FOCUS Clinics

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

That was the best thing I have done for a while, how amazing. My eyesight was both eyes -9.25 so I really was blind as a bat. I have been thinking to do this treatment for 20 years and I finally got it done. It's amazing what that short time under lazer did for me, about two hours slight irritation on eyes and that was it. As you can see that payment was quite a bit but I still think that it was worth of every penny and also that some of that money goes to charity made me feel a good too..

Had prescriptions of -7 & -7.5 with astigmatism and have ended up with better than 20/20 vision. Huge thanks to everyone at Focus Laser vision including surgeon Ali Mearza & all the customer service staff as the results have been brilliant. A truly professional team.

I had my treatment in January 2010 and I can see as far as an eagle! Everyone should go for eye surgery at FOCUS LASER VISION. Staff is very professional from the receptionist to the surgeon. The treatment takes only 10mn per eye and it is not painful at all. Your sight is a bit blury and fluctuates for a couple of hours but then everything is back to normal. It is a super quick recovery. In one week time you can go back doing most of your daily activities. Focus Laser Vision is cheaper than the other clienics but the Service is amazing. If you don't like wearing glasses, go for it!

I had laser eye surgery carried out at FOCUS Laser Vision two days ago and am already back at work. I am thrilled to bits with the results. Yesterday morning I looked out the window and could see number plates on cars 200 metres away – I couldn’t believe it. I now have better than 20:20 vision. Dr Ali Mearza carried out my treatment and I thought he was extremely professional when I met him, and he filled me with confidence. For your info, I am 32 years old and my prescription was -5.25 in the left eye and -4.75 in the right eye. I decided to bite the bullet and go for laser eye surgery having messed around with contact lenses, glasses and prescription glasses ever since my mid teens. I spoke to a number of friends and colleagues who had had the treatment as nothing beats about people’s personal experiences. I decided that the technology was now so good and so low risk that I would do some research on who were the best clinics. This site was one of the best for customer feedback and after speaking to friends I went for two consultations: at Ultralase; and FOCUS Laser Vision. The things that attracted me to FOCUS were as follows: - great customer reviews on all the web blogs including this one - there are only two surgeons, both vastly experienced, so you know who you are getting - flexible payment plan (I am paying for mine in 12 monthly instalments, interest free) - lifetime treatment guarantee (i.e. if you eyes deteriorate at any time in the future, they will carry out the treatment again for free). I think only Ultralase also offers this service. - price - not nearly as expensive as Ultralase (supposed market leader), plus they were offering a £300 off voucher for March 2010 when I was planning on having my treatment. If you are thinking of having laser eye surgery, stop dithering and get yourself along to FOCUS for a consultation and see for yourself! You will not regret it.