Optimax

I have just had the initial consultation in the Optimax Liverpool and wanted to know who else had had surgery in Liverpool and how it went...and all the details so that I can make an educated decision.

I attended a consultation at Optimax Bristol but unfortunately I had a reaction to the eye drops so was unsuitable for treatment that day - has this happened to anyone else?? I am booked in for a further eye test and treatment (Intralase and wavefront) in November with Dr Slazus & would appreciate any feedback if anyone else has had treatment with him as I am very nervous

I had been thinking about Laser eye surgery for a number of years and did a lot of research on the internet, before finally taking the plunge on 04.10.07 at Optimax in Manchester with Dr Boezaart. My vision was -3.5 in booth eyes. As I had lost the ability to read when wearing glasses, I decided to have just one eye corrected, as I could still read without glasses due to being shortsighted. I wore just one contact lens for about a year before treatment in order to get used to this Monovision and then had laser surgery on just one eye. I made an appointment for consultation (free during October) and the treatment was scheduled for the afternoon of the same day. Everything went like clockwork and I cannot fault Optimax' efficiency. I opted for Wavefront Intralase Lasik as I did not want the pain associated with Lasek. When it was my turn to be treated, I was a bit worried about moving my eyes, but as you look into a rather nice red specled light, I soon relaxed and the first part was over in about 60 seconds, then I was moved over to the actual correcting laser which created a burning flesh smell, which was a bit unpleasant, but again that was over in a very short time. I was a bit worried about the lack of vision I had straight after surgery, as everything was blurred and I did not expect it at all. This lasted for about 4 hours and my eyes went from being boodshot to bright red and watering and stinging very badly.I had been given painkilling drops and they immediately relieved any pain as soon as they were administered. The effect lasted about half an hour, after which another dose had to be applied to make me comfortable. My vision kept improving and on the day after the treatment I could read everything bar the last two lines on the chart. I am very happy with the outcome, as I can see distance clearly (but I cannot read with that eye anymore (Which I was aware of, thus having had only one eye treated))What is not so good yet, is the middle distance vision, say between 2 and 6 foot away, which was clear with glasses. This makes working with a PC a bit difficult, but as my treatment was only a couple of days ago, I am hoping this will improve. All in all I am happy with my decision of having had the treatment, with my choice of Optimax as my clinic and my choice of Dr Boezaart as my surgeon. Oh, I nearly forgot: I paid £1290 for one eye for Wavefront, Intralase Lasik.

Has anyone used Dr Malcolm Samuel in Leeds. I am going for a consultation with a view to having the op on th same day in 3 weeks times. Be honest and dont leave anything out. Thanks

I am thinking of having Lasik surgery at Peterborough Optimax with Dr Carp. Has any been treated by him? How did you find clinic? many thanks Julie

I just thought I would tell you about my experience at Optimax Finchley Rd. Was booked in for Lasik (Femtosecond & Wavefront) on 29/8/07 and made the journey to the clinic only to be told that the femto machine wasn't working!! Obviously I was extremely disappointed as I had been preparing myself all morning (hence technology rating only 4)Was re booked in for the next day at 12.30. Arrived at the clinic and was told there may be a small wait till I was seen. I was eventually called in 3 hours later!!!!Surgery went well and Dr Patel was very nice and kept asking how I was throughout. Had a bandage lens put on my right eye which I had removed the next day. As of today (4 days after surgey)my sight is great and will hopefully keep improving. I am really happy with the results, and apart from the machine not working and the long wait, the staff at this Optimax were really nice, friendly and helpful as was Dr Patel. Would recommend this Optimax.

Spent ages on the internet looking at the various options and working to a budget due to a young family and finally opted for Optimax due to the good feedback I read. What a service! Excellent from the moment I walked in the door until I was finally discharged. 20/20 vision means a whole new world for me. Little pain just discomfort. It is nerve-wracking but well worth it. Go for it! Affordable professional treatment means anyone can have it done! Many thanks to Mr Ambrose and his team of staff

I just thought I'd let everyone know about the fantasic treatment I had at Optimax, Manchester. I had Lasik with wavefront, and less than 24hrs later have 20/20 vision. Much better the 3.75 with astigmatism 2.25 and 4.25 with astigmatism 1.25, that I had before. I thought all the staff were really professional and friendly and I would highly recommend Optimax to anyone. I had been to Ultralase and Optical Express and was impressed with both, except that they were really expensive and they attach a person to you. This person, I felt, was a glorified salesman and really pushed the payment side of the treatment. Trying to get me to upgrade ect. At times it was a little uncomfortable. This did not happen at Optimax and as I had done a lot of research I felt I could go ahead with treatment the same day, although I saw a couple of people book in for the next day, so there was no pressure. I really liked this aspect as I felt I couldn't get too worked up over the whole "flap" part. I was really scared about that bit. My surgeon, Dr Boezaart(spelling?) was fantasic. Really to the point in my consultation. At Optical Express and Ultralase I had not met the surgeon and wouldn't til day of treatment! A little dodgey if you ask me! The waiting room was also nicer at Optimax. Less pressure. All the info was available if you wanted it, but there were no cheesy "thank you" cards reinforcing the fact that they are good. It really felt like they were saying "if you want to have your eyes fixed here...great. If not never mind." The treatment itself was MUCH easier than I thought it would be. The worst bit is when they replace the flaps and you can see this spatula brush your eye. I remember thinking "oh that really close...no it must be touching because its tickling!" Other than that it was really easy. The surgeon was fantasic and I can't sing his praises highly enough! He talked through my entire procedure and even let me sing (badly) when he used the noisy instrument. The surgery itself only took about 15mins. My mum only got chance to look through half the mag! She said when I came out my eyes looked a little puffy, but I was grinning. I could tell something must be right because even though my vision was still blurred, it was clearer than before. I was worried about how long they would keep me at the clinic, I just wanted to get home. At the other two places they said they would keep in recovery for about half an hour, then a little longer in the waiting room. This would have been awful for me. After about 20 mins I was given my medication and a check up I was told I could go, my long sight was great at this point, but my close up vison was still very blurred, the opposite to before. As I got to the car the drops started to wear off and I just needed to close my eyes. I couldn't open them again for a about 2 and a half hours (if I'd have been at Ultralase/Optical Express I would have been stuck there). I was a little uncomfortable when they were closed. If my face tensed up they stung abit. I also took a painkiller for a headache. I definatley would not say it hurt, it was just uncomfortable. When I opened my eyes I could see everything really clearly, and have been able to ever since. The pitfalls so far are minimal, bug eye sheilds at night (not very attractive), loads of eye drops, but I'm getting used to those and I wore goggles in the shower this morning, again not very atractive. Still I weigh these up against shoving my fingers in my eyes everyday putting in my lenses, swapping my glasses and sunglasses (hated transitions), taking spare pairs of contacts with me ect... and even if I had to put drops in my eyes everyday for the rest of my life it would be worth it. After all I had to put drops in when my lenses got tired anyway! I would advise people do your research and barter with the price, it isn't fixed. I managed to get half price in the end, don't forget they want your custom, and what have you got to lose? I look forward now to the rest of my life without glasses (I've already driven my husband mad reading number plates clocks, posters!). Good luck Niki x

what is involved with the initial consultation - anything horrid or worse than a normal eye test???

I had Epi-Lasek at Optimax in Peterborough in June, My surgeon was Dr Masilimani. I started with a prescription of L -3.25 R-3.50 with slight astigmatism in the right eye. The whole process was very easy and simple, the clinic was clean and comfortable with nice loos and plenty of magazines to read while you wait. The actual surgery was very quick, the most uncomfortable thing about it was the clamp they put on to hold your eyelid open as this was very tight and felt uncomfortable, the actual surgery is painless and you can see everything happening. I asked the doctor in the consultation if he would explain what was happening during the surgery to put me at ease but when it got round to it i had to ask during the surgery what was going on which made me a little anxious. The next 24hrs are probably worth sleeping through as they were a bit annoying, not painful as such but the constant eye watering and grittyness is very uncomfortable so best take the sleeping pills and have a good kip! Over the next few days my eyes got a lot better i could watch tv after 4 days and go outside without sunglasses after 7 days. The end results are worth it, it took several weeks for my eyes to get to driving standard (don't expect miracles in a few days! think of your eyes like a wound it'll take a few weeks for the surface to heal and your vision to clear) but ever day they appear to be a little sharper and i do not need glasses anymore which was my objective. The fact i paid £895 for both eyes is a bargain not to have to wear glasses or lenses again!