full four days prior to having the contact lens removed. So bed rest was the order of the day. Luckily I had ensured I had a week off work. On the fourth day after my laser treatment I returned to Milton Keynes and the contact lens was removed. I thought the discomfort would end here. This was not the case. The discomfort for the next two hours was worse than any previous discomfort. However, it was still tolerable and after a few hours sleep all had settled down. I rested my eyes for a further two days as instructed and then – WOW – I could see very well without glasses for the first time in forty years. I went out in the car and could drive and read number plates without problem. One eye was slightly better than the other but it was absolutely brilliant. I went back for my two week check up and found that the pressures were slightly elevated in my eyes. The aftercare that ensued was second to none. It was thought that the drops I was using was causing a reaction and so new drops were prescribed and supplied and I returned daily for check ups for the next few days whilst they monitored my pressures. All was fine by the end of the week. My procedure was seven moths ago and my vision is similar in both eyes. Colour is vibrant and my vision is better than twenty-twenty. In fact I can now read the smallest line on the chart without straining. Would I recommend it and would I recommend Optical Express? Yes I would without reservation. I only wish I had had the courage and done it years ago. With my heartfelt thanks to all at Optical Express in Milton Keynes Graham Harris T.ENG MAAT

Surgeon: Waseem Aziz Clinic / Consultation & Aftercare: Manchester Minshull St and Cross St (respectively) Surgery: Lasik wavefront (both eyes at same time) Previous prescription: -2.75 with astigmatism in left eye -2.0 right eye Cost £1990 with wavefront My age: 33 - needed corrected vision for past 8 years I had my eye surgery on Thursday 16/11. around 1pm.. I came home and slept/rested until 6pm and looked out of the window.. I could see down the street already! - albiet a bit hazy still and sensitive to light.. the next day - less than 24 hours later I was confirmed as having 20/20 vision! My distance vision is fine day and night - but near vision for reading still settling down. the left eye is taking longer to settle as the prescription was higher (16 seconds of laser on right eye - 27 seconds on left) I had to go for an extra check up as the day after I had an oily residue - been back today and all is fine except a slight dryness.. Back to work tomorrow with no blooming contact lenses Hurrah! What I will say is that the surgery is very uncomfortable and it is best to remain calm and as relaxed as possible.. Try not to think too much about what is happening.. I maintained a detached calmness throughout - almost pretending it was happening to someone else.. but saying that - It doesn't last for long at all.. it's the following hours of weeping eyes and not really being able to open them at all.. with huge light sensitivity... (stay in a dark room for as long as you need to) that is all discomfort and not pain as such. It's not pleasant and I would say that the speculum and the flap cutter are the worse bits - the laser itself is nothing to worry about - not even the slight smell! They told me what was going on throughout which helped me stay calm. And the consultants where thoughtful and turned the lights off as people left the surgery.. they will get you drinks and give you tissues.. just ask. I have virtually forgotten about the discomfort of the surgery already, seeing it as a positive thing. I even went out on Saturday night for a while - although I suspect the exocin anti-bacterial drops make me feel slightly quesy - so don't attempt a big drinking session so quickly Of course the googles you have to wear for bed for a week are very attractive.. glad I'm single! Can't fault it yet.. I recommend going for wavefront - don't mess with your eyes for the sake of another £500.. If the technology is there then go for it.. Heres hoping all continues as well as so far! Good luck!

Its now 48 hours since I had my treatment and apart from some grittiness (which is relieved with the lubricant drops) and still some sensitivity to light, I feel fine. My prescription - was –5.50 in both eyes, no astigmatism. Clinic – Optical Express, Bluewater. Surgeon – Stefan Klopper. I had LASIK Wavefront treatment. I was asked if I wanted Intralase instead of Microkeratome to create the flap. This was a surprise to me because everything I’d been told previously referred to the “mechanical” cutter. I had though read about the Intralase technique for cutting the flap on other websites and opted for it. The extra £600 was waived in my case as the surgeon said he preferred Intralase. It is a weird experience, but all over pretty quickly – you know what to expect when they do the 2nd eye so it’s easier to relax. Sunglasses are a MUST, I couldn’t keep my eyes open whilst be driven home. I would also recommend taking some painkillers along – maybe due to the pressure during the flap cut or even just nervous tension I had a sharp ache in my temples following the procedure, but Paracetomol cleared it up. At the post-op the day after surgery I could read the bottom line of the chart with my left eye and the middle with my right and was told I have better than 20/20 vision so I’m well pleased.

All the way through the customer service I received was great right from the consultation to the after care as well. The surgery went well and all the staff were very friendly. I dealt with Giles(cross street, manchester) for the aftercare and consultation and he is great at what he does. I would recommend eye surgery to anyone considering it. It is painless and the only uncomfortable part is the clamp on your eye during the procedure, but it's well worth it for perfect vision. Thanks again to everyone at Optical Express.

I originally attended optimax glasgow and was told my corneas were too thin and i was only eligible for lasek (the sore one!)I was a bit ambivilent and was sent away to think about it. Iong story..... eventulally didnt go back to optimax but had my consultation in Glasgow optical express. There I was told I was suitable for lasik and that my corneas were "not even close to being too thin" This was encouraging as I had not expected it. I had my surgery in Glasgow 30/11/06 I had mild astigmatism in both eyes and a little shortsightedness. I opted for wavefront lasik having the flap cut using ultralase. On the day I was of course nervous,I arrived in plenty of time and was led to the laser suite waiting area.This is one of the disappionting features of the day as I sat for 45mins nervously watching people come and go having had their surgery before reception staff took any notice of me, you would think spending £3,000 would be entitled to feel a little bit special. I soon realised the place was busier than argyle st, and felt like... without being too harsh, a little bit like a cattle market. I was eventully taken for my wavefront scan this I found quite difficult due to the complexity of it ( there is a bright red light at the end of a tunnel and you have to look beyond it I was constantly drawn towards the light!)However a little perseverance I got there. I was taken into another room and a nurse gave me instructions on how and when to use the eye drops she also discussed what would happen during the procedure and reassured me. After another short delay I met the surgeon for the 1st time Dr Boytha who was very nice, looked at the wavefront scans confirmed everything was ok and consented me. Have any questions written down and ready at this point as you dont get much time here to think! I was then taken through to the room where the dreaded deed would take place. I was asked to lie on a bed between the 2 laser machines a patch was placed over my left eye and details confirmed.I seemed to be waiting for ages and was really scared at this point but staff were great and talked me through what was about to happen. This wait I presume was where Dr Boytha was yo-yoing between me and another patient. I was given drops to numb my eye a clamp of some sort was used to hold my lid open this I did not find painful at all. I was then aware of pressure being forced down on to my eye and thought Dr Boytha was trying to force it into my brain! this is combined with the feeling that your cornea is being sucked towards the ceiling. This part is uncomfortable but not painful. It all happens very quickly there is some noise from the machine while you are asked to look at a red light, a staff member counts down 20 seconds the suction is released and thats it the flap has been created. The whole thing it then repeated with the other eye so you then know what you are in for! I was then swung over to the other laser where the wavefront part is carried out, this was easy enough, different noise faint smell of burning and the feeling of the surgeon washing your eye and replacing the corneal flap. Thats it I was asked to stand up things looked a little hazy but I was told this was normal. I returned to the waiting room where my friend ( the driver! absolutley essential you have one of these!)was happy to inform me how red my eyes were. Afrer 20 mins or so I was called back into the room Dr Boytha checked my eyes and confirmed everything had gone fantastically well and that I was free to go. The journey home was worth mentioning Glasgow at this time of year pouring with rain and pitch black with the exception of the unbearable glare of the tail lights from the cars in front during the rush hour. I felt a little pain at this point and used my voltarol eye drops also took a coulple of paracetamol, though I would recommend you take them just before the procedure so they have kicked in at this point! I could hardly open my eyes my lids felt so heavy yet closing them made me focus on the slight burning feeling behind the cornea. When I eventually got home I went straight to bed put on my protective glasses which by the way makes you look like a large flying insect! and slept for 2 hrs. When I got up I felt my vision was good and over all I felt much better. I used my drops as prescribed and had a good nights sleep. The following morning I attended my local optical experss in motherwell where I had my eyes examined and was given the news that my vision is better than 20/20 in both eyes. I have not experienced too much in the way of dry eye as yet, certainly not as uncomfortable as contact lenses that have been in too long. The sclera (white part of my eyes) still have some red patches particularly under the left upper lid but I have been told this will settle after a week or so. Like many other people before me I took a long time to take the plunge and opt for lasik. However I feel the wait was worth it due to the introduction of intralase which wouldnt have been available to me 2yrs ago.I am delighted with the results and would have to recommend it although it is expensive I don't understand why the price varies so much but you can be sure it wont be £395 per eye thats just to get you over the door. The surgical team and equipment used in Glasgow are more or less faultless. What lets optical express down a little is the customer service side of things. If this improved which wouldn't take much by the way! there would be a gold star all round. In summary if you can afford it do it I am delighted with the results.