Moorfields Eye Hospital Private Clinic

2 month follow up to my op 14 July. Everything ok, never had any problems. Right eye better than 20/20, left eye virtually 20/20. Eye tests puts right eye as 0 plano (perfect), and left + 0.25. Prior to op I was about -6 and -4.

This is a one month follow up on my Wavefront guided LASEK operations. The slight discomfort I had felt during the second week was sorted out with another bottle of anti-inflammatory drops. Apparently Mr Stevens prefers to use drops for only one week after LASEK, while other surgeoans use them for longer, up to a month. There is a trade off between using the drops for comfort and the side effect of the drops which delays healing. But using the drops for another week instantly sorted out any discomfort. I no longer use any drops, nor do I have even the slightest discomfort. It is now 5 full weeks since the operations and as expected, vision continues to improve. My left eye no has 6/5 vision while the right is approaching 6/6. I have thrown away the glasses and contacts and associated fluids. Night vision is astonishingly good. I punish my eyes with a lack of sleep, and uber smoky eastern european bars. Yet there is no dryness, no glare, no halos, no starbursts at night. This total absense of some of the typical, negative side effects of laser eye surgery are one of the primary reasons I went to Julian Stevens. Its these little differences that make the difference for me. After all, there are a thousand places that can do your eyes, and make a dramatic improvement in your eyesight. Its easy to make the big dramatic differences. But how many of them get the smaller things right, like avoiding side effects, almost every time? And how many of them get such top quality results while deliberately taking the hard cases? Thats where the quality of Moorfields and Stevens in particular comes in to it. As someone below mentioned, you only have one set of eyes, and if you can get to see the top surgeon in the country, at the best equipped centre in the country, then why wouldnt you go to him?

I had Lasik with Miss Ficker on Tuesay 20th August. The procedure was brill. No pain or even discomfort. I didn't even get any discomfort afterwards. I was a little confused when having the pre-op tests as being myopic I knew that I would need reading glasses afterwards which I didn't previously. The optician mentioned monovision which under corrects one eye but Miss Ficker advised agains it. It is now 36 hours since the treatment and I have wonderful long vision but I can't read any print and close up is blurry. I am slightly worried about this but I hope that it will clear sufficiently to only necessitiate reading glasses for very small print. It does feel weird without glasses but all in all the procedure was carried out very expertly and worth every extra penny. Don't take risks with yout eyes go to the best and Moorfields is that.

I had wavefront lasik surgery on 18th August by Mr Gartry at Moorfields Hospital. My appointment was for 11.30am, went in for surgery around 12. I chose Mr Gartry after months of reading everything I could find and decided he was the one I could trust. My prescription pre-surgery was -1.75 with –1.5 astigmatism right, -2.25 with -1.25 astigmatism left. Actual surgery was very quick, only took around 15min, I found it to be totally painless with virtually no discomfort, I felt like I was just viewing something at very close range! The worse part for me was when the sticky tape was removed from around my eye that holds the eyelashes out of the way! Vision immediately after surgery was fairly blurry, was given my supply of eye drops to use hourly & goggles to sleep in by the nurse plus some refresh capsules to use on the train, as my journey home took an hour and a half. (The bottles of drops have to be refrigerated after opening, bit difficult when your on a train!). Started administering the drops as soon as I got home, vision improved and cleared after each hourly application, by evening vision was already pretty good, watched a little TV but felt pretty worn out. Used the goggles with some sticky tape for added security and managed, quite surprisingly, a good nights sleep. Next morning, vision pretty good, eyes felt a little dry, right eye slightly pink but this soon disappeared after the first lot of drops, by mid morning eyesight is incredible, everything seem so crisp & sharp, long distance especially, close vision a little less so (which could be down to my age). This hardly fluctuated throughout the day, eyes felt comfortable and only felt a little dry once. Had one small fright, a fine hair from my Persian cat managed to get in my eye, I could see it right across the centre of the eye ball, panicked slightly then remembered I was told to apply lots of artificial tears to wash any debris from the eye and thankfully this worked. Had my 48hour check up today which should have been with Mr Gartry himself, but he was not there due to a family bereavement. Check up was very quick, 5-10 minutes max, eyes examined told everything looks fine, could read the line 6/5 except for one letter, same for both eyes which I am extremely happy with, especially so soon, (6/5 was my best with GP lenses), can also read today quite easily so reading spec’s not needed just yet! Next check up in four weeks time. Eyes still very comfortable, no noticeable feeling of dryness, have very slight halo’s and starburst effect on sunlight reflections, but not anything that bothers me, (have yet to drive at night so not sure how that will be yet), in fact I could easily forget that I had had surgery at all apart from now having perfect eyesight! Two small tips, (my personal opinion), I applied the drops above the white part area of my eye, directly above the cornea can dislodge the flap should the bottle touch which can easily be done, also, I have bought a pair of almost clear sunglasses (which are all the fashion at the moment) to wear all day indoors and out for added safety, just to make extra sure nothing accidentally gets poked in the eyes! I am extremely happy with the outcome so far, to have perfect vision all the time is just awesome, Mr Gartry and his team were very professional and would highly recommend him to anyone else.

I had LASEK done on both eyes on August 6 by Julian Stevens. I have been looking into laser eye surgery since about 1991, but had been consistently turned away as being in the too hard basket. Twice in 2002 I visited laser eye clinics and did the full basket of tests only to be turned away at the end. The last guy I saw in Harley Street was at least good enough to explain why. I had a difficult right eye with an irregular topography. It was more than the small amount of myopia, and more than the astigmatism, it was a very irregular surface. He went on to tell me that no commercial clinic in the world would be able to treat it with current technology, but there were two guys at Moorfields, Stevens and Gartry I think was the other, who were at the cutting edge globally and they might be able to help. Failing that I would have to contact a top university teaching hospital in the US to have any chance of getting laser correction. It was 6 months from first contacting Mr Stevens office to actually getting an appointment, but thankfully only 6 days later I could have the surgery. Stevens seemed to have no problem with the irregular right eye and even identified the likely cause of it, a droopy right eyelid. Because of the unusual right eye surface, LASEK was to be the operation. The surgery itself was a bit freaky, looking at a red flashing light while you see various instruments scraping across your eye.... it was a bit like I imagine looking up at an ice hockey stick moving across ice to look, as if viewed looking upwards from beneath the ice. I had both eyes done at the same time and the whole show must have taken 20 minutes all up. Results are excellent. 5 days after the op, vision was at least as good as I gould get with contacts or glasses. Make no mistake, Stevens is world class. I read up a bit on Moorfields and on Stevens in the 6 months it took to get my appointment. There are, at best, a mere handful of eye surgeons in the world with the reputation of Stevens. You combine this with the equipment in Moorfields (they quite literally have the cutting-edge, very best wavefront scanners and lasers, which you wont even see in the most expensive private clinics for 2-3 years) and I would have done the business at just about any price. In reality, the price compares favourably with more poorly equipped Harley Street clinics who dont even come close to the reputation of Stevens as a surgeon. The only unpleasant surprise for me came with the removal of the protective contact lens, on the 13th (2 days ago). Immediately prior to that moment my vision was excellent, and all the discomfort had passed, with the exception of feeling like I had dryish contact lenses in my eyes. I wasnt aware that removal of the protective contacts would set of another couple of days of discomfort. All in all, if you can put up with the significant queue ahead of you to see Stevens, the fact that for a lot of the time he is lecturing in Europe and the US on some of the pioneering work that he does, and the fact that when he is around he is invariably seeming rushed, then I recommend him to anyone who is looking for a top class surgeon or who has been put in the 'too hard basket' by commercial clinics.

It was an extremely hard decision to make but one that I don’t regret. My myopia is considered low –3.5 in each eye, so was surgery a risk I should take? Could I be blind? Would I die? Would it hurt forever? After hearing and seeing adverts for LASIK I went for a consultation with another clinic. They said it was possible to treat me, however because I have larger pupils I may have halos/glare. I also did not meet the surgeon that was going to treat me This was what put me off. Later I read an article on the new wavefront (improved lasik) technology, it was more accurate as it overrides the problem that a larger pupil can give. Mr Julian Stevens was highly recommended by a friend of a friend who is a doctor. So I phoned them up and they told me that wavefront technology was standard. I booked an appointment (long waiting list) and met Mr Stevens. Normally I take a long time to decide anything, but I booked the treatment date straight away. He answered all my questions clearly and patiently (trust me I ask a lot of questions). Not only was Mr Stevens nice and helpful but also his staff, who answered any queries I had. I went to see my doctor and my optician and they both said that there was nowhere better than Moorfields. So three days ago (8th August) I went to Moorfields for the operation. I took a long look at my beautiful bulldog just in case I would never be able to see him again (due to my vanity) and went to the hospital. I was so nervous and my body was stiff. The operation was painless, everything was a bit of a blur but my mind was conscious of what was going on. I was so scared. The treatment went by fairly quickly. Then everything was a bit blurry, by the time I walked out of the hospital I could see most things quite clearly. On the journey home my teeth were hurting, due to me gritting them too much! Now I don’t know what all that worry is for. I feel so good I don’t have to fiddle around with contact lenses. Mr Stevens is a truly excellent and professional surgeon and the fee for the surgery was very reasonable - even less than some places that don’t even use wavefront. I can’t wait to scuba dive without my contact lenses and I can see my dog without finding my glasses in the morning!

I had Wavefront Lasik with Mr Gartry on Sat 9th June at 3.30pm. Pre-op I was –4.25 and –5.5. My qualms about the op were unfounded – for me it was a walk in the park. I’m very pleased with the results after two days. The bad bits of the whole process were: - During the op the equipment made various noises, not loud, but made me start a few times which I don’t think they appreciated. You need to keep still. - I unconsciously kept screwing my other eye hard shut, which apparently makes the open one harder to work on. Kept gently being reminded to ‘please open your other eye’… - Post op I had a small red bruise on one eye which I was not prewarned about – but its tiny and fading fast. Apparently some people have bruising on both, from the suction used to hold the machine on tight. No pain from it though. - No-one showed me the best way to put in eye drops. A minor point. As you can see, the bad bits were not very bad. The many good bits: - I had various questions after the consultation, and decided to write to Mr Gartry before booking the op. He wrote back promptly and carefully answered each question fully which I really appreciated. - His assistant who did the Wavefront scans two weeks before the op was very helpful, friendly and explained each part carefully. - The actual op took just 20 minutes, my dad timed it. Incredible. - Mr Gartry was a very calming presence in the op room, talked calmly through what was happening which helped relax me. He even held my head gently to stop me twitching although the headrest ‘clamps’ you in. - I assumed there would be a big scary machine to get under to have the flap cut, and there isn’t. Whatever it is, its not big and the surgeon simply pops it on your eye and then off after less than 30 seconds. You can’t see anything or feel anything at that point anyway. - There was no pain at all during or after the op and right away I could see quite well. Not good enough to drive, but fine to go on the train if accompanied. Eyes got slightly ‘itchy’ after two hours but the first set of self-administered eye drops fixed that. By the evening I had good sight and watched TV, read etc with no problem. Itchiness had gone. By the next day sight was noticeably better, and the next day (today) also. - Today, two days after the op I have probably 97% vision compared to what I had with specs. Very slightly misty. Today I drove, used public transport, caught up with emails with no problems. Have to set an alarm to remind me to put in the drops. - The 48 hour check up was this morning with Mr Gartry. He was reassuring and confirmed my eyes were healing nicely and are already better than ‘driving test’ standard. Nothing like the bad experience the last writer had. Also unlike the last writers surgeon, Mr Gartry sees all his patients again after one month, not three. GENERAL INFO Throughout the op you are reclining in something like a dentists chair and the surgeon sits behind your head. There is also a nurse putting in eye drops and wiping your face, plus a third person. They all wear scrubs and masks but you don’t, just walk in and sit down. They put a hairnet on you and tape back your eyelashes on the first eye and start. The aftercare drops they give you must be refrigerated immediately after opening (which is two hours after surgery). That’s easy if you are going home to somewhere with a fridge. I was, but as the day after I was then traveling home 200 miles I had to go shopping (on the hottest day of the year!!!) to try and find ice packs to keep the drops cool on the journey. At this early stage of my recovery I would completely recommend this op & surgeon. The last writer I hope was unlucky. Check out Mr Gartrys experience on the web, I did very carefully. Although it cost more I have no regrets choosing him rather than some ‘high street’ provider. I look forward to writing here again in a month or two to confirm the last 3% of sight has resolved. If it does not, I would be slightly disappointed but not terribly – its hugely better than it was and no more specs or contact lenses!!! Woo hoo!!! BTW, one of the reasons I had the surgery was that I am a keen runner. In November, I am running the New York marathon in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief. If you appreciate my info maybe you will consider sponsoring me here www.justgiving.com/nickbellnyc …. Cheers!

I had my Lasik in April with a prescription of approx -2.25 in both eyes. I did a lot of investigation prior to choosing Moorfields and basically chose them for the reasons usually cited...ie the consultants there are world class and likely to be of use if things did not go well. This was one occasion when I did not feel like economising. The surgery has been described often enough; indeed i felt as if I knew exactly what would be happening next ! Some reflections on Moorfields (Miss Ficker carried out my surgery) would include the following: They do NOT hold your hand...either physically or metaphorically. This is for people who do not want masses of reassurance and TLC. The service is brisk and matter of fact. I was kept waiting for a long time before the op but was stumbling down the street within about 15 minutes. Take someone with you! My sight did not improve instantly. The next day I could see outside for long distances very well but could not read at all which was scarey and my vision in artificial light was pretty poor for a couple of weeks. I now have almost no prescription, so a good result. However, my main issue with the care at Moorfields is the aftercare. One appointment the next day with a junior colleague who clearly had the remit 'check the flaps'. When I mentioned my inability to read he said 'Oh, maybe you will need reading glasses'. This isn't exactly wrong but he should have advised me to wait and allow things to settle instead of frightening me. The appointment lasted around 5 minutes and he was unable to answer my other questions. The next day I developed a scratching sensation in one eye and became worried so rang the numbers provided. there was no reply on 2 of them and i left a message on the 3rd. I didn't get to speak to someone until 5pm having trid all day. This advice was useful but too much trouble to obtain. The next time they want to see you isn't until 3 months and even then it is fairly hard to coordinate a time and date. All that said I am pleased with my results although the dryness can be a problem. One issue that I would welcome any advice on is that twice I have been away for weekends by the coast in hot conditions and despite wearing dark glasses and using the wetting drops my eyes have become very sore, red and irritated. As I am due to go for 2 weeks in the south of France next week this is a worry and would love to avoid this. If anyone can help please email me. I have found this site invaluable as a resource for information and support, in what has been a really big deal for me. I would have awarded 5 stars if the aftercare had been better.

Had Lasik Wavefront on 14 July at 12.30 with Mr Gartry at Moorfields. Left eye was -4 with an astigmatism and my right eye was -6. After 2 days it would seem that my left eye has probably 20/20 vision and my right eye is even better. I am extremely pleased. The operation was painless and efficient and slightly production like which was strangely reassuring as so many people were having this surgery done. Mr Garty told me I should not have spoken to him whilst the cornea flap was being cut, being an important part of the operation. However I was not really too aware that this was being done as I felt at ease with everyone there. The initial drops prior to the op sting a little but nothing too much. You can see after the op but it is a bit like your glasses are slightly steamed up. By the evening I could see very well, enough to have been satisfied even if it never got any better. There was a slight haziness but this was probably due to a bottle of wine being downed whilst relaxing and watching a movie.By the next morning my sight was very good. Slight dryness in eyes and slight halos around lights but nothing serious. As a previous person mentioned Mr Gartry does not offer much information without being asked but when asked he answers questions fully and you are aware of his knowledge and experience. I didn't want a sales person, I wanted honest and realistic advice and felt that I got it. Like every thing else you have to do a bit of your own research to satisfy yourself that you have amde the right decision. I wasn't that bothered with wearing glasses before but felt confident in the procedures, Mr Gartry, and my own research regarding my suitability.

Now over six weeks since Lasik surgery with Mr. Gartry. I had my final check up today and also had an eye test last week for a second opinion. I can read the 6/5 line unaided with each eye which is an execllent result (apparently this is the requirement for a commercial pilot). My left eye is +0.25 (very slight over-correction) and my right eye is -0.25 with -0.25 astigmatism (very slight under-correction). Pretty much as near perfect as you could get considering I was -7.25 with -1.25 astigmatism in each eye before surgery. There are a couple of minor issues remaining; dry eyes sometimes particuarly with airconditioned offices but this is getting better by the day (I still use artificial tears a couple of times a day). Also slight halos at night but this again is improving. Mr. Gartry expects both issues to be resolved around the 3 month mark. I am also resisting using reading glasses until the 3 months is up although my optician reckons I will need very mild lenses for this. Unfortunately this is an age thing ! This is only a problem when my eyes are tired. Computer use and TV watching is not a problem at all. I absolutely recommend Mr. Gartry and Moorfields. It costs more but you get the expertise and results. Email me if you would like more info or to talk.