FOCUS Clinics

I had mine done just over a year ago, I deliberately waited for a year before writing this review so that I can be sure my surgery went well and no complications. Can't fault the service at this Focus clinic, everyone is very friendly and most importantly my vision is still good and stable. My surgery went relatively smoothly and only lasted about 10 mins in total, probably less than 5 mins for the surgery itself. And the whole experience was not really painful so don’t be worried. I have no significant problem with dry eye or night vision (Although my eye is generally on the dry side and I can't wear contacts in air conditioned office). It really is one of the best decisions I made, my eye was on average -6 and have gone gradually short sighted since 10 yrs old, which meant I was attached to my glasses for over 15 years. Now I feel so free and words can not describe the experience of being able to wake up and see. I did a lot of research before I went for the surgery and a few tips I would give are 1. Go for the all laser option as it should be more accurate and tailored to your eye shape 2. Take at least a week off to recover and don’t use eye too much during this period, it’s crucial period to aid recovery. 3. Definitely have someone to drive you back from the clinic as you can hardly open your eyes afterwards.

It went brilliantly, I have better than 20/20 vision in both eyes, which isn't even achievable with glasses or lenses. Bascially I can see the very bottom line on the snellan chart. It was a little painful the day after, but they didnt say it wouldnt be, so it was expected. the drops helped A LOT. After a week (which is the time frame they give you for you to be able to see clearly), I could see really well - almost perfectly, and the vision just kept on improving (like they said it would). I was quite nervous on the day, but Mr Mearza was just no nice, he had a calming influence!! They really put me at ease. So impressed - I cant praise them enough. Six months on, I have been for my 6 month check up, and everything is fine - better than 20/20 vision and most importantly, no problems.

Had the procedure carried out last week and the results are perfect. Great set up at FOCUS - the facilities, staff, equipment and follow ups are all of a very high standard and I never felt pressured in to anything. My Prescription was around -1 to -1.5 in each eye with astigmatism and the correction went brilliantly. I currently have better than 20/20 vision in each eye. For what ever reason you want the op - be that sport, driving, swimming, vanity etc. then I can only say go for it and I highly recommend the FOCUS group. Does it hurt? - No, not really, some pressure when the eye needs to be held in place for the flap to be created - which can be pretty uncomfortable (seems to vary dependant on the persons eyes) but it is completely bearable and only last for 30 seconds on each eye (they count it down). That is all you feel though - the rest, laser flap and reshaping etc. is painless. The whole thing takes about 10 mins and you are done . All in all this and the cost are a small price to pay for great vision that is free from glasses and or contacts for the foreseeable future.

I had my operation for short-sightedness in both eyes on 17 October 2009. I am mid 40s. Prescription was around L-3 and R-3 plus astigmatism in the right eye. As I do a lot of training and sport I went for perfect long distance vision rather than the blended vision option (one eye for short vision and one eye for long). Cost was around £2,200 (which included a one-off £100 discount that was available at the time). Dr Ali Mearza was the surgeon (FRCOphth and a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Charing Cross Hospital) The result. Absolutely fantastic – and I am a very hard to please person. It would be fair to say that FOCUS had never received so many questions and I am sure Paula at FOCUS would back me up on this. They answered the most important ones after which I realised that the remainder were obsolete. I initially was attracted to FOCUS because of Dr Allamby’s open and honest blog (which is beneficial for the whole industry in my view). The nurses, optometrists, receptionists – everyone was fantastic. Friendly and caring and available for any questions or issues. My thanks to them for making it such an easy process.. Dr Allamby was unavailable at the time I sought my operation and it was done by Dr Mearza. I could not have been more happy. Dr Mearza was professional yet friendly. I felt comfortable all the way through the procedure. To avoid surprises I advise that the pressure on the eye when the flap is created is more than I thought it would be (only say a little like cold ice cream shock in the sinuses) but lasts for a very short time. The other issue I was unaware of (but made sense at the time) was a very slight smell as the laser removed the tissue. Nothing to worry about though. Immediately after the operation the eyes stung a little bit on the way home (like getting some citrus juice in the eye) but I went to sleep and when I woke up I was fine. A significant issue for me was that I get the occasional facial cold sore. There is a related condition of the eye with the potential that the related virus can sit in part of the eye and with the disturbance of the operation, infection set in. Although I have never suffered from the eye condition another laser company refused me on this basis although admitted that it may in the short term change its view. FOCUS covered this issue and made me comfortable that this was not an issue for me as I had never suffered from the condition previously. An issue that is important to note for older patients (over 40) is the likelihood of ‘sudden presbyopia’. My pre-procedure investigation had made me aware of this. As we pass 40 almost everyone requires reading glasses as the eye can no longer focus so well at short distances. Often, the myopia (short-sightedness) masks the presbyopia so that after the operation it is a surprise that you can no longer see near items to read etc as well. It is worse in the first few days but does get better over time. In good light I can read okay with just slight blurriness. Fro example I am typing this currently at normal font and no glasses. Still, it is better having to only put on glasses occasionally to read rather than only taking them off occasionally. Also, for those of you that have used contacts and not been able to read too well with them on, then this is surely a better solution. The sudden presbyopia issue may have been addressed with the blended option and for less active and/or older persons this may be a better way to go. It is now over a month and I have had absolutely none of the advertised potential side effects (halos, dry eyes etc etc). There has been no need for further lubricating drops etc and I remain with 20/20 vision. There are some very, very slight variations on a daily basis but only if I really think about it and close each eye for an informal eye check. When operating together they are fantastic. It is amazing that the other day I was watching, with a great deal of clarity, a bird flying around its nest. It must have been half a mile away. I repeat that I followed every single recommendation for my post-operative care procedures and this is very important. The operation is only the first step after which you must take responsibility for the end perfect result. After the operation I saw an article in a London paper how Dr Mearza went to Ghana, leading a large team who operated on 200 people to alleviate them of cataracts. So you know you are in caring hands. Ultimately the end result is excellent and as close to perfection as you can get. The only remaining question I have is ‘Why did I not do this years ago?’. I hope this helps other people make an informed decision.

I chose this clinic because it had such good ratings on this site. The consultation took about 1.5 hours and was very thorough. Everything was explained clearly and I was given a chance to ask as many questions as I wanted. At the end, I was given a price and was put under no pressure to book the surgery. I did not receive any calls between the consultation and the day I called to book it. A couple of days before the surgery I had a problem with my eyes (blepharitis, a recurring problem of mine), so I called and they asked me to come in. I saw the surgeon (Mr Mearza), who gave me some antibiotics. Having looked at my eyes, he also warned me that the non-blade procedure might not be suitable for one of my eyes (due to my socket being too small for the machine, I think). He said that, if on the day it turned out that I couldn't have the blade-free procedure, they would recommend that I go home to think about whether I wanted the blade procedure or no procedure at all. As it turns out, there was no problem and I was able to have the blade-free procedure. On the day of the surgery, as on every visit before and after I parted with my money, the staff were friendly and professional. As a nice little touch, the receptionist always greets me by name, as if she remembers me (I assume she checks the appointments beforehand, but it's a good touch and symptomatic of the kind of customer service they provide). The surgery itself went fine and I went from -6 in each eye to nothing in my right eye and +0.50 in my left eye (which I don't notice unless I cover my right eye). I think I also have some astigmatism, which I also don't generally notice. I am currently glasses-free and loving it every day! I have had several post-surgery check-ups and the service has continued to be very good. When I was worried about having a bit of long-sightedness in one eye, they even made me a pair of glasses on the spot (at no extra charge!) in case I felt uncomfortable until my eyes healed completely. I am very happy with the surgery, the service and the clinic itself, which is always clean and has a nice waiting room with free coffee, biscuits and soft drinks. I would recommend it and have in fact already recommended it to several friends.

I had my treatment done just over a month ago. What can I say other than WOW! I had been for consultations with both Optical Express and Optimax before choosing Focus. The main factors contributing to this decision was the non-pushy sales approach, value for money, atmosphere at the clinic(you don't feel as though you are on a conveyor belt) plus the vast experience of the surgeon. My eyesight was pretty bad (-6) in both eyes and I had worn glasses for the last 15 years. The treatment itself was carried out by Dr Ali Mearza who really instils confidence that everything will go well. The procedure itself really is painless and without any discomfort. The only exception to this is about 20 mins post surgery once the anaesthetic drops have worn off, however a short sleep should remedy this. On the day after check up I was told that my vision was now two levels better than 20/20. It definitely feels as though it was the best money I ever spent.

Having undergone Z-lasik yesterday, I'm already thrilled with the results I have better than 20/20 vision, my vision is miles clearer then with contact lenses and a massive improvement over glasses, it' like my eyes have been upgraded to full HD! All the staff were very helpful and professional my surgeon Mr. Mearza is clearly very skilled at what he does there is an air of confidence which certainly helps the nerves, I felt very little discomfort whilst having the procedure you hardly see or feel a thing. I had some discomfort on the day of surgery this was made easier with the anaesthetic eye drops and a few hours sleep seemed to be the best cure, still slightly gritty the day after but hardly anything to bother over a few painkillers solve this, I can assure you it is well worth a little discomfort for the end result, to give an idea I would compare the discomfort with having a bad set of contact lenses in. Overall I am very pleased with the results and highly recommend anyone with glasses to go through with it. p.s I like many others I would imagine, whilst considering lasik couldn't help myself and had to view the you-tube videos of the procedure, and I can honestly say hand on heart the actual procedure is not even a fraction as bad as it looks on the videos. Once again thank you to Mr. Ali Mearza and all the staff at Focus Vision Clinic. Kind Regards Swale Smith

Focus have some of the most advanced technology at their disposal. I felt they understood my concerns from the outset and did not try to pretend there are no risks to surgery like some larger clinics. The staff and surgeon was upfront about the risks, including those specific to my situation. The result of my surgery was excellent and I would highly recommend Focus.

The service at Focus Laser Vision is second to none, expecially Paula, who without her help and safe hands, I wouldn't be typing this without my glasses and watching the telly with no problems whatsoever. The surgery was a daunting process but the determination I felt that I could do this and the faith I had in the surgeon, proves that taking a risk can be worth it. The surgery staff where brillant and I just cant express my gratitude to them enough. I know that price can have a deciding factor but with the presentation, personnel and the skill that Focus Laser Vision have, I wouldnt hesitate in recommending them. You really need to check them out. So concentrate on today, yesterday has gone you cannot change it, tommorrow is just a few hours away, so take your vision in your hands and change it. Dont hesitate, the only regret is that I shoulld have had it done when I was 21 and now 38!!!!!!!

I would highly recommend Focus laser vision to anyone thinking about having eye laser surgery. Although they were not the nearest clinic to me (I’m in Warwickshire) I felt that their professional care and standards justified the distance travelled. I was -5.25 in both eyes and after surgery obtained 20/12 vision with no problems a year post surgery Before approaching Focus I had, had a few other consultations with other clinics, Focus was the only clinic to ask for an in-depth medical history (not just eyes) and were only the second clinic out of 5 others to pick up that I had got thin corneas. It was this level of thoroughness that lead me to pick Focus. From the first consultation to my last check up (a year after surgery) the staff have been friendly and professional throughout. At my first consultation I was given all the information I needed to help me make an informed choice without any sales pressure. Once I had made my appointment for surgery I received detailed information from the clinic about what to expect before, during and after the surgery and a comprehensive activity schedule listing what I could and could not do post surgery. The surgery itself was quick & painless my surgeon Mr Ali Mearza was excellent he talked me through the whole procedure and made me feel at ease. On leaving the clinic after surgery I was reassured to be given my surgeons telephone number to call if I had any concerns. At all of my post surgery check ups I received the same professional care standards, as I received during my first consultation and eye surgery. Each time I arrived for an appointment the receptionist remembered my name, on all of my post surgery checkups, I saw the same staff member to ensure continuity of care. They all remembered me and during the last year we built up a friendly rapport. As mentioned earlier I’ am now 1 year post surgery and have never received any problems whatsoever, I believe this is down to the high standards set by this clinic and I would recommend anyone considering laser surgery to go along and have a consultation with them, so you can see for yourself, the friendly, professional manner at this clinic Thanks to everyone at Focus