Ask a patient: Belfast sisters have lens surgery on the same day
Life-changing lens surgery at Optimax
We know that a lot of our patients come to us after being referred by a friend. In fact, that’s why we have our Refer a Friend scheme in place! Today on the blog, we’re featuring two sisters who had their treatment on the same day with us a couple of months ago. Jacqueline and Catherine first visited Optimax Belfast several years ago for Catherine to have a laser eye surgery consultation. We recommended that Catherine should wait until she could be found suitable for lens surgery, as it was a better long-term solution for her. Thankfully, both Catherine and Jacqueline were so impressed with the service they received at Optimax that they decided to visit us when the time came for RLE (refractive lens exchange) treatment!
We spoke to them to find out how their experience with the surgery was and to hear about what life is like now, free from glasses!
What made you want to have RLE treatment?
J: I always wanted to get laser surgery but was happy to proceed with RLE as I just celebrated my 60th birthday and really did not want to wear glasses anymore!
C: I had a previous consultation in relation to laser eye surgery and at the time I was advised that whilst I could have the procedure, I would need glasses again within a few years. When I went for my recent consultation, the long-term benefits of RLE influenced me to make the decision as it was a long-term solution for me.
How strong was your prescription prior to surgery?
J: 1.75 / 1.50. (This is a mild prescription but it can mean that you rely on glasses for most parts of daily life, in order not to strain your eyes while focusing.)
C: My prescription was very strong and I needed my glasses for almost every part of my day. I was not suitable for contact lenses so I relied totally on glasses.
What was the Optimax experience like in the Belfast and Liverpool clinics?
J: The service was first class in Belfast and in Liverpool for the surgery. Fiona, the clinic manager in Belfast, was extremely informative regarding the procedure and kept in touch coming up to the surgery date. No complaints at all!
C: My journey with Optimax started approximately 10 years ago. The staff are so friendly, helpful and professional. Fiona in the Belfast clinic was our go-to person and made working with both clinics so easy and smooth. There was no such thing as a silly question and all appointments were arranged around our schedules.
How was your recovery process?
J: Recovery was great. I was tired for a few days but had the surgery on a Friday and I was back at work on the Wednesday.
C: Within a few hours of the surgery I was amazed that I could read a text message on my phone for the first time in probably 20 years without glasses. My vision continually improved day by day and week by week. For the first few weeks, I limited computer time and my eyes were a bit strained at night time but this was completely manageable. The recovery was much quicker than I anticipated.
How has life changed after treatment?
J: This surgery has made a massive difference to my lifestyle. I love being able to work and not wear my glasses, and read my phone easily. Generally it has given me a real spring in my step!
C: I have worn glasses for almost 30 years and my biggest motivator to have the surgery was considering what the future would be like the more my prescription deteriorated. The surgery has been amazing and I am loving the freedom of not needing glasses. My work involves a lot of computer and paperwork and it is brilliant not needing glasses every day. Outside of work, I love going to the gym and not having the hassle of my glasses steaming up is great. It is the simple things every day that reinforce the surgery was worth it. I have no regrets at all taking the step.
What made you choose Optimax?
J: The reason I picked Optimax was I had personal experience with company in 2015 when I took my sister up to Belfast for a consultation. Unfortunately my sister wasn’t suitable for laser, but the professionalism of the optician was so thorough and comprehensive. Therefore in April 2022 we both returned to Optimax for a consultation together and we made the decision to have RLE as we trusted the company and felt reassured with the process.
C: Approximately 10 years ago I went for consultation for laser surgery. Another company had told me I was 100% suitable and they were pressuring me into booking the surgery but I decided to have second opinion with Optimax before making my final decision. Optimax provided me with a very thorough and professional consultation. They were honest that they could do the laser eye surgery but within few years I would revert to wearing glasses again, and for that reason they did not recommend proceeding with the treatment. Whilst I was disappointed I had faith in their assessment. I was advised to wait a few years and come back.
I didn't go back until recently and Optimax recommended lens replacement surgery as a permanent option for me. I genuinely had no hesitation signing up given my experience of Optimax previously and again at my recent consultation. The process was thorough and professional at every stage. My sister attended the consultation with me and we both did it together and both have never looked back. We have no hesitation in recommending Optimax!
If you would like to book a consultation to check your suitability for lens surgery, you can make an appointment online here. If you’d like more information about the treatments we offer, send us an email to enquiry@optimax.co.uk or give us a call on 0800 093 1110 and our customer advisors will answer any queries you have. Start your journey to clear vision today.
