Well i'm gonna post this up for anyone considering it.
I've worn glasses from the age of 4, and a few weeks ago decided to take the plunge for laser eye surgery. You've all seen the adverts for these offers, £500 an eye style jobby's, but frankly, with something as precious as eyesight I did a lot of research and ended up settling on the London Vision Clinic.
These guys have earned a reputation for being leaders in the field the world over, one such review from a US doctor:
The more you look, the more you will find other such reviews. So, 6 weeks ago I booked my initial consultation which was today.
Anyway... so here goes a mini blog to share my completely honest experience on the matter.
Day 1 - Initial Screening & Ophthalmic Exam (30th July 2014)
Arrived at the clinic 30 minutes early, the waiting room was busy but not crowded, and the main reception desk was manned by 2 very welcoming and helpful staff who after introducing myself knew who I was and when I was booked in for. After showing me where the amenities were and offering a good variety of drinks and snacks (which you could get at any time free of charge) they gave me a set of forms to fill out and told me to take my time as I was so early.
Now whilst waiting for my first "meeting" with my patient care coordinator it became apparent how efficient these guys are on reception, they really do keep things ticking over.
First meeting
The first meeting with my patient care coordinator (PCC) was a general information one, generally asking about me and what I do, as well as what I hope to gain from the procedure, and answering any basic questions as well as challenging any pre-conceptions I may have. This was quite informal and basically explained how the rest of the day would pan out.
First exam (Initial Screening)
The first exam was right after the first meeting where the PCC introduced me to the technician. This involved sticking my head in a variety of machines, some similar to those you may see when you go for your normal eye tests, others more specialized. Through the whole thing the technician explained what was happening, why they were doing it and how it would be used in the surgery. The results were checked and double checked every time, and if there was something even slightly off, the test was re-run to be 100% accurate. This seemed to go rather quickly, but did take the best part of an hour! After this, they had all the information relating to the front of my eye, everything they need (and more) to plan the corrections the laser would make, excellent!
Back to the waiting room
My PCC took me back to the waiting room, more snacks and drinks were offered, and I took a seat waiting for the second exam.
Second exam (Ophthalmic)
So shortly after the first exam the PCC came and got me for the second exam. This involved an intense eye exam similar to what you would expect at a regular checkup and much more involving some specialist charts to see how good your vision quality is. This also involved a variety of eye drops to dumb the eye and dilate the pupils, as well as taking various measurements followed by a very in depth look at the health of my eyes on a whole. They do touch your eyes with some very delicate equipment to take some readings, as well as put a dye in the eye and some other bits and pieces, which, while I was aprehensive (lets be fair, who wouldn't be with someone putting stuff in your eyes) it was completely fine, the numbing drops meant you can't feel a thing and it wasn't uncomfortable at all, and this is coming from someone who is a total wimp when it comes to stuff near his eyes!
It is as this time the examiner goes through the pros, cons and the risks of the procedure. They also explain which procedure they would recommenced, in my case this is the new Relex Smile Lasik and run through it. They also give you more information about the place on a whole including the RnD they conduct in house. Finally they give you a lot of information on things to expect in the days and months following the surgery, and how to manage them. One thing was made clear, if there was ANY doubt, get in touch. Fantastic.
After this exam I was taken back to the waiting room.
Final meeting
The final meeting was with the PCC who just re-runs through the days results and what it means, as well as giving a general idea of how thing are to go in the next week.
3 and a half hours after walking in, i'm on my way home with pupils the size of dinner plates, a whole bunch of information to re-read explaining everything that happens in the surgery, all the facts presented, my questions answered and a smile on my face. These guys obviously take massive pride in their work, from the receptionists to the surgeons, and it fills me with confidence in the next week everything will go exactly as planned.
Day 2 - Consultation with Surgeon (31st July 2014)
Meeting with the Surgeon
So turned up 5 minutes early this time, as before the staff were ready and expecting me, the usual drinks and snacks offered, ran through some final paperwork and then took me up to see the surgeon, Glenn Carp. A very down to earth guy who took the time to get to know me a little as well as run through some checks to ensure all the tests yesterday were a accurate. As you can imagine with the care taken yesterday, they were.
Talked me through the procedure, the timings etc and when I can expect things to line up afterwards. Answered any questions I had and and made me feel very at ease about the whole thing.
Finally signed the informed consent paperwork and all done. A final trip to reception to confirm the surgery times and off I went!
Day 3 - Surgery Day! (5th August 2014)
Did the usual turn up routine and pleasantries. Shortly after was taken downstairs to the surgery waiting area. After being offered more drinks and snacks a nurse took me into a room and gave me some pills to take for inflammation and a sheet with all the information relating to the eye drops id need to take (4 different kinds!). She also explained a variety of other things such as timing, night time eye protection and a list of do's and don'ts.
Once done was taken back to the waiting area until being called again to get ready for the surgery. Some cleaning wipes were used on my eye area, and shoe guards and hair nets put on. At this point the numbing eye drops were put in and after a short while for them to take effect I was led into the surgery room.
Walking in, a whole bunch of technicians and the surgeon were waiting. They got me comfortable on the laser bed and explained what was going to happen, then it began, the surgeon talked through the entire thing explaining what to expect and what I needed to do.
The entire time there was no pain, and only he discomfort of having someone messing with your eyes (the reflex to want to move away or close them). The laser worked for 25 seconds per eye, and the surgeon explained what I would see and what to expect. Then after each eye was done by the laser he did the parts he needed to and moved me over to a microscope to examine everything. All was fine and immediately my vision was perfect, albeit misty as expected due to the inflammation of the procedure. He then took me to the recovery room where I was left a while, then a nurse came and put the first lot of eye drops in and set a timer running which beeps every 15 minutes to tell me to put the next lot of drops in. I was left a short while longer and then they arranged a taxi to take me where I wanted.
Keeping my eyes closed as much as possible and only opening them to put the drops in, every time my vision has been getting clearer and clearer and i've been able to see further and further.
The surgeon text me in the evening to check everything was OK and ask if there were any concerns or questions.
So far... the most uncomfortable part has been putting the eye drops in!!!
See page 3 for Day 4
I've worn glasses from the age of 4, and a few weeks ago decided to take the plunge for laser eye surgery. You've all seen the adverts for these offers, £500 an eye style jobby's, but frankly, with something as precious as eyesight I did a lot of research and ended up settling on the London Vision Clinic.
These guys have earned a reputation for being leaders in the field the world over, one such review from a US doctor:
The more you look, the more you will find other such reviews. So, 6 weeks ago I booked my initial consultation which was today.
Anyway... so here goes a mini blog to share my completely honest experience on the matter.
Day 1 - Initial Screening & Ophthalmic Exam (30th July 2014)
Arrived at the clinic 30 minutes early, the waiting room was busy but not crowded, and the main reception desk was manned by 2 very welcoming and helpful staff who after introducing myself knew who I was and when I was booked in for. After showing me where the amenities were and offering a good variety of drinks and snacks (which you could get at any time free of charge) they gave me a set of forms to fill out and told me to take my time as I was so early.
Now whilst waiting for my first "meeting" with my patient care coordinator it became apparent how efficient these guys are on reception, they really do keep things ticking over.
First meeting
The first meeting with my patient care coordinator (PCC) was a general information one, generally asking about me and what I do, as well as what I hope to gain from the procedure, and answering any basic questions as well as challenging any pre-conceptions I may have. This was quite informal and basically explained how the rest of the day would pan out.
First exam (Initial Screening)
The first exam was right after the first meeting where the PCC introduced me to the technician. This involved sticking my head in a variety of machines, some similar to those you may see when you go for your normal eye tests, others more specialized. Through the whole thing the technician explained what was happening, why they were doing it and how it would be used in the surgery. The results were checked and double checked every time, and if there was something even slightly off, the test was re-run to be 100% accurate. This seemed to go rather quickly, but did take the best part of an hour! After this, they had all the information relating to the front of my eye, everything they need (and more) to plan the corrections the laser would make, excellent!
Back to the waiting room
My PCC took me back to the waiting room, more snacks and drinks were offered, and I took a seat waiting for the second exam.
Second exam (Ophthalmic)
So shortly after the first exam the PCC came and got me for the second exam. This involved an intense eye exam similar to what you would expect at a regular checkup and much more involving some specialist charts to see how good your vision quality is. This also involved a variety of eye drops to dumb the eye and dilate the pupils, as well as taking various measurements followed by a very in depth look at the health of my eyes on a whole. They do touch your eyes with some very delicate equipment to take some readings, as well as put a dye in the eye and some other bits and pieces, which, while I was aprehensive (lets be fair, who wouldn't be with someone putting stuff in your eyes) it was completely fine, the numbing drops meant you can't feel a thing and it wasn't uncomfortable at all, and this is coming from someone who is a total wimp when it comes to stuff near his eyes!
It is as this time the examiner goes through the pros, cons and the risks of the procedure. They also explain which procedure they would recommenced, in my case this is the new Relex Smile Lasik and run through it. They also give you more information about the place on a whole including the RnD they conduct in house. Finally they give you a lot of information on things to expect in the days and months following the surgery, and how to manage them. One thing was made clear, if there was ANY doubt, get in touch. Fantastic.
After this exam I was taken back to the waiting room.
Final meeting
The final meeting was with the PCC who just re-runs through the days results and what it means, as well as giving a general idea of how thing are to go in the next week.
3 and a half hours after walking in, i'm on my way home with pupils the size of dinner plates, a whole bunch of information to re-read explaining everything that happens in the surgery, all the facts presented, my questions answered and a smile on my face. These guys obviously take massive pride in their work, from the receptionists to the surgeons, and it fills me with confidence in the next week everything will go exactly as planned.
Day 2 - Consultation with Surgeon (31st July 2014)
Meeting with the Surgeon
So turned up 5 minutes early this time, as before the staff were ready and expecting me, the usual drinks and snacks offered, ran through some final paperwork and then took me up to see the surgeon, Glenn Carp. A very down to earth guy who took the time to get to know me a little as well as run through some checks to ensure all the tests yesterday were a accurate. As you can imagine with the care taken yesterday, they were.
Talked me through the procedure, the timings etc and when I can expect things to line up afterwards. Answered any questions I had and and made me feel very at ease about the whole thing.
Finally signed the informed consent paperwork and all done. A final trip to reception to confirm the surgery times and off I went!
Day 3 - Surgery Day! (5th August 2014)
Did the usual turn up routine and pleasantries. Shortly after was taken downstairs to the surgery waiting area. After being offered more drinks and snacks a nurse took me into a room and gave me some pills to take for inflammation and a sheet with all the information relating to the eye drops id need to take (4 different kinds!). She also explained a variety of other things such as timing, night time eye protection and a list of do's and don'ts.
Once done was taken back to the waiting area until being called again to get ready for the surgery. Some cleaning wipes were used on my eye area, and shoe guards and hair nets put on. At this point the numbing eye drops were put in and after a short while for them to take effect I was led into the surgery room.
Walking in, a whole bunch of technicians and the surgeon were waiting. They got me comfortable on the laser bed and explained what was going to happen, then it began, the surgeon talked through the entire thing explaining what to expect and what I needed to do.
The entire time there was no pain, and only he discomfort of having someone messing with your eyes (the reflex to want to move away or close them). The laser worked for 25 seconds per eye, and the surgeon explained what I would see and what to expect. Then after each eye was done by the laser he did the parts he needed to and moved me over to a microscope to examine everything. All was fine and immediately my vision was perfect, albeit misty as expected due to the inflammation of the procedure. He then took me to the recovery room where I was left a while, then a nurse came and put the first lot of eye drops in and set a timer running which beeps every 15 minutes to tell me to put the next lot of drops in. I was left a short while longer and then they arranged a taxi to take me where I wanted.
Keeping my eyes closed as much as possible and only opening them to put the drops in, every time my vision has been getting clearer and clearer and i've been able to see further and further.
The surgeon text me in the evening to check everything was OK and ask if there were any concerns or questions.
So far... the most uncomfortable part has been putting the eye drops in!!!
See page 3 for Day 4
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