Great Laser Eye Surgery Hunt

Saffie_2

This is something i have been thinking about for years and still haven't plucked up the courage! Although i do think that i will do it one day. Reading about everyone's experiences has given me a new perspective on the whole idea.

Not sure if this will help anyone, but i did talk to my optician about this, as he has had the surgery himself, and he recommended his surgeon, Professor Reinstein. Although be warned i don't think he is cheap! But i also don't think that "cheap" is an option when talking about your eye sight.

For more information contact the London Vision Clinic.
https://www.londonvisionclinic.co.uk
0800 587 4705
8, Devonshire Place
London
W16 6HP

If requested they will send you a free information leaflet and questionnaire to help you interview and assess any surgeon that you are considering. They also offer a free initial screening where they will let you know exactly if you are suitable and for which treatment.

I haven't investigated this myself yet, as i said i have been sitting on this decision for years. But i had a good old chat with my optician about this and he told me that he questioned several surgeons and looked at their equipment before choosing which one to go to, and my theory is that he would think of better questions to ask then i could come up with!

When i finally get round to it Professor Reinstein sounds like a good choice.

nkitson

Lots of good information in this thread for anybody thinking of laser surgery. My thoughts on my procedure;

I had my eyes done 2.5 years ago at age 48. Both eyes were about -4 and I had worn gas permeable contact lenses for about 25 years. I had the lasik procedure with Optimax.

Both eyes were done at the same time with about 10 minutes between them. Apparently they know immediately in the very unlikely event that something had gone seriously wrong. My eyes were done in Optimax in Malaysia (I lived there at the time). They use identical equipment to Optimax UK, their surgeons have their normal opthalmic training in Australia or the UK and they had their Optimax specific training in the UK so I wasn't concerned about the quality of the personnel or equipment. I was right, their facilities were immaculate and the staff very professional. Best bit was the price, which from memory and changing exchange rates I remember as being about £450 for both eyes. I was in the process of moving back to the UK and my three month check-up was done in Croydon, by Optimax UK at no extra charge.

Given my age, I did the 'one eye set for distance, the other for reading' which has worked out fine so far. I spend a fair amount of time in front of a LCD monitor with no eye strain or discomfort.

The only aspect I'm not completely happy with is night vision. I don't have a problem driving cars (no halo effect etc) but I do a lot of night sailing and find it very difficult to read the dimly lit instruments both close up (3ft away) and the large displays on the mast (15ft away) Everybody else in the crew can read them so I can't blame the instruments!

Hope this helps people make up their minds about having the procedure.

MartyMcr

I went for Ultralase - they are certainly not the cheapest, but I had their Wavefront Lasik surgery and was delighted - no pain or discomfort (very important) and my vision is perfect now - I wore glasses for 20 years, it's so great not having too.

They are very professional and have some of the latest technology. I've read alot of horror stories of other clinics have duff software, faulty machines etc - my sight was too important to risk.

I had my eyes done 18 months ago and got 2 years interest free credit as well - it might be cheaper now.

M@ry

I too have been researching the web for a suitable clinic and came across https://www.lasik-eyes.co.uk as an excellent reference site. It includes all the UK's major clinics and also includes some good advice on what to look our for..

See Choosing a clinic info sheet: http://www.lasik-eyes.co.uk/pdf/choosing.pdf

I am now saving the pennies

M@RY

the_devil_made_me_do_it

so noone has had/knows anyone who has had implants (or other alternative treatments ) inserted as opposed to laser surgery??

peskykids

I had my eyes "done" with Optimax in June 2005. I paid £595 for BOTH eyes for Epi-Lasek. When I phoned to enquire on prices I was advised that the cost was £595 per eye, but would be reduced if I had the treatment within 2 weeks of my enquiry. Service was very good, very quick and the results have left me with 20/20 vision. The pain on the first night is likened to having soap in your eyes.

Try to have this surgery in the late afternoon, then you can take the sleeping pills and sleep through the pain, it worked for me. I am suffering with dry eyes, but this does not cause me any problems, but I do have to use eye drops each day.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to IM me.

mishga

I had my eyes zapped last year with Optimax and was suprised to learn that as a member of the NHS both eyes only cost £495!!!!!! I'd gone along thinking this was for each eye! It was the best thing I have ever done. No more contact lenses no more steamed up glasses etc etc. As previous threads state, try to get your treatment scheduled for late afternoon (I had mine done around 4.30pm) because the discomfort lasts for 24-48 hours and the best thing to do is take the painkillers and sleeping pills and sleep through it. Have some very dark sunglasses ready the next day 'cos even day light makes your eyes hurt for few days!!!!!

Please feel free to email me if you want further advice.

Zeus

For independent advice and links to all the UK's leading clinics please take a look at https://www.lasik-eyes.co.uk

On this site you will be able to interact, via email, with patients who have already had the surgery and view their comments against each of the clinics.

Read up on the latest technology, view the scores awarded by past patients and find out what questions to ask the clinic that you decide upon.

Value for money is always important.... but make sure that you have all the facts on the clinics and the latest technologies before making your decision.

Remember this is a surgical procedure and "You Only Have One Pair of Eyes"

Zeus ... Webmaster... https://www.lasik-eyes.co.uk

splodger_2

I'd like to get my eyes (-2.5) doneusing Zyoptix/wavefront (ie, the most up to date equipment), but the prices are huge at Ultralase - looking at about £3K for both eyes. :eek:

Anyone know if such treatment is available at a more wallet- friendly price?

spirit

Hi, well, that's it, I've booked for Epi lasek surgery next Saturday - EEEk! They've said that i may be a good candidate for monovision and wouldn't therefore need glasses for reading either. Anyone else had that? if so, would you personally recommend it?
many thanks