James Ball

From the moment I stepped through the door and spoke with the first receptionist on my assessment visit, to saying goodbye to the second receptionist I met at the 1 month check-up, my treatment by the St James Team was, without exception, professional, collaborative and a pleasure.

James Ball, was friendly, engaging and willing to discuss all concerns. Nothing seemed too much trouble.

I have worn contact lenses since I was 18 to correct my short sightedness. I put them in first thing in the morning and taking them out was the last thing I did at night. Even during extensive periods of travelling with work, on long distant flights wearing contact lenses for me was never a problem (I never went out in my glasses, they went hand in hand with pyjamas and chill out days at home)…until, in my late forties, I couldn\’t see to do detailed close up things e.g. hand sewing and was finding myself taking my lenses out and putting my glasses on to watch the television at the same time which seemed crazy (and back to front because at this age I should be putting reading glasses on to sew)…I went to St James expecting, if I was suitable, to have both my eyes lasered to correct my short sightedness at the expense of then having to wear reading glasses (which without my contact lenses in, at this point I didn\’t actually need). The optometrist was so pleasant and after checking my vision, and taking measurements of my eyes suggested that I may be a candidate for Laser Blend Vision (St James is one of the few UK clinics that offer this technique – the laser algorithm are different to correct the vision). The consultant surgeon Mr James Ball discussed it further with me, including what it would mean as my eyes continue to age.

The surgery was painless (again the nurses and technicians supporting James Ball were so friendly at putting me at my ease), my dominant right eye was corrected for distance and my left eye was left as it was. The next day I went back (19hrs post op) and had 20:20 vision. For 48hrs I had a sensation similar to be light headed. One week later my combined vision took me to the bottom of the chart (better than 20:20 and certainly better than anything my glasses or contact lenses had achieved over the years). I still had a conscious perception that each eye was overlaying a differently focussed image, although clearly the overall vision was excellent. At the one month check, my brain has completely adapted to my left eye seeing close up and right eye distance. I didn\’t have the 3 month check as my healing and outcome was without concern at 1 month and I was discharged.

James Ball saw me at every visit, nothing was too much trouble including sending me details and follow up emails should I be concerned about anything. The best outcome for my eyesight was his only concern.

There is no sales team at St. James, and no assumption that I would go there to have the surgery (or even approach to book a second appointment) just a handshake on my way out and a comment to ask the reception for the cost if I was going to consider it, but after my assessment visit experience I wouldn\’t have considered going anywhere else.

Don\’t expect plush surroundings though…the Unit is in St James Hospital but very close to the entrance of the Chancellor Wing so convenient.

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! Following my final check up everything is perfect and I really could not be happier. James has now discharged me but told me to keep his mobile number so if in future I have any issues at all to get in touch with him. This in its self is reassuring and proof of how much he cares about his patients. I have private medial insurance but have never experienced such a personal service from consultants before!

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 at all times. I really would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone considering laser eye surgery!

I received a thoroughly professional service from James Ball and his team including a comprehensive pre-treatment and follow up procedure.

Mr Ball gave me his mobile number in the event of any complications. I had no need to use this but it was nevertheless reassuring.

The procedure itself went very well and I would not hesitate to recommend St James Laservision and Mr Ball to anyone contemplating Lasik Surgery.

The professionalism and pride which St James Laservision staff take in the treatment of their clients cannot be faulted. After 43 years of putting up with glasses and contact lenses, I now have almost perfect vision, as predicted by Mr Ball. With leading surgeons, superb facitilties,and the backing of the NHS,I have abosolutely no hesitation in recommending St James Laservision to anybody considering laser treatment.

My prescription was quite high (over -7 in both eyes with substantial astigmatism), so I went into the surgery with realistic expectations about what could be achieved. James was very reassuring and utterly professional, and the results were far better than I dared hope for. After 40 years of glasses, I am now spectacle-free…

Excellent service and after care. My eyesight is now transformed. Mr Ball professional in the extreme and answers all questions.

Had both eyes done in early January 2012.Was -5.75 in both eyes, now have better than 20/20, it's been life changing.Have recommended St.James to other people without hesitation.

After Wearing Contact lenses (Gas Permeable) for 20 years I started to develop dry eye, So I decided to look into eye laser treatment. On hearing a lot of good reports about Mr. James Ball at the eye laser clinic at st James. I made an appointment For a consultation with Mr ball. He did a lot of eye examinations on both my eyes to determine if my eyes were suitable, Lucky for me they were. I was very nervous on the day of the laser treatment but I needn’t have been as Mr. Ball Talked me through the whole procedure and was very reassuring. The only uncomfortable part was when the eye clamps were going in but once they were in I didn’t notice that they were there. Before they start the laser someone will put numbing drops in both your eyes.After I had it done I was given a lot of drops to put in my eyes.For the first few hours My eyes did feel sore, I was told to keep putting the drops in and just rest them. They did get a lot easier after that though. I could not believe the difference in my sight, I could see really well.In the first few months I found that my sight was better some days than others. But after 10 months of having it done I found that it had improved a lot better. MANY THANKS TO ALL THE TEAM AT LASER VISION.ESPECIALLY MR. JAMES BALL FOR THE TIME AND CARE THAT YOU PROVIDED.

After Wearing Contact lenses (Gas Permeable) for 20 years I started to develop dry eye, So I decided to look into eye laser treatment. On hearing a lot of good reports about Mr. James Ball at the eye laser clinic at st James. I made an appointment For a consultation with Mr ball. He did a lot of eye examinations on both my eyes to determine if my eyes were suitable, Lucky for me they were. I was very nervous on the day of the laser treatment but I needn’t have been as Mr. Ball Talked me through the whole procedure and was very reassuring. The only uncomfortable part was when the eye clamps were going in but once they were in I didn’t notice that they were there. Before they start the laser someone will put numbing drops in both your eyes.After I had it done I was given a lot of drops to put in my eyes.For the first few hours My eyes did feel sore, I was told to keep putting the drops in and just rest them. They did get a lot easier after that though. I could not believe the difference in my sight, I could see really well.In the first few months I found that my sight was better some days than others. But after 10 months of having it done I found that it had improved a lot better. MANY THANKS TO ALL THE TEAM AT LASER VISION.ESPECIALLY MR. JAMES BALL FOR THE TIME AND CARE THAT YOU PROVIDED.

It was painless with a quick recovery time. Would highly recommend to everyone I know!!