Eye Laser Surgery Testimonials

Review by Sally Coulter
Posted on 27/06/2007
Rating: 5/5

Surgery type - Epi-lasik Pre surgery prescription - right Sph -7.00, Cyl -0.5, Axis 120 left Sph -7.00, Cyl -0.5, Axis 100 RESULT - One line BETTER than 20/20 I had worn glasses since the age of about 5, and then contact lenses from the age of 14.

For the most of the time I found lenses to be a good solution. Admittedly they were a slight inconvenience everyday and evening, when flying (due to aircon) and when wanting to participate in watersports. However, over the last few years I have increasing been suffering from the effects of hayfever. With itchy eyes, wearing contacts was impossible. I hated wearing glasses. With such a high prescription, it was impossible to have really thin and lightweight lenses and because I'd worn contacts for such a long time, I felt that glasses no longer suited me.

For having contacts at the age of 14 I'd been very shy; contact lenses gave me confidence and wearing glasses again in my late twenties took me back to those awkward early teen years! I first seriously looked into laser eye surgery in December 2005. I visited one provider - who I can not fault, but they were unable to treat me. I have really thin corneas and with such a high prescription it was not possible. I was recommended to have implantable lenses. I really didn't fancy having such an invasive procedure at the time and having always been pleased with contact lenses, I didn't think about it any further.

From about March to July 2006 I found myself having to wear glasses again due to a particularly bad hayfever season. Decided enough was enough and that I would have implantable lenses. Before I decided on which provider to trust with my eyes, I made appointments with two other clinics for second and third opinions. The second clinic I visited was Accuvision and I was so pleased when they told me that they would be able to treat my eyes with laser surgery rather than implantable lenses. The third clinic, again recommended implantable lenses. I admit that I was so excited that I had already booked my treatment with Accuvision before I had attended the third clinic, but just wanted to make sure that I had as much information as possible.

I visited the Solihull clinic as this was within travelling distance. My consultant was Nick and he took the time to explain my eyes and the procedure fully and answer all of my questions. There was no hard sell at all - none what so ever, almost the opposite. Nick was very honest and told me that with my prescription I was unlikely to get 20/20 vision, but I should only need glasses for maybe driving and watching television. That was good enough for me.

I booked my treatment for a Thursday (2 days before my 30th birthday) and arrived at the Solihull clinic with my mum for support. I was so excited that I didn't even get nervous until about 5 minutes before the procedure. The actual procedure was so quick and I can't really say that it hurt. Not pleasant, but not dissimilar to going to the dentist. I must have been in the 'operating' room for about 10 minutes max and the actual procedure only took about 1 minute per eye.

My surgeon Chad was wonderful. I spent half an hour in the waiting room afterwards with my eyes shut before Nick saw me again and told me that I was already above driving standard! As I had epi-lasik, the recovery time was a lot longer than normal lasik.

Others in the waiting room looked extremely comfortable, whilst my eyes were still very sensitive. I stayed in a nearby hotel with my mum on the night of the procedure, as my mum doesn't drive. I couldn't make it for dinner that evening (having normal lasik, I understand that you'd be back to normal within hours) and I was glad to have my mum on hand to administer the eye drops. Had an uncomfortable night (but not painful) and when I went to the clinic the following morning for my check-up, Nick was pleased with my progress.

I then made the journey home, by train, but spent most of it with my eyes shut as they were very very light sensitive. Spent the rest of the day at home with the curtains shut!

Saturday was my 30th birthday and my husband had arranged a surprise meal with my friends and family. He was nervous about having to cancel it, but with the help of some anaesthetic drops I was able to go out and enjoy my birthday. Sunday was a lot better, but still wearing my sunglasses when outside (sunny August though). However, by Monday I was as right as rain and back to work! I had another check-up on the Wednesday and Nick confirmed that I was one line BETTER than 20/20.

I have since had two further check-ups and am pleased to confirm that I am still better than 20/20. Although my recovery sounds a bit daunting for the first couple of days, please, please, please bear in mind that I had epi-lasik. Regular eye surgery is far less traumatic. I would go through the recovery a thousand times to get the wonderful results I have had. Implantable lenses is similar to having cataracts done. There is a two week recovery time for each eye and you need to have each eye done separately. My eyes were all done and dusted within 4 days.

I decided to have both eyes done at the same time. It's personal preference, but it was my belief that if I though something would go wrong then there'd be no way that I'd be having any eyes done! I'm pleased that I had them done at the same time.

Sorry it's such a long review, but when I was doing my research I couldn't find that many from people who had had to have epi-lasik, so hope this helps others. Visit as many clinics as you can. Accuvision specialise in 'specialist' cases - if you get a 'no' from one clinic, it doesn't mean that you're untreatable. Different clinics have different procedures, equipment and surgeons. Having laser eye surgery has changed my life and I can not recommend Accuvision enough. Thank you.

Review by Gill Thom
Posted on 25/06/2007
Rating: 5/5

The people at Accuvision are so helpful and they really look after you and make you feel like a valued customer. They are really friendly and make you feel totally at ease. The surgery was not painful at all and the whole experience and after care was exceptional. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Review by Cathryn McQuaide
Posted on 19/06/2007
Rating: 5/5

Yesterday I had lasik surgery at the Fulham branch. I was referred by a friend who had also just gone through the surgery himself. I had previously been assessed at Optical Express in Southampton and due to their lack of everything never went ahead with surgery, not confident at all.
Not the case at Accuvision. From my initial assessment I felt confident in every aspect. The staff are very friendly and put your mind at ease at once. I was nervous but can honestly say it was painless, very professional and over in literally 10 minutes. They talk to you all the time while the surgery is taking place and I found this comforting as every step of the way you know exactly what is going on and what to expect.
I went again this morning for my post op exam and to have the bandage lens removed (painless also). My vision 24 hrs later is 20/20 which I find truly amazing. (10 minutes of slight discomfort for the rest of your life!!!!!!)
My eyes are quite dry but I was told to expect this for a few days, other than that I cannot fault Accuvision in any way whatsoever.
Accuvision are also much cheaper than anywhere else and with their advanced technology and superb doctors and staff, do yourself a favour and look no further.