Optical Express

Optical Express @ Bluewater. Surgery date 13th December 2006 Right +5 Left +4 After wearing contact lenses all my life and not being able to see at all without them decided on laser surgery. As with some other comments made it does feel like a conveyor belt even when you go for the surgery and especially when you have the free consultation - you mix with the people having their teeth whitened - not very comforting! The consultation involves quote a few tests including various drops being put in (you are pre-warned by them). Perhaps it was my prescrption but I was virtually blind afterward - a driver is a must (it wears off after a few hours). On the day of the procedure was very nervous like every one else and again you was moved along the conveyor. The procedure for me (Lasik with wavefront) was pretty painless but never the less nerve wracking. If you can afford it and have the bottle have the intralase procedure to create the flap rather than the mechanical method as I wasn't too happy about a blade slicing the top of your eye although you can't feel anything. I've now been back three times (as you need to - 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months etc) and after the 1 month check up I said my right eye wasn't very good. They examined me and told me to come back in 1 month (again) and hopefully it would have improved. They confirmed it was still +.50 which all said and done is a lot better than what it was!? Got a feeling though that when I go back will be told I've got to have further work done - will pay for ulralase!! The left eye is very good. Who's ever fallen asleep with their lenses in (all night or for a few hours)? That's what the "dry eye" feels like and you get drops to counter it. I have it after a month and am assured it will improve. But all in all it's so worth it although for the first time I can see my wife first ting in the morning and I.m starting to wish i hadn't had it done. Andy

Having gone through all the usual worries associated with laser eye surgery,should I,will it work out OK,will I have worse vision than before,I've only got one pair of eyes. I finally went ahead and had all the checks/tests and was told I was suitable for Lasik Wavefront. I had my consultation at Stockton and my surgery at Newcastle on the 16th of January, the Surgeon was Mr Lorrimer Esselaar and the results are better than I ever imagined. Less than 24 Hrs on from surgery I can read the bottom line of the Opticians chart with both eyes. My near vision for reading etc has worsened but at 46 years old I was told and was prepared for that, so if things don't settle down it's a pair of £1.99 of the peg readers for me. I had the gritiness and heavy eyelids feeling but this has eased to almost negligible overnight. The goggles I have to wear in bed for the next week take a bit of getting used to though (is this a wind up?) The Surgery itself is quite painless but there were a couple of times when I had what I can only describe as little feelings/sensations nothing more than that. I didn't even notice the "Burning Smell" other people have had when the laser was being used. The worst part for me was my eyes watered like mad but that's not unusual for me thats why I couldn't get away with Contact Lenses. I can only wish you if you are thinking of having it done the same outcome as myself. The only slight negative is I still think its too expensive, my bill was just short of £2000, but saying that it's been money well spent. Thank you to Mr Lorrimer Esselaar and all his team. 1 more thing,be prepared to be sat around for a couple of hours,it's worth the wait "FANTASTIC"

I am following up my previous comments. I had surgery in July. Now need retreatment due to astigmatism (caused by surgery?). If anybody has had a retreatment please please could you post a comment on how it was and what the recovery time was like compared to the first time. I had Lasik and apparently they can still relift the flap seven months later? thanks. nb. for people thinking of having treatment for a first time, go for it. I have not regretted it in any way. I can manage without glasses or lenses (before surgery I wouldn't even have crossed a room without), therefore if there was a flood or disaster and I had no lenses I would not be able to find my children and die instantly etc. haven't used glasses since and I am still legal to drive etc. but life is a bit blurry at times.

Consultation @ Optical Express Watford on Fri 19th Jan 07 Presciption -2.25 in both eyes For anyone considering whose hands to put their eyes in...... I have been looking at all the info on this site in the search for the right company (very useful) Having previously booked a consultation at Optimax at Finchley Rd on reccommendation from a friend, I did some research into the clinic.... If you go on the Healthcare Commission website you can read all the latest reports about every clinic. Optimax at Finchley Road last report had some worrying standards not met, and standards almost met on some very important issues, and I wasn't impressed with having to give a £30 deposit, so I looked at Optical Express's website after seeing their advert a lot on the telly. Very impressive site, lots of info, and they were very helpful on the phone, the lady I spoke to said that I could have a free consultation at Watford, and that I should keep my appointment with Optimax, then make up my mind. I had booked to have my surgery on the same day with Optimax (which aparently is not such a good idea, because the drops they put in your eyes for all the tests make the pupils big, and you should leave 48hrs before surgery to elliminate complications) So after looking at the Optical Express Harley Street Clinics report on the Healthcare Commission with STANDARD MET FOR EVERY POINT!! I cancelled my appointment with Optimax! I just hope that I am suitable for the surgery that I want (Wavefront Lasik with Intralase) and can go ahead with the Harley Street Clinic.... Watch this space!

Had my surgery on 12th Jan felt bit crappy afterwards but this cleared after 2/3 hours could see really well by that night. Had post op on 13th and found that I had better than 20/20 vision no discomfort, and you would not be able to tell that any treatment had been carried out. Christopher Gascoigne optometrist and Rodney Blumfield surgeon along with Sarah King of the Oxford branch were absolutely FANTASTIC as were all the staff present. Please contact me if you require any further information.

Treatment on 16 November 2006 in Nottingham. Unfortunately the initial treatment was cancelled due to a fault with the laser but two weeks later "Hey Presto!" - Fantastic. Next morning walking the dog (which I normally do without my contacts and therfore am fairly blind)I can see ripples on the river and branches on trees. Aftercare and pre-op brilliant, friendly and relaxing. Couldn't even fault the coffee!! Will recommend to everyone.

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. Long 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. My eyes were watering and 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.

Had my eyes done in Jan 06...this year. For the first 2 weeks my left eye healed pretty quickly but my right eye took around a month. After this my eyes were fine...I became really light sensitive but I am soooo happy with my two little eyes. The actual procedure and everything was kind of kool. If ur in IT then just image ur monitor after a 20 hour stint and u will have a very good idea of how it feels. Everything went well and so I think if you can then go to the clinic and get ur eyes done. I am more than happy. ...o... PS: My only regret? My glasses use to be shield when I wanted to hide something from my eyes....now I see EVERYTHING:-)

surgery date : 17/08/2006 What can i say i was nervous at first like anyone else, but i must say from the minute I enterned the clinic i was made to feel very relaxed. I would recommend the treatment to anyone first class service and my vision is perfect now. ps i feel like a kid with a new toy. many thanks

Surgery date: 12 Dec 2006 I had my surgery 2 weeks ago today, and previously was -8 short sighted in both eyes (very bad). Although my right eye is perfect and I have been told by Optical Express I have better than 20/20 vision, my left eye is still slightly blurry and both are a little dry still. I have been given eye gel as well as the blink drops to help the dryness. Has anyone else had the same problem, and if so, what was the outcome and how long did it take?