Accuvision Laser Eye Clinic

Words cannot describe how amazing Accuvision is to me. To say the Team at Accuvision are excellent would be an understatement. They are simply the best. Initially, my regular opiticians (The Eye Clinic) sent me a letter saying I am within the acceptable range for eye surgery and they could offer me a free assessment. I could only wear my contact lenses about 3 times a week because they irritated my eyes if I wore them for too long, plus they made my eyes red after a while and years ago, always knew at some point when technology improved I would investigate LASIK further. So, after the assessment with the Eye Clinic even though they told me I was suitable I just did not feel that trust and confidence with them. I rang a few more laser clinics like Moorfields who told me that chances are they would have to perform LASIK twice on me in order to correct my vision since the prescription was so high. Before the op my right eye was -5 with a slight stigmatism of -100 x 175 and my left eye was -7.50 with a slight stigmatism of 11 x 150. Then I came across Accuvision, and read about the Wavefront Guided Custom LASIK and the laser itself having the ability to focus the beam to a finer point than other lasers the result being that it removes far less corneal tissue than other clinics - about 30-40% microns less which is reassuring. I then rang up Accuvision and got to speak to Darius who answered my questions and I was so impressed I immediately booked an appt for an assessment. Thursday, 9th May I had my assessment and Accuvision were fantastic, answering all my questions, telling me that in my case the risks were very low, no higher than the average patient, and that the outcome would be hopefully no glasses with there only being a slim chance of having to do a top-up op, but of course made it clear to me that no op is risk free. It wasn't just the high technology which impressed me, they were professional, friendly and fantastic from the start, Mike, Vikesh and Darius and of course not forgetting my surgeon Mr Jacobs. They even said if I have doubts, then I shouldn't feel I have to come back if I don't want to and shouldn't feel pressured. That even impressed me more, I could see money didn't even come into it, and believe they only accept people who they know they can achieve a good outcome, they don't just accept anyone.(In answer to the comment made by the Observer all surgeons at Accuvision are under the GMC and my surgeon was Mr Jacobs) I felt that trust and confidence and knew that my eyes would be okay and booked my op for Thursday, 20th June 2002. That was the best decision I ever made. The day before my op I had my final assessment and watched an op which only confirmed I made the right decision. I even was introduced briefly to Mr Jacobs, my surgeon, and that again confirmed I made the right decision. I was told the price of my op (£3,000) and thought there is no price to my eyes, eyes are priceless - I knew I was in the best hands and wouldn't go elsewhere even if it was for free. The next day I had my op and even though I saw one the day before was still amazed at how quick the op was. I felt a combination of nervousness and excitement. I felt no pain whatsoever and only had to concentrate on the green/red light and before I knew it - it was over. Immediately after the op when I opened my eyes I could see Darius clearer then without my glasses before the op. Incredible. Mr Jacobs, my surgeon, was great and as skillful as I knew he would be. He told me before the op that he would be only removing approx 10% corneal tissue which was great to know. He double checked my eyes after the op (as well as before) and told me that I have no corneal flap complications and everything went smoothly. Even half an hour after the op I could see my best friend from across the table, normally everything beyond 2-3 inches would be a blur. My eyes watered a bit, I kept them mainly shut as it felt more comfortable that way as well as being told it was best to keep them shut that day anyway. I felt a slight gritty feeling in my left eye which vanished by 10:00pm and by then my vision was co-ordinated and I could see across the corridor my neighbour's face and the grey fog which vanished more by the hour was hardly there anymore. The next day I woke up and could see - making my dream which I thought could only ever be a dream come true - to wake up and be able to SEE, no hunting for glasses. I went for my check-up (the day after my op) and was told I have 20/20 vision. Also, Accuvision told me that before the op when I wore my glasses or lenses my vision was one line below 20/20 (a fact I was not aware of until I saw Accuvision) so my vision had improved by one line. Everything is so much clearer it really is a whole new world. By my next appt a week after my op (28.6.02) I was told my vision had improved by two lines making my vision better than 20/20. Then at my appt on 1.8.02 (by the way thank you for the 2 cups of lovely creamy coffee Darius) I was told that my vision was back to 20/20 vision, one point better than before my op, it keeps fluctuating slightly as my brain is getting used to new eyes which work! I was also told that my right eye which was 1 point under 20/20 after the op has now improved to a fraction under 20/20 and is still improving. My vision is definitely much clearer than before my op and my eyes feel very comfortable and I don't have any dry eye symptoms. In fact my eyes feel so well and are even more comfortable now than before the op. I was told that my outcome was predicated but Accuvision were very professional and understated it and didn't tell me this until afterwards. After the op my driving instructor said the improvement in my driving is phenomenal and he said he can tell my vision has improved and can see the difference in my driving. I am so very happy with the outcome which is exceptional, and thank everyone at Accuvision for everything including their patience, (eg: at my second assessment I had 21 questions which were all answered and explained to me). This op has really changed my life - I would definitely recommend ACCUVISION and am so pleased I trusted my instincts as well as my research. I am glad I put having LASIK to the back of my mind even though various places contacted me throughout the years - until I found the right place which I could trust with my eyes. You know the saying that you are not sure that what is right for you until you come across it yourself then you will know? That is how I felt about LASIK until I came across Accuvision. I have another check-up on 22nd August and will write again then. Forgot to add that if anyone has any questions I am only too happy to answer them, I know it helped me speaking to a few patients, hearing how they felt and their point of view.

Thanks again to everyone, especially Darius, will write again in a few weeks time after my next consultation,

It's a whole new world ....

It is now six weeks since I had my surgery and I am amazed at the results. I had been turned down by Ultralase as I had a very high prescription (-11) and did not have enough corneal thickness for their laser. I had a consultation with Accuvison the next day but I rang up to cancel it as I presumed that if you couldn't be treated by one clinic you couldn't be treated at all. I was advised to still come in and I am so glad I did. It was explained to me by Vikash that the technology used at Accuvision is far superior to that used by other clinics and they were happy to take me on as they could correct my vision and still leave me with at least the minimum recommended corneal thickness.
I booked my surgery for about ten days later. I was very nervous on the day of surgery but everything went extremely smoothly. I have to say my eyes at times were uncomfortable for about two weeks after surgery but this was because my brain was not used to properly functioning eyes!
I went for a post op check up a few days ago and I now have 20/20 vision. Quite a tall order, going from -11 to no prescription.
Today I took my daughter to the waterslides and didn't need to worry about my lenses coming out or worry about going underwater. It's so liberating.
I would thoroughly recommend Accuvison. From start to finish I felt I was dealing with a centre of excellence. And further to the comment by the Observer, yes all the surgeons are members of the General Medical Council. My surgeon was Mr Ayliffe.

In March this year I finally lost my patience at messing about with contact lenses and glasses and decided to undergo laser surgery to correct my vision.

After undertaking several hours of research on the internet (including this site) I decided that I would arrange for a consultation with Accuvision.

From outset I was most impressed with the professionalism of their staff. I had two consultations to confirm my suitability, during these consultations several examinations and computer readings were taken of my eyes, every procedure was explained to me clearly as were the computer print outs. From this information I was able to determine what was causing my short sight (my prescription was -5.75) and how the wavelength LASIK laser procedure could correct the problems. The prognosis was good and I was very suitable for surgery even so the consultants at Accuvision did make me aware that with surgery all risks could not be eliminated and the risks were clearly explained to me.

I had my final consultation on Friday 11 April 2002 and underwent surgery on Thursday 18 April 2002. On Friday 19 April I had twenty-twenty vision. I have since had two further post operative check ups, my eyes have completely healed from surgery my eyesight exceeds twenty-twenty vision and a optician conducting a routine eye examination would not be able to detect that I have had laser surgery. I am absolutely delighted with the results.

If you are thinking of having eye surgery as well of being wary of the risks you are probably thinking about the following points

1. Does It Hurt

Answer - No the operation does not hurt. The staff at Accuvision explained everything that would happen and what to expect - they were correct every step of the way. For about four hours after the operation my eyes watered heavily and it was more comfortable to keep them closed. For a couple of days after the operation I had a slight gritty sensation in one eye. Since then I have not felt a thing nor have I experienced any side effect such as dry eyes.

2. Will Accuvision treat anybody just to bring in revenue?

Answer - I am convinced they will not. The consultation procedure is very thorough and they will not allow any one to undergo treatment unless there is a high probability that the outcome will be very successful. Their reputation seems to be of paramount importance to them. Both the pre-care and after-care are fantastic they would not risk taking on a client who was unlikely to benefit from the treatment.

3.Is it expensive

My procedure was for both eyes and cost £2500 which I think is typical for most customers. It does appear to be a lot of money. However I was spending about £600 a year on contact lenses, solutions and replacement glasses. I no longer need to spend this money so I will recoup my money in just over four years - I will never be short sighted again. I think that is a good deal.

If you have ever felt frustrated with having to correct your short sight I would strongly recommend that you consult Accuvision to see if you are suitable for laser surgery. I wish that I had done it years ago.

I had my eyes corrected at Accuvision just over four months ago and am extremely satisfied with the results.

I had been wearing contacts/eye glasses for ever and with a poor vision (R -7.75 / -050 x17 and L -9.50/-100 x 162) coupled with a thinnish cornea, I did my research well before embarking on surgery. I realised early on in the selection process that the machine and the technology employed for the LASIK surgery is particularly important.

In addition to Accuvision, I had my eyes examined at a centre famous for treating celebrities. I was particularly attracted by the surgeon there although the technology used at that clinic was older. I was not reassured when that centre told that there would be a high probability of still having to wear glasses after the operation. In addition, I was told that I may not have enough cornea tissue left after the surgery to do further correction. I asked whether they were planning to shift to the newer Wavefront technology (used and tested at Accuvision) and was told that they were planning to start trial of the new technology some time during the fall. I was also told that the probability of success with the newer technology would likely be higher given the correction needed for my eyesight.

I ended up choosing Accuvision as I was reassured by the efficiency/friendliness of the staff and by their use of the latest technology. I definitely made the right choice. I have full correction in my left eye and only -0.25 in my right eye! In addition, I have enough cornea tissue left to do further surgery if I ever need to do so again.

For anyone opting to go for this operation I would recommend patience after surgery. It took 10 days for the blurriness to subside and as I was not sure what to expect (in spite of having had everything explained in advance) I panicked. The surgery itself was not painful and the post surgery discomfort (tearful eyes) lasted only a few hours. Overall I have the highest praise for the staff at Accuvision.

Had a very strong long sighted presciption with astigmatism (+5.0 -3.00) both eyes. Have done lots of research - this site has been a very valuable source of information and thanks to everyone and I would encourage anyone who has had surgery to share their comments as first hand experience is always the best. I have also visited two other clinics who advertise the fact that they can treat upto my prescription - Ultralase and The Eye Clinic - see those site for comments. Was refused treatment at both of these clinics as I was not guaranteed a 100 per cent correction and that wasnt good for them. My long term expectations were for me to have less reliance on glasses but I wasnt expecting total freedom. After looking at this web site I made an appointment with Accuvision and as I had to travel my consultation was booked and hour before surgery if I was suitable. So on Friday 26th July - three days ago - I went to London and met the most professional people i could possible wish to entrust my eyes to. Had a very thorough consultation with Vik - who seemed confident and reasuring - everything explained - my prescription nothing was guaranteed and i was happy to proceed. So within 20 minutes I was ready to lie under the laser. There were several viewers in the room - from other companies - which I have to say made me feel better because they were viewing what appeared to be an expert. Anyway the procedure itself was over very quickly - the only discomfort (not pain) was the suction and the eye clamps but both are bearable for a short period of time. Joined my husband in the waiting room and kept my eyes shut. The worst bit of the whole day was feeling travel sick in the car because I couldnt get my bearings. By 9pm - six hours post op - I could watch tv across the room. Slept well - with the annoying bee like eye shields. Woke up very early the next morning because I was so excited and had to read something - it was perfect - I couldnt have asked for more. Went for my check at the clinic and I had 20/20 in both eyes - what a result less than 24 hours post op. I have had a bit of blurring - which I was expecting but otherwise no pain at all - eyes are a little dry but the drops work well. Have my next check on Friday - will keep you all informed.

Had surgery July 4th 2002. I was +3.75 with an astigmatism in both eyes. I was dependent on glasses all day every day. I was very pleased with the treatment at Accuvision I still can't get used to the fact I don't have to put my glasses on to see, I feel much more confident and for the first time ever I can see clearly. Although there was no pain during the procedure I did find having the clamp on my eyes slightly uncomfortable, but feel it was worth going through. A day after the surgery my presciption had changed to -.75, my vision was hazy for some days which is normal with my prescription, therefore I didn't get perfect results straight away, but every day I noticed an improvement in my vision. 4 days after surgery I went to party in the park and was amazed with how well I could see. Its 4 weeks on now and I'm due for a check-up, my right eye seems perfect to me, but my left eye is still a bit hazy, but for the first time ever I have used the computer without the aid of GLASSES !! I would like to say a big thankyou to everyone at Accuvision. You all looked after me so well, I was a nervous wreck before the surgery, but as soon as I walked into the clinic my nerves calmed down. Thankyou.

I had Laser Treatment on the 22nd June just over 5 weeks ago now. My prescription was -7.5 in both eyes, and I had worn glasses and contact lenses for over 30 years.
I was impressed by Accuvision's professionalism and caring attitude, all my questions at my consultation were answered fully and I was impressed by the new wavefront technology that I was able to have. I now have 20/20 vision, its absolutely amazing to be able to see clearer than what I could when I used to wear glasses.
Just like to say a big thankyou to my surgeon Mr Ayliffe, Daryus and staff and an extra special thankyou to Vik who answered all the questions that my wife put to him. Thankyou all very much.

Hi me again, this is probably my last post as its just over four weeks post op. Again I'm happy to answer any questions if you mail me. So I've gone from being about +6.5 to -.75 I have no dry eyes or night vision problems i was warned about, My vision is one line less than 20/20 and most days are fine - I've have about one day per week of blurry vision, and since the op have had two days of bionic vision, generally though my sight is good, not quite as good as with glasses but well worth it - I have now plucked up the courage to go to work etc without shades on! but have yet to smash my glasses up ! not that brave. yet. My earlier review is about the op and stuff so this was just to catch up. The accuvision team have been great through out (thanks for the tea bags guys!) and yes i really am glad i had it done. this is sad but it really has changed my life, you know what they say about men never chatting up women in glasses? well people keep chatting me up! this is a bonus side effect that you need to be aware of. Good luck if you're thinking of doing it.

Dear indecisive one’s,

As a thirty years old French woman, I had been thinking of this surgery for many years. First, I took information on several web sites in order to better understand my short-sightedness and the way it could be improved. My vision was poor (-7.5 and –7)
Scared but determined, I went to Accuvision because I wanted to get rid off my glasses and contact lenses. My first appointment with the clinic gave me the confidence I needed to pass on.
The day after (10 days ago), I was lying under this impressive machine with butterflies in my stomach. Believe it or not, I never felt any pain. I was just thinking that I was having a fabulous experience. I could watch everything the surgeon was doing and I trusted him 100%. It looked like being in another world, seeing all the colours of the rainbow (effect of the laser which lasts less than 1mn in each eye).
After 25mn, I could see without any help. I came back home wearing sunglasses and rested for few hours. I just had the feeling to be in a smoky room. But still no pain. The day after, I went back to the clinic to ensure everything was fine and that was it! I could see better than ever, even better than glasses or contact lenses (20/20). A miracle. And there is no scar in my eyes.
I would like to underline the professionalism showed by the team of Accuvision, their kindness and the way they brought me back to the world!
And now, I can read in people’s mind! If it’s not happiness, it looks like it is…!!!
Just do It!

M-L

I would like to also give a "thumbs-up" to Accuvision and second most of the 5/5 ratings that have already been posted here. I underwent Wavefront Guided LASIK in February of this year having had a prescription of -5.5 and astigmatism in both eyes. I've worn a combination of contacts and glasses since the age of five and now, after my three month check-up, I have 20/10 vision (better than 20/20). All the staff were marvellous, especially Vikash who gave me a thorough and comprehensive consultation, utterly professional and always very friendly. Daryus is also owed a big thank you for setting up this fantastic practice. Another bonus is that whilst I was there for my initial consultation, I spoke with two patients who had literally just had their ops. I could then return the compliment on my return visits - first hand experience really counts. I also had the opportunity to speak with William Ayliffe, my surgeon, who also answered my questions and made me feel at ease. Gold star for a well done operation - no pain at all and what a result! Accuvision may be more expensive than other clinics but then you can't put a price on your eyes. It's quality, not quantity that matters! 10/10 I couldn't fault them on anything!