Optical Express

After a not too successful first lens replacement surgery, where I was left needing glasses for distance vision I had to wait 7 months, I’ve just had my right eye lens replaced, I was warned by Dimitri that I would probably loose some near vision, I’m pleased to say that, 36 hours after the surgery, my sight is great, I can still read the writing on the small medication bottles, and distance vision is more than good…..one happy bunny, for information sake, I’m a 66 years old male, thank you Dimitri

I’m in my mid fifties, very keen sportsman with a professional career in technology. My goal was to become contact lens and glasses free. I wanted to be able to enjoy my hard won recreation activities. On the squash court I wanted to be contact lens free, I found that although I wear protective eye wear the contact lenses fog up with the sweat more than the glasses. I also wanted to enjoy the benefits of not having to rely on reading glasses whilst working.
There are probably many reasons why I didn’t do this sooner (my biggest regret), cost is one but the other is the fear of the operation.
Well the cost factor faded when we consider what holidays and cars cost us against a life changing experience. The fear did not subside until after the first eye was complete.
This operation was like having a very, very minor dental op. The procedure is handled by people who are on top of their game and once you realise this you can relax, like I did. I have worked for 30 years in the tech industry so perhaps I have seen most sides of technology, its benefits versus what happens when it goes wrong. All I can say is that the operation was completely safe and simple. The experience of total and complete vision after three days was one I will not forget. Service is supreme when systems and procedures are very high but I felt the difference at the clinic in Westfield and in particular Dimitri was of the personal approach and what felt like an honest presentation of what can be achieved to balance expectation. I’m very happy and if you are reading this with a view of having this done then you have come this far, don’t hesitate!

I am 63 years old and was fed up with using glasses, and having them slide down my nose. I used 2.5-3.0 diopter glasses for reading. Friends had had laser surgery and I decided that was for me too. I had my Lens Replacement in Optical Express at Shepherds Bush at the beginning of November 2016. Initially I was hoping for laser surgery, but as I had a cataract developing in each eye I went with the multi lens replacement instead. I had the right eye done on a Wednesday and the left the following day. The surgery itself was quick, professional and painless and the staff made me feel relaxed. I must admit I was taken a bit aback by the surgery being in a unit in a shopping mall, but everything was exceedingly professional and well carried out. Thank you everyone!
My follow-up review at Reading was also relaxed and professional. I have been unfortunate in that I can see the edge of the lens in both eyes (which I believe settles down as your brain gets used to the new lenses), I have had Iritis in both eyes and also developed PVD (Posterior Vitreous Detachment) in my right eye. However none of these problems are down to the surgery, just my bad luck.
I now have better than 20/20 vision in both eyes, with no loss of distance vision. I have had no light sensitivity although I do have some experience of haloes at night, and an occasional shimmering of vision in the morning although this o nay lasts for seconds. I am so glad I had the procedure done, and have certainly recommended it to friends and family. Thank you Dimitri and Optical Express

I had CLR procedure performed by surgeon Mr Dimitris Kazakos on 27th & 28th Dec 2016 after about 17 years of wearing multifocal glasses and now cataracts forming. Mr Dimitris Kazakos explained before the operation the week before about the way the multifocal lens works with the light meaning the stronger the multifocal lens the more the split with my near sight will be much better, my distance good but not as good but improves as the brain adapts to the lens one being 70/30 in the right eye and 80/20 in the left as this is my dominant eye. Also I wouldn’t get cataracts again. The operation was not at all painful amazingly! After just 6 hours I took the dressing off and already I could read the small print and txt on my mobile! I was shocked and so happy to read see so clearly without glasses! I would recommend anyone who wears glasses and fed up with them to go to Mr Dimitris and get your sight back! I can see so much better everything looks so clear and colours are more vivid already and its great not having to look for my glasses or clean them. My sight is sharper and better even better than when I had my glasses on. I have a bit of ghosting around lights but its early days and this will improve with time. I am so pleased with the results. I was taken care of before and after the procedure and now have check ups to attend to make sure all is well. I have complete confidence in Mr Dimitris Kazakos and his approach although straight to the point a great surgeon.

After talking to Dimitri the surgeon, explaining to me the risks and outcomes after surgery , I felt assured to go ahead with the surgery , before my eyesight was quite poor 5.25 & 6 00 and I had become quite contact lens dependent and was always losing my glasses , but the results are amazing I am so pleased ! I have 20 / 20 vision and can read anything , before surgery I was very nervous but Dimitri and all the other staff who were very professional made me feel calm and I was quite surprised how quick and painless the process was , I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking of having it done ,

A very disappointing experience , no matching at all what I was expecting after reading all the positive feed back . I was not left any clearer in regards of what the procedure implies , I was given a website to see at home instead . I felt every one ,including the surgeon , was working against the clock . Mr Dimitri K. was not able to understand or explain my concerns . He is probably a very good surgeon , I don’t put that in doubt but he has very little people skills . I left the clinic feeling more uncertain and unsure that when I went in as he could not explain what were the advantages of this procedure in my particular case and he could not tell me if my vision would be better , worse or the same than what I get with my contact lenses what it would have help me tremendously when making the decision .

Recently had my lenses replaced at Optical Express, Westfield, Shepherds Bush.
The whole process from initial consultation to eye surgery and to post op check ups has been really easy and professional.
I’m absolutley delighted to be able to throw my glasses away.
At 50 years old, my sight had deteriorated to the extent that I needed glasses to read, food on my dinner plate was just a blur, and it was causing me issues at work. I now have no need for glasses. The only compromise is a loss in my distance vision, but this really is minimal, and a fair trade. ( I opted for 70/30 split multifocal lenses)
All the staff involved from Optical Express have been fantastic, and I actually enjoyed the whole process! The surgeon Dimitri is great- spends time explaining what to expect, the possible risks and downfalls. I can’t thank him enough. A real star.

I had the test contact lenses fitted, but had to have them taken out immediately because they hadn’t booked the follow-up appointment and here were none available.
I was given an 11am appointment for the surgery. This was then changed to 1pm, which would have been fine except that the appointment was actually for 1.45pm.
When I came out of the surgery, I was told to book an appointment for 4 weeks time. However, the clinic was closed due to staff leave (it is only open 1 day a week anyway).
I complained to their clinic services dept who, days later, offered to book an appointment a week earlier – they didn’t and haven’t bothered to respond to my subsequent email.

59 years of age contact lens prescription 3 umere multi daily right power 3.75 BC 8.60 H left power 3.25 BC 8.60 H glasses test carried out on 29/11/14 R +4.25 V-Dist +2.25 V-Near 10.00 L +2.75 V-Dist +2.25 V-Near 10.00 needed glasses for approximately 5 years distance and approximately 7 years for reading. Predominantly wore contact lenses for approximately 6 years and have tried various types as had contact lens infection 5 years ago leaving my left eye with scarring across the cornea. Last contacts were multi focal lenses. Cataracts for 5 years in both eyes. Surgery relatively new 5-6 days ago. My sight has drastically improved and everywhere is clear, crisp and colourful. After having a significant loss of sight for the last few years I am ecstatic at the results. Thank you Mr Dimitri Kazakos.

I had laser eye surgery 2 years ago and ever since have experienced distressing issues for which Optical Express gave me support in form of free tests, eye drops, eye gel and general advice. I had to wait, call many times and at times turned up to appointments which were not booked, thankfully I had my appointment cards and printed emails to show at the branch. When I attempted to book my 2 year check up they simply said: ‘After the 11th of April 2016 you will be out with the terms and conditions agreed at the time of your consultation. With this in mind, should you wish to attend a refractive eye examination a fee of £50.00 is applicable. To book an appointment please contact our free call centre on 0800 023 20 20 or alternatively I can make any necessary appointment for you’. I was shocked as they always made references to the free afertcare for life. When I asked to see the T&C I signed, the reply was: ‘… to obtain your electronically stored medical file, we will charge you a £10 administration fee. To obtain your electronic records and copies of scans, surgeon notes and your consent forms, we will charge you a £50 administration fee.In terms of the Data Protection Act 1998, we are entitled to charge you an administration fee up to a maximum of £50 for the provision of records.’ I paid the £10 and received the paperwork – incomplete, the clinical pages were signed by me – but page 1, the aftercare page, was swapped to reflect the new terms. When I queried this, I got a brief reply: ‘I can confirm that the copy of your records you received are accurate. This includes the Terms and Conditions document. Whilst patients are now asked to sign this document, at the time of your consultation this was not the case.’ I clearly remember discussing the terms, we joked about it, I asked many questions directly related to unlimited aspect of aftercare which I saw as a ‘security blanket’ and became the final deal breaker in the choice of OE for my provider. The aftercare issue prompted me to look further into the process of consent. I trusted OE but I don’t any more – they minimised my individual risk factors ( for which I’ve paid a very high price with constant visual disturbances and dry eye issues) and bombarded me with sales claims of inflated customer satisfaction ( which included the online consumer feedback rating) and the ’25 times better than glasses’ promise. I felt reassured by the lifetime aftercare promise and trusted them to look after my sight. This retrospective amendment cannot be legal, neither can swapping pages in information requests. My daughter was with me and remembers the content of each consultation. This is a scandal!!!