Optimax

I arrived at Birmingham in plenty of time for treatment and was very nervous, my Dr was Dr David Infield who answered all my questions and tried to put me at ease! I decided to have the one eye done with prk epi-flap rather than both because of the family, and on the advice of Dr David Infield. I am pleased I did, the pain kicked in as the drops wore off nearing home approx 2 hrs later. The next 2 days I couldn't open my eyes either one. Counting down minutes (you cannot do anything else!) for the next pain killer. I have never been so bored or depressed for those 2 days in my life before! Thurs aft 3 days later eye opened with help! Very runny and not able to see anything but the other eye although still short sighted kicked in. I kept some saline and cotton wool available for the eye which bought relief occasionally. I found both eyes appeared rather itchy whilst using the drops, this has stopped now I have finished treatment. I am now on day 12 and for the past 3-4 days I have perfect sight in my left eye, I am back at the Gym and also back at work although on limited hours, my eye does get dry and sore when working with IT in a air conditioned atmosphere with false lighting. But the good news is I am going back to Birmingham on Tuesday 3 days time for my follow up on the eye and I am opting to have the other eye done with Dr David Infield but this time I will be prepared for the procedure. I have some talking books and lots of friends to visit after day 2!
Will update later in the month on the outcome.

I had bi lateral LASIK treatment on 11 April performed by Dr Manek Patel. Previously -8.25 in my left eye and -7.75 in my right eye I was warned that I may still need glasses for driving, but within 24 hours my eye sight was already at legal driving standard and can only get better over next month. No pain and very quick recovery. Only criticism of Optimax was the wait before surgery - appt at 2pm but I was not treated until 4pm and no one told us what was going on. Having said that now that I have been treated the wait was definitely worth it. Fantastic result and I would recommend this treatment to anyone.

Well, I just had my initial consultations at Optimax (Finchley Rd) and Accuvision. See comments under each clinic. At Accuvision I was examined very thoroughly by a knowlegeable and enthusiastic member of staff. They also carried out wavefront analysis, which gives a far more precise picture of the optical defects than refraction alone. Overall a very impressive setup. I was blown away by the high-tech kit they have there - obviously a huge investment, so they must be pretty confident about recouping it with sufficient patient revenues over the next few years. They've only had about 450 patients so far, so everything's still very new & shiny – and you can take a peek through the window into the op room. Met one of the members of staff who'd had LASIK done there - and was invited to see her eyes under the microscope! (which I graciously declined - they looked just fine to me) The only disappointment was, I didn't get to meet a surgeon as it wasn't an operating day - but they said I was very welcome to come back & see one if I liked. One benefit of Accuvision & wavefront: their laser would remove approx 30 microns less cornea (40 vs 70) than the Nidek at Optimax, due to the custom ablation profile. The more cornea I can hang onto, the happier I'll be!
The main thing I gained from the day though, was to realise how being myopic (I'm -2.75 & -3.5) can stop you needing reading glasses when presbyopia kicks in in middle age. I'd read about this on the web before, but now I've seen for real. Here's what happens: when they put the drops in your eyes to dilate the pupil, it also paralyses the lens, which stops you being able to focus close up (I may not be exactly right about this – I'm not an optician, but I think that's the way it was). I found I wasn't able to see my watch with glasses on, but only had to lift my specs, and my trusty short-sighted mince pies could see the time clearly - case closed. So, you have to trade off losing some good near vision in later life, against great distance vision from now on. At least that's how I see it.

I had PFK treatment to my Right Eye last Wednesday 24th April at Croydon. I can only say everything was wonderful. Appointments were on time. The Consultant and Nurse were fantastic especially as I was very nervous. No pressure was put on me at all by the staff and I felt very much that it was my decision and they did not want to rush me. I cant wait to have the left eye done so I can finally be without glasses. I could not have received better or more proffessional treatment if I had paid triple the amount. I will post a follow up when I have had my left eye treatment and I would advise anyone to go to this clinic.

I underwent bilateral LASIK treatment in November 2001 at this clinic. The staff at the clinic were very friendly and welcoming. They were able to address most of my queries and referred me to the ophthalmologist when necessary. The surgeon was very reassuring before the proceedure and was happy to explain everything to me. During the treatment the surgeon explained what she was doing which I found very reassuring. The treatment seemed very quick and straightforward. Afterwards I went home and straight to bed to rest. My eyes felt irritated but no pain. The next day I woke up to perfect vision - AMAZING! When I went back to the clinic the next day I was told that I had 6/4 vision in my left eye with 6/6 in my right. 6 months after treatment my eyes have healed well and my vision is still exellent.

Following on from 30/3/02 I have now had my second check up and my eyes are now +0.25 from -3.00 (left eye) and -1.25 (right eye). An excellent result.

See previous e-mail re damage to cornea from contact lenses. Went back to Finchley road on 17/5/02 and saw Mr Ayoubi again -v please with how eyes had healed especially right one. Decided to do PRk on right eye see how it goes and then do left in 3 months if everything ok. Said more chance of halos etc due to scar on cornea. Had it done could see quite well after 2 days but vision fluctuated - took lens out of glasses and wore them for work & driving. Suddenly on Sunday 26/5/02 realised I could see properly even reading was getting better - could have been longsighted due to age (45) Now it is Monday drove to work with only normal sunglasses and working without any glasses now. Appointment to see Mr Ayoubi on Wednesday to check eye but everything seem great. Treatment at Clinic was great by allstaff and I recommend them

Written the day after surgery. I went for a consultation at both Boots and Optimax. Boots came across as more professional - the Optimax receptionists are very casual and unprofessional and the girl who ran my tests came across as casual - saying that they did do one more test than Boots. I was told by both companies that my eyes were good for surgery, -3.25 and -5.00 so I decided there was little point in spending an extra £1500 with Boots for the same thing - Optimax have a special of £999 currently. I saw Dr Manek Patel who put me at ease through the 10 min per eye surgery which I can describe as uncomfortable only. I'm a bit hazy today but overall I can see as well as with my contacts. Very happy...

Had PRK on my right eye on 29/05/02 - treated by Dr Mathen. He explained everything extremely thoroughly and was very pleasant, as were all of the staff. All appointments were on time, one was ten mins early and the waiting area is very relaxing - although could do with a radio on upstairs as well as downstairs just to 'kill' the nervous silences! (Manchester clinic). Treatment appears to be a success so far - no pain, just mild discomfort on way home and next day. The actual laser process wasn't painful in any way, again just a little uncomfortable but as previous comments have said, no worse than having a check up at the dentist. So far so good. Go for a check up on 12th June so will update then. Basically i am very very pleased so far and would recommend Optimax to anyone. Very professional in my opinion! Weird getting your vision back after 18 years though! Feel free to e mail for further info/advice.

Consultation- mid March with Dr ALMASRI. Prsc: L -2.5, R -2.25 with astigmatism. Recommended PRK (epi-flap).

Surgery 21/4/02. Went for Bilat op. Fast & easy procedure. Applied bandage contact lens (u need to request this). Only pain suffered was when the bandage contact lens were removed, I was very light sensitive. I recommend to take somebody with you when getting bandage lens removed.

During the first 5 weeks the vision fluctuated but last 2 weeks it has stabilised. Went for check-up on Sat (8/6/02). Success!! L&R -0.25 with no astigmatism! I have another checkup in 2 months.

Genrally, with PRK you will need patience as the healing does take time, but I would recommend PRK over LASIK (in my opinion). Any q's pls email.