Barbara C (20.09.2017 15:23)
I've previously had LASIK from another provider several years ago, and had a perfect experience.
In late 2014, having regressed to being slightly short-sighted, I made the decision to have my eyes treated again, this time with Optegra. I was told that due to corneal thickness, I would have to have LASEK rather than LASIK. I was aware that the procedure was less pleasant than the LASIK one, but decided to go ahead anyway.
Optegra did not in any way prepare me for the horrible experience of having LASEK. I was in severe discomfort for at least a week. At one point I was in agonising pain for several hours. I rang them and some receptionist suggested I take paracetemol (I was already taking the maximum dosage) and snidely insinuated I had a low pain threshold.
The discomfort and dry eyes gradually reduced over the next 3 months, but up to a year later, I still had to put in regular eye drops when using a screen.
I was also not in any way warned about how long it would take for my eyesight to settle. I had no idea that I wouldn't be able to drive for several months. Or use a screen (i.e. go back to work properly) for a few weeks.
Lastly, the outcome for my vision has not been satisfactory. I am now slightly long-sighted and need reading glasses. Throughout the healing process, it was clear to me that my right eye vision was not getting any better, but I was constantly reassured by Optegra that it would be fine. That has not turned out to be the case. My overall eyesight is apparently slightly better, but that is because my left eye is dominant and the vision in that eye was showing as fine from Optegra's eyesight tests. Although, when I had my eyes independently tested, both eyes showed as long-sighted.
I cannot understand how I can have gone from around -1.5 to +0.75. When I've asked for explanations I just got told something vague about healing rates. If the issue is to do with me having astigmatism in that eye, I can't understand why they didn't recommend I have just the other eye done. Then I would still have been left with a small prescription but my overall eyesight would not have changed to long-sighted, which I absolutely hate.
And I paid £1,990 for this!
graham stiles (09.12.2016 15:41)
From our initial open day visit we found everybody most welcoming and informative, every question was answered thoroughly. Later at home any further questions we had Optegra answered them over the phone.
On the day of the surgery (we both had the lens replacement option) every body was so professional and calming, from reception who welcomed you, to the nurse who administered the eye drops and looked after you through your surgery to Mr Wevill who carried out the surgery even phoned us that evening to check all was well. Our eye operation took about 15 minutes for one eye.(The second eye operation was carried out a week later) We then went to a lounge area until the staff where satisfied that you where safe to go home. We both had to return for check up's which was all fine. We both could not believe how clearly we could see that first evening and being able to ditch our glasses. My wife and I would recommend Optegra to anybody who is considering lens replacement
Preeti Patey (17.11.2016 19:22)
My entire experience with Optegra was professional and caring. No pressure to commit to any procedure, and meeting the surgeon, Mr Subramaniam at the first free consultation was reassuring. The surgery was performed at a time to suit me, and everything was explained fully. I am very pleased with the outcome.
Tim R (02.11.2016 00:30)
I chose Optegra for LASIK eye surgery. I did extensive research and sought impartial advice from friends working as ophthalmic surgeons in the NHS. I chose Optegra Birmingham as it was closest to me. Mark Wevill was my surgeon and I could not have faulted him. He was happy to explain everything in great detail and offer advice about the choices I had for surgery. I felt supported all the way through the operation process by all staff. The results were incredible, my vision is now better than it was even with correction with glasses. The Optegra follow up was good and I have been told I can return in the future if I have any concerns. I have since recommended a friend who also had the surgery and she found it to be a great experience. Probably the best decision I have ever made in my life to have laser eye surgery. It has greatly improved my freedom to be anywhere at any time and have good vision.
Paul Ashcroft (31.10.2016 16:49)
On my fist visit I had intensive eye tests the result of which revealed detached retinas in both eyes which had been undetected for years.After having them repaired on the NHS I had both eyed corrected by Optegra I was able to discuss fully the operation the result of which it was decided that on my request one eye would be distant vision the other for near vision.The operation was apart from a few seconds painless and the aftercare excellent after two days I had good vision.A visit to my optician twelve months later revealed I had 20-20 vision in one eye and good reading vision in the other which I consider very good for a man of 80 years.
