St. James Laser Vision

Varifocal lens replacement and laser treatment

I was short-sighted, with astigmatism, all my life. In my early 60’s, I had the beginnings of cataract development. I had varifocal lens implants to both eyes and follow up laser surgery. Following the lens implants, my sight was less than perfect: a bit blurry, and with very bad glare from lights at night. I still needed to use prescription glasses for driving for a few months. The glare did settle down gradually, over a period of months, but I needed laser surgery to improve residual astigmatism. It all worked and, after six months, I am very pleased with the outcome. I can drive, cycle, and read without glasses.

The initial lens replacement surgery was straightforward and painless. The laser surgery was also straightforward, and a bit more painful post-op, but only for a few hours.

I have nothing but praise for all the clinic staff. The administrators were without exception cheerful and efficient. The surgery was done by Mr Morrell, who kept me informed throughout the process, and answered questions in a straightforward and helpful manner. The opticians who did the sight assessments before and after surgery were polite, patient, and always prepared to answer questions.

I would thoroughly recommend this clinic and these treatments. My advice, if you go through the process, is to be prepared to be patient. It was six months before my sight was good.

When looking for a clinic for my laser eye surgery I spent a long time researching it. St James had not only got excellent reviews on this website but I’d also received a number of personal recommendations from friends and acquaintances so I contacted them to make a arrangements for a consultation. The lady on the phone was extremely helpful and no pressure was put on me to attend, she provided me with lots of information and offered to post out a pack. I declined as I was keen to meet with them to discuss the surgery and my suitability for it ASAP.

I attended the clinic the following week and met with their optometrist (a lady who’s name I didn’t catch) She was really kind and she had a brilliant sense of humour which put me at ease straight away while she tested my eyes. Following this I met with the Surgeon James Ball who again was extremely professional and showed great kindness when performing various procedures to check my suitability. He confirmed I was able to have surgery and he proceeded to explain in detail what the surgery entailed including the procedure and recovery etc. He answered all my questions thoughtfully and gave me confidence he was the surgeon I wanted to perform the surgery.

I left the clinic having booked my surgery for 3 weeks after (this could have been sooner but due to my work commitments I postponed it).

On the morning of the surgery I was anxious however once I arrived at the clinic all the staff from the lady who works on reception to the other support team put me at ease straight away. The environment is welcoming and relaxing. James again explained exactly what would happen and what I should expect and I was then prepped for surgery.

I honestly didn’t have a thing to worry about from the minute entering the theatre and all throughout the procedures. James introduced me to his team and explained what whey would all be doing. He offered me reassurance and encouragement keeping me calm throughout. It is hard to believe but the surgery was not painful or even uncomfortable at any time throughout. I knew at each stage what they were doing and felt safe and in the best hands all the way through. The surgery was very quick and before I knew it everything was complete. I was given 5 minutes to rest and then was helped off the bed and to go to recovery. I had to sit for 15 minutes with my eyes closed while the team finished up and then I was taken in to meet with James again. He check both eyes and confirmed the surgery was a success and everything looked perfect. I was given eye drops and instructions for the next week until my follow up appointment. James gave me his mobile number and told me any questions or worries to contact him any time and I left to go home. My eyes were very sore and I tried where possible to close them to rest for most of that evening.

On waking the next morning once I removed the sleeping goggles I was amazed beyond belief at my vision and it has just continued to get better and better ever since then. James rung me to check how everything was and we agreed I would attend in a few days.

For the first few days I felt like I was viewing everything in 3D, everything was so clear and still is, its just unbelievable! I had little discomfort following the surgery which was mainly just dryness but the drops helped with this.

5 weeks have now passed and my eyes are great. My vision is much better than it was corrected with glasses and contact lenses and for the first time I can swim, wear sunglasses and work without squinting all the time!

I am so grateful to James Ball and his team. The service and care they provide is second to none. They all gave me their undivided attention and gave me massive confidence that I was in the best hands. I really would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone considering laser eye surgery!

Everyone in this clinic is professional and helpful, receptionists answer queries fully and always call back as promised when messages are left.
The optometrists put you at ease during what can be a stressful experience.
The clinic is welcoming and comfortable.
If laser treatment is sought, I would recommend choosing this clinic for your procedure.
5* clinic

Mr Ball and the team at St James’s were kind and efficient at each appointment. I am delighted with the improvement in my vision.

Following cataract surgery with Mr Morrell I noticed that my reading vision was quite reduced so he suggested laser surgery on just one eye to leave me a little short sighted to allow me to see close up. I was so impressed with the whole experience from start to finish. The staff were professional but friendly and the procedure was very straight forward. The subsequent aftercare was very thorough and reassuring! As an optometrist I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend st James laser vision clinic to my patients!

Having laser eye surgery was the best decision I have ever made in my life. As a young and active 22 year old I didn’t enjoy wearing glasses and contact lenses were a faff especially when playing sport. I was recommended to the St. James’ practice by a doctor friend and I was extremely impressed with the service, staff, cost and the procedure itself.

Mr Ball and his team made me feel welcome and guided me through the entire process, answering any questions or concerns that I had. The post-surgery care has been fantastic and I would highly recommend anyone to use St. James Laser Vision if they were considering laser eye surgery without a shadow of a doubt.

Having laser eye surgery was the best decision I have ever made in my life. As a young and active 22 year old I didn’t enjoy wearing glasses and contact lenses were a faff especially when playing sport. I was recommended to the St. James’ practice by a doctor friend and I was extremely impressed with the service, staff, cost and the procedure itself.

Mr Ball and his team made me feel welcome and guided me through the entire process, answering any questions or concerns that I had. The post-surgery care has been fantastic and I would highly recommend anyone to use St. James Laser Vision if they were considering laser eye surgery without a shadow of a doubt.

Looked on the internet and found St James’ and thought why would I go anywhere else when Mr Ball and Mr Morrell treat eyes anyway?
Result? Amazing Mr Ball performed the surgery and right from the start I felt confident that here was someone who knew his field. I never felt
pushed into ‘buying’ and Mr Ball might be (no is !) The Man as far as surgery is concerned he is no sales man,Whew,

You might go somewhere else but I’d be jiggered if I know why. Mr Ball really does care about the treatment and wants passionately to get it right and make sure your new eyesight is not only perfect, but healthy. After all you have one precious pair of eyes, make sure you entrust them to a professional.

I wish I had had the treatment years ago. Very little pain, only a couple of days off work, able to see to drive the very next day. It all sounds amazing and it is. I couldn’t see across the road before and now I can count the leaves on the trees across the road. Absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend having it done.

I had multifocal lens implants in October 2014 under the supervision of Mr Andrew Morrell, one of the two consultants, at St James Laser Vision. From the initial consultation, to establish if my eyes were suitable, right through to my final follow up appointment earlier this month everything went smoothly and I am delighted with the results. The only glasses I now wear are sunglasses! At each appointment I saw Mr Morrell and on two occasions I also saw the optometrist, Tim Hunter. It was reassuring to have the NHS link and also be able to phone/turn up if there was anything concerning me. The whole procedure was thoroughly explained and at no time was I under any pressure to go ahead with surgery after my initial, no obligation consultation.