Laser Eye Surgery Cost Cutting Tips

johnfthetraveller

Apologies to those who have already read this post, when I originally posted it, but it was a while ago, and I think it is worth repeating.

When looking through the posts, they all seem pretty positive, but I would advise you to be aware - THERE CAN BE MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS!

I know, because I had the operation and have complications that have been the bane of my life for over 10 years now.

I've not checked recently, but the USA, home of cosmetic surgery, would not allow this operation because they regarded it as too risky. Admittedly safety has improved, but at the expense of people like myself. Do you fancy paying to be a medical guinea pig?

Why did Which?, publish an article saying:

"Two well-respected clinics that do divulge details have told us that about 5 per cent of people who undergo Lasik treatment experience complications."?

This means if you have both eyes done, you have a 1 in 10 chance of having complications!

I hope I'm not infringing copyright by quoting the Which? conclusion:

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"Laser eye surgery is a great development but it's not risk free. Our research shows that some clinics aren't giving patients the information they need to make informed choices.

We want the government to enforce the tougher standards recommended by the parliamentary inquiry. And we'd like all clinics to publish details of their complication rates, with information monitored by an independent body. We also want sanctions, to deter clinics from giving misleading advice or unsuitable treatment.

Until then, patients must protect themselves. Always ask for the surgeon's track record and whether there's anything in your medical history that makes you unsuitable for laser treatment."

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I wouldn't put much store in a positive answer from the last question. From dealing with some of the top UK eye surgeons over the last 10 years, my opinion is that the unfortunate minority that have complications are considered a price the surgeons are willing to pay to exploit this great 'once-in-a-lifetime' moneymaking opportunity placed in front of a previously academic group of experts, as a lot of them run laser surgery clinics on the side.

I read one poster on this board talk about insurance. If you're considering having this operation, ask the company how much their insurance premiums are increasing year on year. Premiums are going through the roof because of claims.

You can get many enthusiastic recommendations from people who have had successful operations, and are very happy with the results. To my mind, this is like asking someone who's survived a game of Russian Roulette if the game is safe, and getting the answer 'Yes, look at me, I played and I survived!'.

If you do want to go ahead:
- look at the guide at http://www.lasermyeye.org/consumers/index.html, including the lists of complications (in fact the whole site is worth knowing about)
- look at the "Risks" sections on the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's review of the procedure at http://www.nice.org.uk/IPG164 (see the links at the bottom of the page).

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

mutley74

All surgical operations carry a risk.

By one understanding the procedures and selecting a surgeon who is experienced and has a very good track record one can minimise the risks. In my experience selecting a qualified surgeon who has performed many 000's of eye operations is crucial. Next is selecting a clinic with decent support staff and qualified optoms who are available at any time for advice and support.

I would not advise anyone to get LAS without doing proper research and understanding the risks properly. Get as many professional opinions as possible.

if anyone has decided to use Optical Express, dont forget my special bonus to MSE's users - get an EXTRA £25 off just for using my referral details!!;)

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/....html?t=474320

wendfd

I had my consultation a couple of weeks ago with Optical Express and am now waiting for my surgery appointment, which is on Friday 13th Feb!!!!

I was quoted £795 per eye Lasik and have opted to also have intralase for a further £495 per eye. I was given the option of having monovision, which leaves one eye slightly short sighted to enable me to read without reading glasses. I have had a trial with contact lenses and know this will be the option I am going for.

My query is, should I be entitled to a reduction on the price for that reading eye. The prices go on your prescription (Mine are -5.? and -4.?). If they are going to leave my eye at -3.5, then the price should change. Should'nt it!

NickC.uk

Hi all,

I had my eyes done about 4 months ago and I've just received a refer a friend letter which says:

Recommend a friend and be rewarded £50
plus your friend receives £500 off Laser Eye Treatment

Naturally, I would be happy to recommend anyone.

Extract from the letter:

We will give your friend a free consultation and £500 off bilaeral intralase LASIK wavefront treatment.

You will receive £50 for each patient, once they have been treated with us.

Referring a friend is easy

Enclosed is a referral form, simply fill this form in with your friends details and send it back.

The form asks for Title: First Name: Surname: Address: Postcode: Daytime Tel: Mobile: Email Address.

Rewards are only issued for referrals not already known to Optimax. £500 discount cannot be used in conjuction with any other promotions.

I understand if you are reluctant to give me these details, but feel free to pm me with any questions.

Nick.

edmundbuston

Hi Nick,

My wife is going in for a consultation soon so a referral would be great to get the discount. How do I go about doing this? I have got some referral cards from optimax.

Ed

NickC.uk

Hi Ed,
The small print in my letter says that it is only applicable if the person referred is previously unknown to optimax, so as you already have an appointment, I don't think it will work.

I guess the idea is I give them some details of people I know (saying how wonderful I think Optimax are ) and they then send out brochures etc.

Nick.

haddock22

my son is going for a consultation today to optimax.Is it still worth going to others to compare prices?What have others haggled down to at optimax? At the end of the day i cant see how you would ever know if you had a good/bad surgeon as you would never get to hear of the bad ones.By the way we live in southampton.Thanks

tidus

72% of UK optometrists would not consider having lazer surgery themselves.

http://www.theoptom.com/viewtopic.php?t=9056

This is from a UK optometrists discussion forum. Gotta make you think twice surely?

lowbrim

Had my eyes done last week by Optical Express cost £750 for both eyes and it was painless and difference in eysight amazing no more reading glasses!! I would recommend it to anyone about 6 members of my family have noew had it and they all say the same brilliant.

mutley74

I am still offering Optical Express Referral discounts .....£25 cashback (BACS or paypal) for MSE members PLUS £50 off from optical Express TOTAL SAVING £75!!!!:beer:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=474320