Accuvision Laser Eye Clinic

Having heard about the Accuvision laser clinic opening up almost two years ago, which was supposed to be using the latest state of the art laser treatment (Wavefront). I started researching the web to see what it was all about. Finally after months of sifting through all the information, I decided to make a trip to Accuvision for a consultation, forearmed with the knowledge that my opticians had previously told me I had an irregular corneal shape. They picked this up in the examination. Daryus and Vik explained to me, that although this might be a contraindication for treatment by most clinics and that they would like to ask me to come back at intervals to see any changes that might be occur in the eye. I went back to the clinic at six monthly intervals for the examinations. In June 2003, I was told the eyes were stable and they were happy to operate. The kind of service they provided where the emphasis was on the patient’s wellbeing and satisfactory long-term outcome was amazing. I truly felt that the staff wanted clinical excellence above all and not just a production line like surgery. On the day of the surgery, Mike explained at length the procedure and what to do post-op. In the time that I had waited for all my examinations, Accuvision were going to treat my eyes using their new topography customised treatment. The op went well and within the next day from a prescription of 3.5 and 3.0 with astigmatism I was down to 0 and had 20/20 vision. I had no problems with the eyes apart from the slight dryness that I experienced for a week. At the one-month post-op examination I was told I had 20/15 vision in both eyes. Apart from the amazement of being relieved of the burden of wearing glasses, what I would sum up my vision as being "pin sharp" and "crisp". Almost six months down the line my vision is stable with the vision of a hawk...yaay. Thanks to all at Accuvision including Mike, Daryus & Vik.

Is there anyone out there that has been treated by Nick Jacobs at Accuvision? I am booked in for December 4th, and would quite like to know about other peoples experiences...?

There doesn't seem to be as many people using Accuvision now as there was. I had my eyes done in May. I am happy with them but still not as happy as I would have hoped. One thing that was not made clear was regarding the enhancement. I was told that, if I was not happy, I could have an enhancement. However, what they failed to tell me was that, if there was only a small difference, they wouldn't do a correction. I admit that the correction is small but my eyesight is definately not as good as with my contact lenses and I seem to suffer from double vision. Bear in mind that you are not always suitable for an enhancement.

At age 37 my long sight was becoming more of a problem as I got older. I had worn contact lenses since I was in my late 20's and had some damage to my eyes as a result of excessive wear. Basically I had grown extra blood vessels due to my eyes being starved of oxygen. This then resulted in having to wear glasses which I hated, and by the end of the day I struggled to see clearly even with glasses on. I remember not being able to read a menu with my glasses on, and decided I had to find out about laser treatment. I had changed my optician and asked her about laser treatment to be told I would not be suitable because my sight prescription was too high, +4.75 and +3.75, and because I had 'dry' eyes. My heart sank. Still, she recommended I find out for sure and I telephoned several clinics including Optimax, Ultralase and Accuvision. The first two advised me that my prescription was too high to be treated, but they could have a go at one eye, although they didn't think the result would be very good. It was cheaper, about half the price of Accuvision, but I was not prepared to chance my eyesight for only minimal improvement. They didn't have the technology that Accuviosion had hence the lower cost. I received a lot of brochures and telephone calls from sales staff, even though they had said I wasn't a suitable candidate. After a telephone converation with Accuvision I travelled the 70 miles to London for a consultation. I felt like I was clutching at straws and had braced myself for the liklihood that I would be turned down for treatment. Initially they were concerned about my dry eyes and sent me to another nearby location to have further tests. Finally, once they were happy with the results I heard the magic words that they could treat me. I was so excited, a life free of glasses. They were totally honest with me from the start and told me that they thought 20/20 vision was unlikely, but that somewhere close to that was achievable. That was fine by me. I was having to wear glasses from the time I got out of bed until I got back in it. I had my wavefront guided lasik treatment on 29 May 2003. I was very nervous on the day, but all the staff there are very nice and put you at ease. I felt sensation during the lasik treatment but no pain, it only took minutes per eye. I had some problems with very dry eyes and had to use a lot of eye drops. I had fluctuating vision and I experienced halos around light at night time for a few weeks. I had been warned this may happen, especially as I had already had dry eyes. My vision was in effect very short sighted whilst my eyes were very dry and I couldn't drive. I had my follow up appointments with Vikash Patel who was brilliant. If I was worried I telephoned and staff were always there to reassure me. Now just over four months since the treatment I don't need glasses for reading, driving - anything. I haven't got 20/20 vision in both eyes, my left eye is slightly short sighted, but it doesn't cause me any problems. Not a day goes past when I don't wonder at my amazing sight. It was the best £4000 I have ever spent. If you are thinking of having lasik treatment I would thoroughly recommend Accuvision and to consider the following: Take your time and do your research thoroughly, Don't be harassed by 'hard sell' companies, Remember you generally get what you pay for, and lastly You can't put a price on your eyesight. I have been delighted with all of my care and would like to thank all at Accuvision especially Joan, Darius and Vikash. If you wish to contact me about my own experience please do so at sallyjennings66@hotmail.com

I was very impressed with the results. I didn't expect a near 20/20 vision. The team was very proffessional and made me feel relaxed. A very special thanks to everyone at Accuvision especially Nick Dash who gave me the Consultation, Will Ayliffe who corrected my eye sight and a special thanks to Vikash Patel who made me feel so relaxed and confident throughout my visits. Well done! I would recommend Accuvision to anyone.!!

I went for my pre-op check on July 1st - they seemed a little rushed and the the matter of fact way in which they told me how they were going to sculpt the corneas did concern me - I saw several different people for the same checks and each came up with a slightly varying result. Anyway I researched the net on the subject and accuvision, seemed to be highly praised. They had the best equipment. A few of my friends had their eyes done at Ultralase one has vision that is 20/10 and is very happy, another has vision that 20/20 and is reasonably happy - another friend had his eyes done at Optimax for £400 he has suffered infections had to go to specialists - had his eyeball frozen so they could correct the mistakes made. I think he is OK now. I had my eyes lasered on 19th July by Accuvision. No pain apart from the first cut on my right eye definitly felt a super sharp blade but no pain. very worrying process and very anxious wait. After 1 month checkup my right is 20/20-15, left is 20/20 in their opinion but there is marked difference between how each eye sees. My right eye is much better. They said that the cut had healed so well that an optician would not be able to see it - A blind optician maybe - it is feel good talk - I can see the cut and so will an optician. Did they say that to any others out there. I went for my monthly check up and they discovered an astigmatism in my right eye - during the check they put further prescription on my eye and suddenly the world became super clear, they could not seem to do the same with my left eye which is a little surprising. Night vision is not fantastic either but probably as good as when contacts - they said this would improve dramatically. This matter did not seem to concern them as their machines said the correction was 20/20. I go back for further check soon knowing that there machines are not perfect. Still I am happy that I no longer need to wear lenses or glasses and it does make a big difference to your life. I am not sure however that Accuvision is worth the extra money compared to Ultralase. If your are looking for wonder vision save yourself some money go to Ultralase you will get 20/20 vision as well there - the checks are also more comprehensive.

Fourteen years ago I made what was probably the worst decision of my life. I had corrective eye surgery. Not laser surgery - that was still in the experimental stage at the time - but the old so-called "Russian Operation" or to give it its proper name Radial Keratotomy (RK). This had had some amount of publicity back in the late 1980s. At that time I had worn glasses for myopia for 16 years. I had loathed and detested them from the outset. At age 16 I progressed to contact lenses (my father bought me them as a present for passing all my 'O' Levels, probably the only reason I did any revision!) I subsequently wore them morning, noon and night and ended being told by my optician that my eyes would inevitably reject them at some time in the future. Panic set in until I saw an article about RK. It involved making between 4, 8,12 or 16 microscopic incisions in the cornea which would then flatten it, thus reducing the myopia. To cut a long story short I had the operation in June 1989. The plan was to do my slightly worse right eye first then follow on with the left when this had stabalised. I went into the operating theatre confident that it would work. I was sadly disillusioned. The refraction was reduced by a paltry dioptre and I was left with eight scars on my right eye. I was devastated. Fortunately I was still able to wear contact lenses but the fit on the right eye was never as good as the left. As the years went by and laser surgery began to gain momentum I bitterly regretted having the RK - if only I had waited. I was led to believe by various opticians that I should count myself lucky I could still wear contacts and that no laser clinic would ever touch my damaged eye. Then I discovered this web-site and posted an account of my problem. Accuvision were the only clinic to return a comprehensive reply. On studying their web-site and the comments made on lasik-eyes I soon realised that if anyone could help then they could. The only thing I found slightly off-putting was the location - I live in Leeds - but I didn't feel any of the local clinics could offer their level of expertise. Subsequently I booked a consultation on August 11th 2003. I went to the consultation thinking in the back of my mind that Accuvision would not be able to help. I was wrong. After a thorough 2 hour assessment I heard the words I had been waiting for for so many years - I could be helped! I was to have Customised Lasik which would correct the defects to my own individual eye topography not just my prescription. I was made aware they may not "hit zero" with the right eye due to the scarring but I was prepared to take the risk as I had such confidence with them by this stage. 4th September was the day of reckoning. It went like a dream. No pain, no needles, just a slight feeling of pressure when the clamp was put in. The next day my -4.75/-.75 left eye tested at just under 20/20. The right eye (previously -3.75/-.75) had been left with a bandage contact lens overnight so was not quite as good but as soon as the lens was removed it seemed to glide into place. A week later I returned to the clinic to find that the right eye had obtained 20/15. The left eye was slightly behind (but still very good) which had been done deliberately due to my age (42) to allow a longer time before I need reading glasses. I realise there are a lot of people out there who have had sub-optimum results from eye surgery and I would not hesitate to recommend a consultation with Accuvision. They are, quite simply, the best. I never thought I could be helped. I was. I feel as if my life has started over. Fourteen years ago I made the worst decision of my life. On 11th August 2003 I made the best. To everyone at Accuvison .. Thank You.

I had Lasik treatment about 6 weeks ago at accuvision in Fulham. My prescription was r-8.00 / -1.00 x 180 and l-6.50 / -1.50 x 180. I was absolutely sick and tired of wearing glasses and was actually told by my optician to stop wearing contact lenses completely because of a lack of oxygen getting through to my eyes. I found i could not wear my lenses any longer anyway, it just got too uncomfortable. The surgery was painless and the recovery was amazing. 6 weeks on and my eyesight is fabulous, i have better than 20/20 vision without any post op problems, whatsoever. My corneas were slightly thinner than average, but given the advanced customised technology that Accuvision use, they are able to customise flaps which saves more tissue, which meant it was safe for me to have the treatment. The team at Accuvision, all the way from admin at inital enquiry to the surgeon on the day have been brilliant and i cannot thank them enough for giving me my eyesight back. When it comes to deciding who to trust your eyes to, check out the team at Accuvision, after all you only have one pair of eyes.

Have been investigating laser surgery for 7 years including unsuccessful consultations with Optimax and Ultralase. Sick of contact lenses and specs. I hate feeling dependent on solutions and stuff. I regularly travel abroad and hate the hassle of packing them...always in the hand luggage along with specs in case the luggae doesn't make it. Heard about Accuvision 2 years ago, but when I called they sounded in their infancy so I left it. Went last Wednesday for test as a birthday present to me for my 40th (in July). Delighted to learn that I could be treated and immediately asked for the operation that same day. The next slot was the next day. The team at Accuvision are very professional and I detected they are passionate about their job, which gives them the edge. Worth the money that I paid. In fact 20 years ago I remember putting a value of £10,000 on the price I would pay to restore my eyesight without artificial aids!! For me the anticipation around the surgery was perhaps the worst. Around 5 mins on the bed awaiting preparation. I was very aware of the 'flap bit' and although I saw no blade I had a distinct sensation as it was cut, a kind of stinging. For me (being a bit of a woose) my own cruel mind games were the worst, my brain playing out the whole scenario over and over during and after surgery. The truth is there is no way they would have done the other eye if I really felt anything! The discomfort was on the same scale as having a filling in reality. Hypnosis might be an idea, but then it is really only 4 mins per eye! A few minutes later and I was in the waiting room. The rest of the day I rested at home with a slight gritty feeling in both eyes. Next day eyes were fine. Eyesight not quite as crisp as it was with contact lenses, but better than it was with specs. Next week I have my 1 week post tests and I am expecting some further improvement based on previous reports.Today my sight didn't feel quite as crisp...but maybe this is tiredness after a hectic weekend? Before op -6.5 in both eye. 1 day After op 0.00 and -0.5. By the way I offloaded something like 6 bottles of contact lenses, 3 cases, saline and all sorts. Its a great unburdening to do that on the same day as the op! If you want your real eyes back then go see Accuvision!

I had Lasik surgery at Accuvision on Thursday, 29th May 2003. Previously I had worn glasses for circa 40 years. Pre-op. my prescription was: Right Eye:Sphere (-8.50), Cylinder (-2.50), Axis (5). Left Eye:Sphere (-8.00), Cylinder (-1.50), Axis 180). About a year prior to surgery, I’d met someone at work who had a similar prescription to mine & had had laser surgery. He was positive about the process & it set me thinking. I searched on the Internet & found several sites & found this one the most useful. After some further pondering, I decided to proceed & the choice came down to Moorfields or Accuvision. The positive feedback patients reported from Accuvision tipped the balance in their favour. Beyond short sight & astigmatism, I recall no particular features needing special treatment. The cost was £4k. It was suggested that I would have good enough vision for everyday life, but that I might need reading glasses for small print. The procedure was not painful. As others have mentioned, it is a little uncomfortable for a couple of minutes, but no more than that. It took only a few minutes & I went home after a post op check some 30 minutes after surgery. I took the eye drops as prescribed & spent the rest of the day with eyes closed & listening to the radio. By the following day, I was able to see well & with no complications. My sight is 20/20 & I have had no problems of any sort throughout. I’ve attended the daily, weekly, monthly & quarterly checks – all of which have confirmed that the sight is stable. There have been no complications or discomfort of any sort. All the staff at Accuvision that I have dealt with have been helpful. They have been straightforward in their dealings with me & I don’t feel they over-promise – certainly my experience has been most positive. The recovery process has been something of a non-event for me, with no problems experienced. To date I have not needed reading glasses for even fine print & have experienced no problems in poor light (which a few have commented on). I’ve found it surprisingly easy to get used to not wearing glasses. The psychological benefit took a little longer to kick in – all of it positive, all of it beneficial. I would recommend Accuvision. If my experience is anything to go by, it should be hassle free & positive all the way through the process. It is money well spent to reclaim your sight. Martin Spelling