Optimax

I had lasik wavefront femtosecond (cos I ain't taking no chances with my eyes) and 24 hours later here I am writing this review. My vision is 20:20 and I feel great. Everyone at Optimax (Manchester) was brilliant so a big thanks to them for the level of service. So for all those people in two minds, just three words . . . go for it!

I had Femto Wavefront LASIK yesterday with Dr. Patel at the London clinic. I was -7.25 in both eyes +.50 astigmatism. I have left a message in the General and Surgeon forums too, but in short, this was the best £2400 I have ever spent! The clinic staff were great, Dr. Patel a pleasure to talk to, the surgery was completely pain-free (if a little uncomfortable)and 4 hours later I watched the telly, answered emails and returned back to normal life! Today, less than 24 hours post-op, my vision is completely clear and all I am wishing for is that I had it done earlier!! I did do a lot of research beforehand, and this site was invaluable in helping me make up my mind. I had a consultation at 2 other places (Ultralase who were a little too pushy to sell me stuff for my liking and Peterborough Optimax who were superb but did not have the Femto technology)and almost arranged a third one with Centre for Sight (who are very busy so couldn't get in for months and rather expensive!) I saw Dr. Patel in London yesterday. He certainly knows what he is doing (and responds well to jokes of the type "how many have you done today? I don't want to be your first, I want you well-practised!". The whole experience was a very positive one and I would whole-heartedly recommend it. Thank you to the London team -

It is now over four years since I had my surgery and I would highly recommend it, I could see the difference immediately and now the misery of contacts is just a distant memory!

I don't usually contribute to forums but having read Emma's "truth about laser eye surgery" posted on 15 March I felt that I had to tell my "truth" as well. I went to Optimax in Belfast for a consultation on Thursday 11 January 2007 at 11.00am. I had already been to Optical Express and had been told that I wasn't suitable for Lasik (corneas too thin) but that I should have have Epi-Lasek treatment with Wavefront, at a total cost of £2,300. Having done my research before going to Optimax, for a second opinion, I was more than happy to agree (if suitable and if I was content to proceed) to have the laser surgery done at 2.00pm on the day of my consultation. It was reassuring that the consultant/surgeon (Dr Qasi) also recommended epi-lasek with wavefront so I had the surgery at 1.30pm (early!) that day. The staff gave me a while to settle down and, once I was ready, one of them went through the various drops and medication with me. They told me it was important to put my feet up for a few days and not to try to watch telly for at least 48 hours (Emma take note!!). I was warned well in advance of the surgery that epi-lasek recovery would be sore for a few days and I suppose it was, uncomfortable anyway ... my eyes were very photo-sensitive (I had to wear my sunglasses constantly) and they felt gritty (probably the bandage contact lenses). I had the surgery on Thursday afternoon and Friday and Saturday were 2 of the most boring days I've ever spent (mostly sleeping). Then on Sunday morning it all came together and my sight was great (not perfect yet and still photo-sensitive but the healing process had definitely kicked in). This was consistent with the advice I had been given by the Optimax staff and literature ALL ALONG and I had booked a week off work anyway. By Tuesday everything was great, I was SLIGHTLY long sighted for a short time but again that's part of the healing process. In summary, I would highly recommend the surgery but don't let anyone tell you that the recovery isn't uncomfortable for a dew days (I was never given that impression by the Optimax staff anyway). But THIS IS A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE and surely "no pain,no gain" has never been more appropriate. Do ensure that you follow their aftercare advice to the letter and, in my experience, everything will be fine. The difference is amazing, and surely that's the important thing. Incidentally, I booked my surgery having seen an offer on eBay from the Optimax owner, Richard Ambrose, and got epi-lasik with wavefront, including consultation, for £1,090.

I had Lasik last October. My contact lens prescription used to be -3.5. Cannot compliment optimax enough - the ONLY problem I had was immediately after the surgery, I was sent back to 'recover' in the waiting room. I'd certainly recommend Optimax to anyone considering laser eye surgery. If you do go for it, I managed to make a significant saving by buying through ebay to the amusement of many of my friends!

In response to the query posted by Judith on 14/4 I had the same surgery as you on 8th December 2006 in Leeds. My prescription was -7.5 with astigmatism in both eyes. Basically I was as blind as a bat!! All I can say to you is this - it's the best money I've ever spent! The surgery was a breeze, everything went brilliantly. Please don't be nervous about it. My eyesight was at driving standard the morning after (less than 24 hours later) and has continued to improve ever since. It's truly amazing. I hope this helps you. When I posted my original query on here no-one responded and I was quite disappointed by that so hopefully this will help to put your mind at rest. Good luck x

I had Lasik surgery with Wavefront in both eyes on Friday 13th April at Bristol clinic. I put off the treatment for years but eventually there was 10 days between the initial call and the surgery. I would recommend this treatment to anyone, especially those who are really short sighted. I was -8 in both eyes so I really couldnt live without my contacts. The staff at Bristol were outstanding, although 2 had been borrowed from Brighton for the day. The surgeon I had was Dr Saeed who put me at ease straight away and kept talking to me throughout the treatment. If I had 1 complaint it would be the time keeping. I had read a lot of comments about it and I was no exception. I was due in first at 230 but didnt actually go in until 430, which baring in mind I had been there since 8 that morning was a long day. I have since learnt that the staff didnt leave until after 8 that night. The treatment itself doesnt hurt, and I'm a wimp when it comes to pain. The worst part is the ring that is used to keep your eyes open, you cant feel the laser and the smell that people write about really isnt that bad. Again, I would thank the staff at Gristol and would recommend the surgery to anyone

I had Lasik with Wavefront on Tuesday (17th April 2007) and was surprised how easy it was. Optimax Ipswich staff were welcoming and friendly. Dr Almasri was very good. My vision after 24 hours was great. I do think that in this case you get what you pay for - Lasik may be more expensive but you don't need the painkillers!

I will only be at the above e-mail address until the 04/05/07.

After thinking about laser eye surgery since I knew of its existance, I saw the ebay offer and decided to go for it..... I saw Dr Boezaart at the Manchester clinic yesterday and am typing this review with almost perfect vision!! I went for Lasik (as I was too scared to try the epi-lasek!!). I listened to the optometrist talking about wavefront and femto but decided just to go for standard lasik as its at least £600 cheaper! I had my consultation and treatment on the same day and, when it came round to my turn - I was petrified and was thinking if I should tell the nice receptionist that ive made a mistake and cant go through with it. I stuck to it and spoke to Dr Boezaart (I had already looked him up on the internet and saw that he was very highly qualified and was on the GMC register which put my mind at ease slightly)he was very polite and confident and told me I didnt need to be scared - id be ok. The procedure was over in less than 20 minutes and although it was uncomfortable - it didnt hurt. The only problem I had was all the literature I looked up and was given before the procedure said lasik was "pain free," mine wasnt. As soon as I got outside into the sun my eyes would not open even with sunglasses on, they were stinging and burning and my faces was soaking wet with tears, the anaesthetic drops were such a relief even if they did only work for 15mins at a time, you could put them in every half an hour!! Anyway about 4 hours later my eyes werent hurting and now they're fine. I think Dr Boezaart is a credit to Optimax and realise I needn't have worried so much!