Optimax

I had LASIK surgery (on both eyes) on 21st November, at a total cost of £999 – a special offer after attending an open day at the Finchley Rd clinic. Dr Patel did the op and was very good, he put my mind at ease at the consultation and during the op. I was petrified for weeks beforehand, but afterwards I thought to myself ‘that wasn’t so bad after all’ and now I can see almost perfectly, one eye is slightly long sighted and the other slightly short, but considering I was approx -9.5 in both eyes I think that is amazing! Am going tonight for my 1 week aftercare so will find out my exact prescription then, hopefully there will be no need for a re-correction in 6 months. I was told that my corneas were thick (a good thing for LASIK) and that my pupils were large (not brilliant for LASIK as it can affect your night vision) so I knew the possible down side and still went for it. My night vision is not as clear as day but it’s OK, I can drive at night (although car lights can sometime be a bit bright), but it may settle down in time. The healing has been fine, eyes do still get a bit tired towards the end of the day making vision a bit blurred and air con makes my eyes so dry they burn, but other than that 12 days later I sometimes forget that my eyes have ‘been done’ and I go to take my glasses off/ or lenses out but they’re not there anymore. I wish I had this done sooner (am 26 and worn glasses/ contacts since I was 6), the freedom that I have now is great, cannot wait to go on hols next year and swim in the sea without worrying about a) getting sea salt in my eye (burns with contacts in) b) loosing my contacts in a big wave etc c) being able to see underwater for the first time in ages!!! The only down side of Optimax is they are always running late, both my consultation and my 1 day aftercare appt were nearly and hour late, but the treatment was early! Overall though very good- I have called them once as I was worried about something but they called me back after speaking with Dr Patel and put my mind at rest.

Went for the Open Day to confirm my prescription after booking PRK Epiflap treatment for the 7th Dec.

Got there and had my eyes tested, the lady who tested them, said I had -1.25 & -1.75 (although my opticians say I have -2.25 & -2.50) and also recommended PRK, but when I went to sit outside in the waiting room, another lady came over to discuss treatment and recommended I needed LASIK, as my astigmatism was high!!

Now I’m really confused, as in the brochure it clearly says astigmatism can be treated with PRK, all this conflicting advice and prescriptions has really put me off, and I have cancelled my consultation for the 7th. :( Also noticed some of u say you have paid £999 for LASIK. Is that for both? As I thought they were £750 per eye. Thanks.

Consultation Thursday 28th November, LASEK Laser surgery Friday 29th November . Friday night felt uncomfortable and my eyes watered a lot. Lay on bed with eyes closed, didn’t need any painkillers just kept my eyes closed. Saturday 30th eye sight seems as good if not better than when I wore my contact lenses. Its very difficult to believe that I don’t have to go and take my lenses out! The Birmingham office were very organised and there was very little hanging around,.

Had my eyes treated on by Dr Chatterjee at the Edinburgh clinic. The staff were very helpful and talked me through the whole procedure from my consultation to treatment day. Everything went smoothly and I am so happy with the decision I made, now looking forward to no more contact lenses.

I got eyes treated @ Aberdeen by Dr Ramstein on 18th November. I am absolutely delighted with results of the procedure. Found Dr Ramstein to be very thorough. Before the procedure he went through any concerns you had until you were comfortable and during the surgery itself he talked you through each stage of the process (although sometimes hard to hear over the jazz music!). One complaint I would have is that, although the girls themselves are excellent with dealing with the patients, at each consultation & the procedure itself there were delays. Initial consultation took 1hr 45 mins, the surgery 2hrs 30mins, next day check-up 1hr 45mins, 1 week appointment should have been today but got call yesterday asking to reschedule for tomorrow. Appearance given is a wee bit disorganised (possibly trying to squeeze in too many patients???) Hopefully ok to advertise this on this forum but there are a number of charities who operate schemes to re-use old spectacles for use in developing countries. All going well, a good number of you who visit this forum will no longer have any requirement for your glasses so please put them to good use!
The following are some of the schemes available: Vision Aid Overseas – Old spectacles can be sent in a padded envelope to: Vision Aid Overseas, 12 The Bell Centre, Newton Road, Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9FZ or give them to opticians who collect for them. World Insight Appeal – Operated by Help the Aged & Dollond & Aitchison. Hand your old spectacles into any Dollond & Aitchison branch or send them to World Insight Appeal, FREEPOST, Lon 131109, London, EC1B 1JY. Oxfam – recycle old spectacles, sunglasses and cases. You can hand them in at any Oxfam Charity shop. Lions clubs throughout the UK.