Optimax

There was a lot of problems for me on the day due to computer failure etc. I was basically sent home and asked to come back the next day. This is obviously not ideal if you’re nervous or have made special arrangements, but is a service issue, not a surgical one

I had LASIK on the 7/11/02 at a cost of £999. I had both eyes done on the same day.

The actual operation was as painless as advertised and I was quickly out of the place. My eye sight was extremely poor before with 8.25 in one eye and 10.25 in the other, so I was borderline, but I was able to notice some improvement within a few hours. The next day I was driving. Now, some three weeks later, I feel great and have even been swimming. I have been told to expect some more improvement, so I am extremely happy. The only reason for good and not very good is the issue with the machine breaking down.

No regrets at all.

I had PRK Epiflap with Optimax at the London (Finchley Road clinic) on one eye on the 20th November to solve mild short sight and astigmatism. The organisation when arriving was confused (forms didn’t get completed and I missed my slot) and I felt the consultation was a little rushed and this didn’t instil a strong sense of confidence which I needed. However I went ahead. The operation was painless and the surgeon explained what was happening. I took the sleeping pills and slept OK that night. It was uncomfortable the following day and I took the patch off. After 2 days the pain was minimal but my eye still red and a little swollen. Over the last 3 days the cloudiness is going and there has been a steady improvement in vision and clarity and it is getting better every day. At the moment its very disorientating to have different focus (like wearing only one lens in a pair of glasses) but I am getting used to it.
I have a follow up appointment on the 2nd Dec when I will also discuss my other eye.
I am pleased I didn’t get both eyes done at once as I would definitely have trouble driving and working on a PC. So far so good….

I had my treatment at the Advanced Laser Eye Clinic in Edinburgh, where they have the new Wavefront technology. All the staff are very professional and took the time to answer all my questions, the doctor explained every part of the treatment to me. I cannot believe how having this done has changed my life. I am due for my three month appointment soon but everything is going well.

I was treated with PRK Epiflap (LASEK) 12th Nov Tues at Finchley rd. Sight before -3.25 L & -3.00 R. Some friends of mine had LASIK in the spring they got good results so I started investigating LASIK. The initial impression given out is that LASIK is the civilised way to get laser vision correction & that PRK has been put to bed. However the more research I did the less happy I was about going in for LASIK. I had booked my consultation & surgery with another clinic. I did not stop researching, when I found out about LASEK it was a welcome relief. This was not PRK and by all accounts it appeared to be the safest way to get ones sight corrected. I had made enquiries with Optimax because the prices seemed good but I didn’t think they offered LASEK so I had almost discounted them. It was only when I had read their brochure that I discovered that PRK Epiflap is indeed them same procedure as LASEK. So now I could have LASEK at rock bottom prices, I cancelled my LASIK appointments. I think it is important to bear in mind that many clinics only offer LASIK so therefore denying their customers the option of a choice of treatments. Please do all the research you can before committing to surgery including ALL the links from this web site.
I have come to the opinion that laser eye surgery is so automated I cannot see any benefit in paying over the odds unless the clinic is offering Wavefront technology. Going down the Wavefront route is probably only of an advantage if you have a high prescription anyway. With my low prescription I was more than happy with the bargain price of £795 for BOTH eyes with Optimax. In years to come I’m sure Wavefront will become the industry standard.
The Bi-lateral LASEK surgery was quick & painless, My Dr, Dr Islam was friendly & confident. After surgery Vision was Fuzzy rather than out of focus. A bit like opening your eyes underwater. Walked to the car & shut my eyes. For the remainder of this day & the following 2 days any attempt to open my eyes was met with mild stinging & watering eyes, to be comfortable I just kept my eyes shut. There was no pain as such & didn’t need the pain killers. If you are having Bi-lateral treatment you will effectively be disabled for 2 days and be totally dependent on others. On the third day woke up felt normal & opened my eyes. WOW! I could see the time on the alarm clock. Kept my eyes open all day & could see the improvement in vision by the hour. By the next day, day 4, I felt I could see well enough to drive (at least in the day light). Vision is still improving I’ve just had my 1st aftercare appointment I’m +1.00 L & +0.75 R. I’m experiencing mild ghosting in Low light conditions. I’ve been told that the ghosting will rectify itself over the coming months but I just don’t notice it outdoors at all. In in all, on course for a good outcome. Already I feel it is money well spent & would do it again if I had too. I’m also relived that I don’t have the Flap to worry about, The LASIK one that is, that never completely heals as the Fibres in the Storma layer of the cornea never re-integrate. LASIK, do not confuse faster recovery with faster healing, that Flap will NEVER completely heal! Good luck with your own surgeries. Happy to answer any questions.

I attended the Aberdeen clinic today for assessment of suitability for LASIK. Unfortunately it turned out that one cornea is too thin for treatment of my -7 prescription. But everyone I met was most professional and I certainly wasn’t advised to take any action I may later regret.