“I made a special journey from France to have the laser eye surgery. I had been thinking about having the treatment before I left the uk, 6 years ago, but I just didn't get round to it. I am glad I left it until I did as I believe the technology has improved.
As I was making a special journey, I tried to make specific appointments and booked at London Shaftsbury Avenue and bought train tickets in advance to make sure everything was planned. For my initial consultation I had booked at Cambridge. (Sarah and Paula were really helpful and nothing was too much trouble and answered all my questions.)
When I arrived in the uk I found out that Shaftsbury Avenue had been cancelled for my planned surgery day. They did not let me know - I had given them my telephone number and e-mail address and asked them to contact me if necessary. This is my only complaint.
I was staying with a friend and luckily she didn't mind altering her plans and driving me to Thurrock Way where I had the surgery. It was brilliant and the team were great. I asked for extra drops in case of dryness, as the person who recommended Optical Express to me told me that she needed lots of drops and to make sure I had plenty. I wasn't waiting for too long before I had the surgery, where I didn't feel any pain or discomfort. There was a bit of discomfort for the first hour, though it was an extremely bright, sunny day and although I wore sunglasses, as advised, the brightness of the sun did trouble my eyes, but I kept them closed and this soon passed. My super improved vision was definitely worth it.
The day after the treatment I continued to wear the sunglasses and rested for most of the day and had a few small red spots on my eyes. These soon disappeared.
I normally wear sunglasses anyway and continued to as advised. I have had no problems whatsoever, although I did ask for some more "blink" drops, which Cambridge kindly sent to France for me as occaisionally my eyes felt slightly dry. I had a later follow-up appointment at York and the staff there were great too.
Now, a year later, all is well and it is great to be able to get out of bed in the morning and just go - no messing around putting lenses in and soaking and cleaning them and I have worked out that the surgery will pay for itself after 5 years, compared to the price I was paying for contact lenses.
I enjoy watersports and competitive horse riding and I used to loose my lenses when I jumped fences into water (which proved difficult to negotiate the rest of the cross country course!) and had to wear goggles when swimming and diving. No worries now.
I take it for granted now when I look into the distance and can see things perfectly clearly - I have better than 20/20 vision.
I would definitely recommend this procedure to anyone having doubts.
I am still waiting to recieve the vouchers to give to people so that they can save on their treatment, but the surgery itself is superb.
To conclude, regarding my experiences of Optical Express Laser Eye Surgery, the administration can be a bit annoying, but the surgery and medical team are superb.
Many thanks
Helen Rhys”
“Hi I had laser surgery last year.I had been following eye surgery since its infancy many years ago.Now at age 55 with a few savings behind me i decided it was then or never.
The procedure from start to end was efficiently handled by all the staff at the clinic.i was well looked after without being fawned over.i was well informed of what was happening (or about to happen)On Op day the surgical team spelled it all out,ie: what the machines do what they sound like so theres no surprises.Operation was quick and painless,granted a little uncomfortable but the results are outstanding
So to summarise: A bit expensive,a little uncomfortable but MY God its worth it”
“Not cheap because of the treatment required and at 60 I thought a bit of a gamble but, one or the best things I have ever done. They warned me at the clinic that I may have to still wear glasses for reading but that my long vision would be okay. Its over a year now and my long vision took a while to settle but now is perfect and my near sight is far better than expected and I can even read the small print in the contract and certainly dont need glasses. All in all I dont think I could be more delighted and would and do recommend to everybody.”
“Fantastic and stress free..... If I would have known how quick,comfortable and easy the surgery was I would have had it done years ago. My eyesight is fantastic and better than I expected and my self confidence has increased too. The staff and after service was brilliant and made the experience comfortable and straight forward.”
“I was sick of wearing contacts and just wanted to wake up and see things clearly. I thought the procedure would be too expensive but went in for a chat any way and found that paying it monthly I could actually manage it and Im so pleased I did. I couldn't have had better treatment and care from the staff. It wasn't painful and they explained everything step by step which was really comforting. I cannot tell you how amazing it was the very next day. It seems a cliche but you do feel like you're seeing things in hd. Plus not pulling at my eyes putting in contacts everyday was worth it alone. If you're thinking about it please please don't hesitate get it done. The only uncomfortable part is after when your eyes are really sensitive but i just went to sleep for a couple of hours and it was then fine. I LOVE my new eyes!!!! Get it done, trust me x”
“My experience has been predominantly positive - and totally worth it! On the day, last minute nerves (its a laser! in my eye!) were eased by the relaxed atmosphere of the clinic and laid-back attitude of the staff. The fact that most of them are going around with perfect eyesight also helps! And the result...? Within a couple of hours I could see almost perfectly. The healing process was, for me, a little uncomfortable - no paid, just a bit of irritation, probably dry eye. This became more sporadic and now, 7 months on, totally eased.
In short, for the freedom laser eye surgery gives you, it is worth any brief discomfort. And Optical Express themselves come highly recommended.”
“My eye surgery went like clockwork from the moment i had my first consultation to the day of my surgery,the staff were very nice and friendly they made me feel at ease. The surgeon went through every step with me and made me feel at ease the surgery itself was quick and pain free,i'd thought about surgery for about four years and all i can say is i wish i'd had it sooner what a differance it has made to my day to day life would highly recomend it and the leeds surgery to anyone.THANKS OPTICAL EXPREES.”
“Excellent from start to finish , consultation, follow up was first class. On the day of surgery like everyone I was a little nervous but was soon put at ease. I could not believe how quickly the surgery itself was - and if like me previously this is a reason for putting you off - don't !!! It takes literally seconds and is so worth it.
Post surgery I felt fine a little discomfort but bring sunglasses and you will be fine
I had my surgery in November 2011 and haven't looked back - its a life changer!!!!!”
“I can't speak highly enough of the surgery and care provided. I've been wearing lenses for almost 15 years and while they didn't cause me any problems, it was a bit of a hassle. After a consultation at the Newcastle clinic and a chat about payment schemes I realised how simple the procedure was and how much I would gain by having it. Quite simply it is the best thing I have ever done. Simple things like waking up and being able to see the time is amazing! On top of this, the after care I have received has been fantastic, the staff genuinely make decisions based on your needs, it's not a case of once it's done you are left alone. I would thoroughly recommend Optical Express to anyone considering laser eye surgery.”
“The difference this has made to my life has been brilliant, no more glasses or lenses !! The staff were and continue to be brilliant, the before and after care is top class and would reccomend optical express to anyone thinking about treatment. I know its a cliche but I do wish I had it done years ago, but glad I took the plunge !!”
“I had worn contact lenses for 15 years. Never had much trouble except for a bit of dry eyes at the end of the day and forgetting to take them out after a few drinks :-) However I did often think about the freedom of not having to wear them, swimming, showering, not having to always carry solutions etc. So I rang Optical Express and couldn't believe how quickly they could book me in for an initial consultation. I'm absolutely thrilled with the results and would recommend it to everyone. It's been life changing.”
“I would like to say anyone considering get their eyes done go for it as its like night and day or it is like analogue tv with glasses and sky hd after”
“As a hgv driver the law states your eyes must be good on my examination I just scraped in so to save my job I took the plunge and went to leeds.The consultant went through everything and put me at ease.
On the day I was really nervous but the surgeon and staff were really reassuring and patient and very helpfull. I went in and about 20 mins later feeling nothing at all I was out.Just to see the nurse for a chat about the after care and drops and then home,I had a nap for a few hours then got up opened the curtains and I could read all the car reg plates in the street and 4 hours ago I couldnt even see the registration plate! unbelievable optical express made my vision perfect and saved my
hgv licence and my job.Its so much easier with no glasses or lenses just wish I had it done years ago. felt nothing at all.
Tony”
“To whom it may concern,
Firstly,would it be possible to get my name right,its Mr.Clive Thomas Webster,NOT-Mr.Clive Thomas.I have informed your clinic at your Southampton-West Quay Branch.
As you can see from my information above,I had the RLE,not laser surgery.
But having said that,I had the RLE treatment in March/April 2012 and have been extremely happy with the outcome and the service I received at your operative branch in the Westfield Shopping Mall,Shepperds Bush.London.
All the pre-op examinations,the operation and the after care,which is still on going has been first class.Optical Express make you feel welcome and relaxed throughout the whole procedure and basically take care of your every need.
Thank you.
Mr.Clive Thomas Webster.Southampton,Hampshire.”
“I think the main worry i had about the procedure was how much it would hurt but i was amazed that it is totally painless and it is over so quickly.
It was brilliant getting up the next morning, opening up the curtains and being able to see everything.
This was definitely the best decision i have made and i would whole heartedly recommend it.”
“I'd been thinking about laser eye surgery for a few years - at my annual eye examinations, the optician would usual say that my prescription (-2) made me a suitable candidate but I never did anything about it until the terms of my medical insurance were due to change meaning that I would have to pay most of the cost myself. If I moved quickly, the policy would cover it so I decided to have a consultation in Leeds. I had used glasses or lenses for distance and needed nothing to read and, after carrying out various tests - none of which were painful, the consultant suggested that if I had one eye lasered, that would do the distance and my other eye would do the reading. I had already experimented with using only one lense and never found it a problem. Al the questions I had about possible long term effects, the procedure itself and the cost were answered readily. I also talked to other people who had already had the procedure and no-one regretted it. I thought about obtaining other quotes but googled reviews and felt that the Optical Express offer was very competitive. From that point it wasn't a difficult decision to book an appointment.
I knew what to expect so was quite relaxed on the day itself and it was all over very quickly. There were several other people in the Leeds clinic going through the same process as me - further eye examinations, discussion with the surgeon and then the laser procedure - and the staff seemed well practised in the routine. Lying flat and having the laser equipment lowered over my face was probably the worst part. There was no pain, everything happened exactly as the surgeon said it would and in seconds it was all over. My eye was light sensitive but I could tell immediately that my sight had been corrected. Aftercare was brilliant - full instruction on application of drops for a week, wearing dark glasses for a couple of days and eye shield in bed. I drove the next day and have had regular check ups over the 3 months since I had the procedure.
I have had no problems at all not even dry eyes which I am told affects some people and my vision seems perfect. It really is quite amazing and I would recommend it highly. I also have plenty of money off vouchers to distribute if anybody would like to save something off the cost.”
“I know everyone says it but I REALLY DO wish I had had laser eye surgery earlier, its amazing! The surgery is quick, completely pain free with excellent results! All the staff were friendly and helpful and really nice. My surgeon was excellent and talked me through the whole procedure which really does help! Aftercare brilliant, what more can I say except GO FOR IT AND HAVE IT DONE TODAY!!!!!”
“I went for the best treatment that was offered and I must say it's the best money my wife has ever spent. I was apprehensive on the day of the treatment but it was over before I knew about it. Quick and totally pain free. Yes it is very uncomfortable for a couple of hours afterwards but as long as you go to bed and rest your eyes as you are advised to this minimises it. Use as much eye drops as you can. I had mine done at midday and by early evening I could read anything like I did 20 years ago. The staff have been excellent and the follow up care is too. I can't recommend this highly enough. Put your glasses away in a drawer, because you wont need them again”
“The best thing I have ever had done. It's amazing. I thought about this for 3 years - it's a big decision to let someone mess with your eyes. I researched the chap who did the procedure (Mr George) via the opthalmic sites & decided to go for it.
In the waiting room I removed my glasses & as usual everything was fuzzy, the op was carried out, I sat up afterwards & immediately could see clearly - amazing!
The proceedure itself was painless.
I would say it was painful after for around 1 hour & this was the scary part as I did not know how long this would last.
So here is my time frame -
4.00 op completed
4.20 eyes start to feel sore
4.50 eyes streaming & cannot open them
5.10 eyes really sore but streaming seems to be reducing
5.20 can open eyes a little to blink now
5.50 soreness subsided greatly & streaming minimal.
That hour from 4.50 to 5.50 was the worst but worth it for the results achieved.
The staff were lovely & put me at ease, the follow up phone calls & appointments showed a caring attitude & good customer service.
The interest free finance made for a good deal.
I raved about it so much at work a colleague has been & had her eyes done too!”
