Comments on: Which Laser Eye Clinic Should I Choose?

By: Dave Allamby

Dave Allamby — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:00:05 +0000

Louisa
Good question. When I am asked this it is important to clarify what we mean by ‘best clinics’. It usually means ‘where (or indeed who) should I go to?’ for my treatment. There are different factors here and different people rate them as more or less important according to their needs, so you have to think through what is important to you individually.
The main factors are the visual outcome; the price; safety; the laser technology used; the surgeon who will carry out the procedure/assessment; and the service/support offered by a clinic. Of course, these factors can also be inter-related.
However, as a general rule when asked I recommend femtosecond (blade-free, thin flap) wavefront LASIK as the procedure of choice for most patients, and surgeon-owned clinics/practices (for several reasons). The London-based centres that fit the above are Focus, London Vision Clinic, and Moorfields. Just outside London is also Centre for Sight.
Best regards, David

By: Louisa

Louisa — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:26:54 +0000

Could you please let me know which in your opinion are the best clinics in London. Thankyou.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:26:04 +0000

Hi Dave

Can you point me in the direction of where I can find clinical information about the Wavelight Allegretto? Also, assuming you were responsible for the purchase, why didn’t you choose the Concerto?

Do you publish specific statistics for all surgeons working at Focus?

Thanks

By: Lasik Reviews

Lasik Reviews — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:57:34 +0000

I would like to thank writer for writting this issues. I think that is the best lasik center, which apply FDA rules properly. Wavelight technology for custom lasik is also my best choice for getting good result from laser lasik eye surgery.

By: F.M. Jericho

F.M. Jericho — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:38:16 +0000

Hi Dave,

I was considering putting these comments in the ”Pedantic Corner” so to speak but have since found out that no-one I have spoken to could answer this issue with any clarity. I have been looking at a number of different clinics for treatment, many I have discounted for being tacky money making enterprises with staff who have no idea what they are talking about – I found this blog an interesting communication facility. I am a particle physicist, so my research has been fairly in-depth in the areas I understand a little about. I have narrowed the excimer laser to one only – Wavelight. I am undecided over the method of LASIK flap cut. The Femtosecond laser seemed far superior on first investigation, but the lack of data in comparison to the marketing has put me off a little. It would also seem that every clinic that has an option for Femtosecond laser also offers the micro-keratome. Why is this?

If the laser was so far superior to the blade, then surely no-one would use the blade anymore. It seems much more likely that there is little to no difference but marketing perhaps? When I saw Accuvision they made me aware of this glaringly obvious point – they have decided that their micro-keratomes are superior and stick with it instead of fudging between the two. I have since called Advance Vision Care since seeing your statement above and they concur.

I don’t mean to rant, but it would seem that the eye care world is satisfied that Wavefront is clearly superior and even you advise this method for all patients (I believe it is only Optical Express that still offer a non-wavefront treatment – but they are technologically inferior in any case). Does this mean that not everyone is agreed about LASIK flap cutting and the risks / complications that are associated with both of the methods?

Kind regards

Frank M. Jericho

By: Dave Allamby

Dave Allamby — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:18:25 +0000

Thanks James, but IMHO I fully disagree!! The US is held back by the FDA so Europe has the latest laser technology before the US does. Plus I just dont see French laser vision correction as anything special.
I do agree that some of our medical care within the NHS can be behind where it should be, but this does not apply to laser eye surgery, which is private.
We have several top class centres in the UK. We do have centres with the world’s best technology and some great surgeons.
But as you say, the quality is mixed and each person needs to look around.
Thanks for your comment!
Dave

By: James

James — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:59:27 +0000

I would recommend to choose a clinic in France or in the US. I have always found that the UK was behind on the medical side. Meanwhile if you can only stick to the UK, choose a clinic with a good reputation. Ask your friends if they know anyone who has had lasik surgery, and get in contact with them.
Also as said in this article, its preferable to go for a clinic which has the most recent laser technologies. Dont hesitate to ask them which method and lasers they use and then search on your side which is the newest and the more reliable.