Optimax

I am considering going to Optimax in Croydon, the consultant is Mr Ventnor, is there anyone out there whom has any experiences with this surgeon. I am also long sighted +3.50 -0.50 80 and equivelent in the other eye?

I had epi-lasik on both eyes on sat 30th april 2005. Treatment was absolutely pain free, but OMG! once the anaesthetic drops had worn off the pain was unbearable! I couldn't open my eyes until sunday lunchtime (24 hours after treatment) and only then for 10-15 mins. Went back to bed, managed 2 hours on couch sunday evening, but my left eye hurt like hell, and starting to puff up. Monday - again spent most of day in bed, right eye great, but left eye feels like it has 100 pins stuck in it. The only relief i get is when i'm asleep. Tuesday 72 hours after treatment - returned to Optimax newcastle to have my bandage contacts removed. Instant relief!!!! I was told that I'd had a reaction to the lenses, and my eyelid had swollen as a result. Anyway, sight in my left eye is fab, sight in my right eye is a little blurry, making my overall vision a little off. Hoping this will correct itself! If anyone wants to contact me about the experience, please feel free. I'll post back after my next checkup

What can I say ??? Superb !!! I had bi-lateral epi-LASEK in Manchester just 3 days ago, and am already better than driving standard. I saw Stephen Doyle, and am so happy that I eventually decided to go ahead with the surgery. On the day itself, the operation is not painful, just a really "weird" experience - The crackle, the smell and that's it, all done. Dr Doyle even corrected a slight astigmatism in one eye that I wasn't even aware of. Once the anaesthetic drops wore off - Discomfort is NOT the word for it !!!!! I couldn't open my eyes without them streaming, and I had to wait for my lift for 45 minutes. I just kep t my eyes firmly closed and went straight to bed when I got home. I used the dilute anaesthetic EVERY hour for the next 12 hours or so, although after the first 5 hours, it was just to shift the scratching feeling from the bandage lenses. TBH, those bloody lenses were the worst thing about it all. They were in for 2 days, and I could feel the edges of them scratching away the entire time. As soon as they were taken out - Superb - What a relief. 2 days post-op, my vision was driving standard. Today, 3 days post-op, I have had my first drive, and even took a short ride on the bike. Not a problem at all. The only thing is that the eyes (one in particular) are a little dry, but nothing that a few drops of the artificial tears doesn't sort out easily. I can't recommend Dr Doyle and Optimax highly enough. The only SLIGHT problem was that I booked my operation 4 weeks before going, yet 2 DAYS before I was due to attend, Optimax phoned to tell me that they had double-booked and would have to postpone my operation. I was originally down to see Dr Hynes, but after telling them quite firmly that I was NOT being postponed, I was switched to Dr Doyle's list, and I could not be happier with the outcome. If you're researching or deciding whether to go ahead or not, please feel free to email me, as I have nothing but praise for the surgeon and the procedure, with only a slight issue with the attempted postponement. I let you know more after my next check-up in 10 days.

I had a consultation with Dr Patel on 14/4/05 after researching this subject, and to my disappointment found very little comment from people with long sight who had received surgery. Dr Patel appeared quite quiet at first, but he was more than willing to answer my many questions. He infomed me that I had researched very well and that I was suitable for Lasik and as a result I went ahead with it the next day. I am quite squeamish and was even uncomfortable about putting contact lenses in my eyes, but even though I was a little nervous found that there were no surpises in store. Dr Patel talked me through the procedure. I can say there was no pain whatsoever, and afterwards waited in the reception area to have my eyes checked to ensure the flaps were correctly in place before being allowed to leave with my goody bag of drops etc. On the way home I just wanted to close my eyes and took two paracetemol and fell asleep on the train (I would add that I had no pain). 2hrs later I woke up and was surprised at how clearly I could see. I returned the next day to be advised everything was fine and that I was well above driving standard. I returned 22/4/05 for a further checkup and was advised to continue to use the FML drops until empty as I still and a little inflammation and to continue with the refresher drops as directed. I was advised that I was now slightly short sighted -0.50 and -0.75 which was to be expected and this should get better, I have slight blurring from time to time, particularly on arriving home after using a compter most of the day. I am very pleased so far with the results and have to go back for a check up on 20/5/05 and will update you as to my progress. As everthing stands, after wearing specs as a child until 45yrs old, I would certainly recommend this procedure, but would advise that you do lots of resarch to satisfy yourself it is right for you.

I had both eyes Laseked on the same day two years ago. About half an hour later my eyes started watering and they ran and ran for hours. Went to bed and slept for hours. When I got up the next day I could watch TV but it took almost a week before I could read again (with the aid of a magnifier). Now I still need reading glasses (my extreme old age, you know) but have discovered many wonders of being specless 1. Your eyeballs don't steam up when you open the oven door. 2. I can see when I walk in the rain. 3. I can wear real sunglasses at last. 4. I can put on makeup without being 2 inches from the mirror. The glare disappeared once the cells had repaired and the light stopped bouncing off the torn edges. It took a bit of time but not too long. Best thing I ever did.

Been for my check up today and I've got 20/20 vision in both eyes! - YIPPEE! Final check up in 3 months time. Still full of praise for consultants at Birmingham clinic.

I had epi-lasek treatment at Optimax in Finchley Road on 22/03/05. My appointment was at 9.30am and I was seen within 10 minutes of arriving. I was nervous but there was no need to be. The treatment was uncomfortable, as each eye was clamped open for aprrox. 10 minutes, but it was less painful than I had expected and my surgeon talked me through every stage, which was very reassuring. After the treatment was completed, I was given my medication and advice for the next few days. I made on appointment to have my bandage lenses removed 4 days later and felt OK to travel home. At this point the anaesthetic had not worn off and I felt fine. As I left the clinic and walked to the car I was amazed that I could see everything clearly straight after treatment and did not feel unwell. However, after about half an hour in the car the anaesthetic wore off and I was in so much pain I couldn't open my eyes at all. When I arrived home I took a sleeping tablet and went to bed for 4 hours. When I awoke I could still only open my eyes for about 10 minutes at a time, but the pain wasn't as bad. The following morning I felt a lot better, but still a bit tired as I still needed painkillers and eyedrops. I needed 5 days off work to recover fully. At my follow up appointment 3 weeks later I was told that my eyes were making a very good recovery and that I now have 20/20 vision. I can still hardly believe that I no longer need contact lenses and as I got 2 eyes for the price of one, it will have paid for itself within 5 years. The staff at Optimax were very friendly and helpful and I would recommend them to anyone.

I had lasik 4 days ago at the Ipswich Optimax. My vision was great straight afterwards and up to now no changes! I do have unsightly red spots on the whites of my eyes, but know that these will diminish. I also feel like I've had contact lenses in too long when my eyes get tired - but it's not even a week after my op, so I know I should still rest my eyes! Going back to work tomorrow, and am looking forward to seeing whether people realise I don't wear glasses any more!

I had epi lasek on the 24th Feb 05. I was -4.25 and -4.00 with .75 astigmatism in one eye. At the 4 week point I had a check up (in the afternoon) and both eyes were -.75 and if I squinted I was just within the driving limit. I also had clouding and the Dr perscribed steroid eyedrops. What I cannot understand is; after a good nights sleep in the morning my vision appears to be 20/20, and sharp as a button, but this quickly deteriorates (within an hour) to barely driving standard. I expected this to improve over time and with the eye drops. It is now coming up to 7 weeks post op point, and I have seen no real improvement. I understand that it takes the eyes nearly six months to settle, but I am now becoming quite concerned at the lack of improvement. Moreover, why is my vision so clear first thing in the morning? I am due to see the optician this Friday but can honestly say that there has been little if any improvement and I am not hopeful. Has anyone had similar problems or will I have to go under the laser again!

Just a follow up to say that I had an aftercare appointment on the 31st March & both eyes are now 20/20! It's fantastic, although sight is better on some days than others. I have learned that this is not unusual & should settle in a short while. Again, definitely the best money I have spent without a doubt!