About the Author

Mr. Dave Allamby FRCS FRCOphth is a London-based LASIK laser refractive surgeon and heads up FOCUS Laser Vision. You may have seen him on the This Morning TV show with Phillip Schofield and Fern Britton or read one of several articles in the national press, recently for treating rock giant Rick Wakeman and broadcaster Paul Ross. FOCUS is a world-leading clinic in the treatment of presbyopia, or age related loss of close vision and offers LASIK laser eye treatment for short sight or long sight.

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How Much Should You Pay for LASIK?

January 25th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under

Here you have a comparison of what LASIK costs at London LASIK clinics. You can see 4 typical prescriptions and what each clinic charges – and you will see the huge variation in LASIK laser eye surgery prices!

For example, for a simple -1 dioptre correction there is an enormous variation in LASIK cost. The lowest is £295 per eye for wavefront LASIK and £595 for femtosecond laser blade free LASIK at FOCUS Laser Vision (http://www.focusclinics.com). The highest are £2145 at Moorfields eye hopspital (www.moorfields.nhs.uk) and £2250 at Centre for Sight in East Grinstead (www.centreforsight.com).

All three centres offer fellowship-trained specialist NHS London teaching hospital consultant surgeons and advanced wavefront LASIK treatments. Yet the difference in price (money you will save) is up to £3,000-£4,000 for both eyes treated for a -1D correction. For an common prescription, e.g. -2.75/-1.50 x 90, you will still save up to £2,600 from the cheapest to most expensive. And this includes teaching hospital NHS consultant surgeons at both centres, plus the best blade free all laser LASIK option. It’s a remarkable price difference.

The chart below shows prices for wavefront keratome (mechanical) LASIK laser eye surgery. Optimax and Optical Express will charge approximately £300 more per eye for all laser blade free LASIK, as do FOCUS Laser Vision. London Vision Clinic and Centre for Sight include blade free in the prices shown. Ultralase only now offer blade free LASIK but curiously still offer non-wavefront treatments, and so are not in the chart below. They charge £1895 per eye for wavefront blade free LASIK.

Check out this chart for London centres. More on this coming soon. LASIK Prices London

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There Are 151 Responses So Far. »

Comment by David Woods on 2 April 2008:

Hi!
I see a comparison of costs on your website and I do know that each individual prescription will undoubtedly bring its own unique cost. Can you give me a ballpark figure, as in the examples given for the many laser-capable surguries in London, for a prescription of -6.75x-1.50×170. This is one of my eyes, however both eyes are similar in requirement and a ballpark fiqure would give me guidance on affordability.
Thank you
D K Woods
Comment by Dave Allamby on 2 April 2008:

Hi David. I have written a longer reply directly to you, but overall, you can expect to pay only £995 per eye for wavefront LASIK with this highish prescription. If you opt for advanced dual laser technology, the price would be a bit higher.
Dave Allamby
Comment by David Serra on 7 June 2008:

Hi David, I have just been to a consultation with Optical Express and they told me that the laser machine they are using is the only one in the world to treat 240 parts of the eyes instead of only 80 with the machine used by Focus clinic. My chances to get 20/20 with Optical Express are more higher than with any other clinics. Is that right?
Comment by Peter Trystek on 7 June 2008:

Hi David,

I have a low miopia -1.75 (both eyes), some doctors suggest me to go for a PRK or a LASEK, they said to me that lasik even with the ultralase option is for my case not the most appropriate option, moreover they say to me that Lasik in general is risker (because of flap).

Does Focus Clinic offers PRK and LASEK?
If yes what laser uses and what are is prices?

For low degree of miopia which tecnique is the most appropriate(for. till -3.00 degree of miopia)?

Thanks

Peter
Comment by Dave Allamby on 7 June 2008:

Dear Peter, thanks for your questions.
We do all procedures, including PRK/LASEK and LASIK. Prices vary according to prescription. For a plain -1.75 prescription, prices are:

£495 per eye for either PRK/LASEK or blade wavefront M-LASIK
£820 per eye for blade free all-laser wavefront Z-LASIK

Wavefront (superior vision) is included as standard. Most patients (90%) choose blade free LASIK which we have found to be very safe, now that the blade has been eliminated. I believe Optimax recommend PRK for lower levels of myopia, but we dont. The patient can choose the procedure that they want.

The final level of vision is the same for all procedures. You will see well within 4 hours from blade free Z-LASIK. PRK/LASEK will take about 4 days for your vision to recover, so you need sometimes a week off work with this option, plus with the post-op pain, this is not so popular. LASIK is pretty much pain free.

Hope this helps
David
Comment by Omer on 15 June 2008:

Hi David,

Could you tell me what would be the cost of an M-Lasik and Z-Lasik treatment at your clinic for a -5.00 x -0.25 prescription (both eyes)?
Also, could you point me to any literature available on the advantages (or disadvantages) of the blade free treatment versus traditional LASIK?
Many thanks!

Omer
Comment by Dave Allamby on 16 June 2008:

Hi Omer, yes can let you have the prices, no problem.

No problem. Based on those numbers, wavefront M-LASIK (keratome) would be per eye:

FOCUS Laser Vision: £895

As a comparison for the same prescription:
Optical Express: £1295
Optimax: £1,295
Ultralase: £1,945 (dual laser)
Moorfields Eye Hospital: £2,145

If you want the safer dual laser (blade free) wavefront Z-LASIK, prices per eye are:

FOCUS Laser Vision: £1220

As a comparison for the same prescription:
Optical Express: £1,595
Optimax: £1,685
Ultralase: £1,945
Moorfields Eye Hospital: £2,145

Recent research from the USA comparing blade free (femtosecond laser) versus traditional blade LASIK showed better vision results with more patients getting better than 20/20 with the femtosecond laser blade free approach. According to the report 18% more patients who had the blade free correction were seeing better than 20/20 one week after surgery:

# In a study of different methods to create the LASIK flap, 370 naval personnel underwent bilateral (both eyes) wavefront-guided LASIK with either the femtosecond laser (blade free) or microkeratome blade. One week after surgery more than 76 percent of femtosecond laser patients achieved an uncorrected visual acuity of at least 20/16 (better than 20/20) compared to only 58 percent of microkeratome patients

Hope this helps!

Dave
Comment by Maggie on 7 August 2008:

Dear Dr Allamby,

I have read about the Intralase Lasik and it seems to be safer than the traditional Lasik procedure with the mechanical flap cut.
At this stage, can you confirm if you offer the Intralase Lasik, and a can you provide me with a quote for the following:
Age: 37
Right Sphere: -3.25
Left Sphere: -3.25, Cylinder: -0.25, Axis: 80

Also, due to the competitive offers available in the market (mostly led by Optimax), at this stage, do you envisage offering competitive prices to beat the competition and increase your client portfolio?

Many Thanks

Maggie
Comment by Dave Allamby on 7 August 2008:

Hi Maggie
Yes, femtosecond lasers appear to be safer than mechanical blade cut techniques ( I will be posting on this topic very soon).
There are now four lasers available for blade free LASIK, and the Intralase machine was the first. However, we have bought the next generation Swiss Ziemer laser which appears to us to be superior in performance. But both will do a very good job of creating a LASIK flap without need for a blade.

Curiously your prescription is identical to another just posted from Paula…
If you opt for blade free wavefront LASIK the price per eye will be £1020, or £795 for blade wavefront LASIK.

…and our client portfolio is heavily booked up so we wont lower these excellent prices further! I suggest booking soon as the prices will go up after September.
Thanks
Dave
Comment by Maggie on 7 August 2008:

Dear Dr Allamby,

Thanks for your prompt response.
In order to have a definitive result that will not trigger a re-operation which procedure do you suggest? From your articles it sounds as if the blade free procedure offers better vision with a lower risk, but I wonder if the blade wavefront LASIK has additional benefits, apart from being cheaper.

As for my prescription details, my apologies, I actually copied and pasted your previous blogger’s details (Paula) to make my life easier and overtype mine, but I sent you my details before actually editing the coordinates. Please let me know if the quote changes greatly.
These are:
Right eye: Sphere: -3.25, Cylinder: 0.50
Left eye: Sphere: -4.75, Cylinder: 0.25, Axis: 80
Age: still 37

With many thanks for your feedback.

Maggie Septe
Comment by Dave Allamby on 7 August 2008:

hi Maggie
We are compiling results right now for blade free laser flaps versus blade flaps. Early results are fairly compelling in that the results are significantly more accurate with less chance of a re-do procedure, vision settles more quickly and there seems to be less dryness afterwards.
Further, the thin laser flaps leave the eye stronger and will heal more strongly. We will continue to gather data on both methods so we make our decision on a scientific basis. I dont see any advantages beyond price for choosing a blade (keratome) flap cut.
I will post more on this topic next week.
For you numbers, the right eye looks the same at £1020 for bladeless wavefront LASIK, where the worse left eye will be £100 (maybe £200) more, depending on what we measure at your consultation.
Please quote LT01 if you would like a free consultation with us.
Thanks
Dave
Comment by Anne Segenhout on 11 August 2008:

Dear Dr. Allamby,

I have been looking at the Focus website and wonder if you could advise me if you have any treatment that will be suitable for my requirements. I am aged 61, started wearing reading glasses at approx. the age of 47, and was advised to start wearing glasses for TV and driving approximately 3 years ago. My last prescription for my right eye was Sph:distance +1.25 and near +3.50. Cyl: distance and near -0.25. Axis: distance and near 75.0. My left eye was Sph: distance +1.50 and near +3.75. Cyl: distance and near both -0.50. Axis: distance and near both 90.0 I would like to have the latest no-blade lazer treatment and my dream would be not to have to wear glasses for reading or driving etc. Is this possible and what sort of cost am I looking at – hopefully, also taking advantage of your special offer for treatment of surgery date before end of Sepember, 08, as I am available for treatment at any time, as I am retired.

Look forward to your comments.

Anne.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 12 August 2008:

Hi Anne
thank you for your message.
Your prescription does fall in the range of who we can often help. I have treated many similar prescription in patients of a similar age.
I can tell you more accurately after a consultation of course but based on your numbers, there is no obvious reason to not look further.

Prices for treatment depend on the prescription and the outcome desired. Our lowest prices are for short sight (glasses for e.g. driving etc) and these are the ones that will be going up.

You have long sight as well as reading trouble so we would want to fix two problems at the same time, aiming to clear both the distance AND reading vision.

TO just correct your distance vision would be around £1100 per eye for blade wavefront LASIK or about £1500 per eye for blade free wavefront LASIK.

To correct distance and reading would be, per eye, £1695 for wavefront LASIK with a blade, or £1995 for dual laser blade free LASIK.

These prices are not changing at present so no need to rush in. I have a waiting time for surgery now of about two months as we are heavily booked.

If you would like a consultation at FOCUS, just quote LT01 and then there is no charge for that.

Thanks for your mail

David
Comment by Tim Whitfield on 12 August 2008:

Any chance of putting on the webpage a little “Calculator” type package so we could pop in our pre-scriptions and get a quote.This would free you up as you spend a lot of time answering these questions and we could ask you more interesting things.It would also be more useful for us and the potential customers.Thanks Tim
Comment by Dave Allamby on 12 August 2008:

hi Tim
Yes, it can be a good idea and would certainly save me some time.

I find the comparison with other centres also very useful for patients. Ultralase and Optimax, as well as pretty much all other centres, make their price (one price for all prescriptions mainly) available on their respective sites.

The main exception appears to be Optical Express where it seems nigh on impossible to get the prescription price from the call centre before attending for a consultation.

So it is not easy to be sure of every prescription, but we have lots of people who have already had a consult at OE and found that the price is higher than they expected – and end up coming for surgery with us. So we have lots of data points to put that together, but would need a rider to say only OE can confirm a price and ours would be assumptive and for guidance only.

Please call OE if you like and let me know if you have success or not getting a quote over the phone.

At FOCUS, we have one price only for when we combine reading and distance corrections for those age 45+, either £1695 for M-LASIK and £1995 for Z-LASIK, so that one’s easy.

We do a prescription based model for distance vision correction for either short or long sight, and we have our starting price on the Treatment & Costs page. We start at £295 for myopia and £995 for hyperopia (long sight). NOTE: some of our prices will certainly be going up in September, as we are cheaper for some prescriptions compared to the competition. We need to make it more realistic going forward.

It would be fairly easy to code for a “Enter Your Prescription Here” box, and also present prices at other London clinics plus the money saved by choosing FOCUS.

Hope that (longer than planned!) answer helps…! Would you mind if I posted this reply to you on the main blog?

Dave

P.S. We DO INVITE everyone to let us have the prescription first so that we can quote over the phone and save people a journey if it looks too expensive. It just wastes everyone’s time otherwise and can build bad feeling.
Comment by Paula on 16 August 2008:

Dear Dr Allamby,

a while ago I wrote to the blog to enquire about the IntraLasik with the femtosecond technology; as a result I booked a consultation. On our correspondence I provided you with my prescription details, for which I obtained a quote. As I have been wearing contact lenses for 20 yeas (a mixture of PMMAs and Gas Permeables) it’s safe for me to wait 8 weeks before the consultation, which takes me to October.

Yesterday, however, I have received your newsletter stating that prices will probably go up in September, which puts me in a position of disadvantage due to the time I have to wait before the operation. On this basis, can you tell me if the prices you quoted me are likely to change?

With many thanks for your kind reply.
Paula
Comment by Gavin on 16 August 2008:

As a 48 year-old GP I’m a nervous prospect for Lasik but find the tone of your site and straightforward answers refreshing in a hype-filled field. My script is -5.00/-0.25 and -4.75/-0.75 with no near vision problems so far. This seems to fit your range so wonder what technique you would recommend and how much it might cost…and what the thoughts are on best options for divers/windsurfers. Thanks for any advice.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 18 August 2008:

Hi Paula
No problem if we asked you to wait because of the contact lenses. We will defintely honour the old price for you.
Perhaps you could print this page and bring along on your treatment day so that there is no confusion on the treatment fee.
thanks
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 18 August 2008:

Hi Gavin
Hope the GP world is treating you well. Have treated quite a few medics and they do tend to the nervous side! The blade free dual laser LASIK will give you the safest approach.

You are very close to presbyopia so would likely need LASIK blended vision to give good distance and near. You would likely need reading glasses very soon after the op if we just correct the distance vision.

But the choice would be your yours. Dual laser blended vision for distance AND near correction is £1995 per eye. If you opt for distance vision correction and are happy to wear reading glasses, the price would be around £1220 per eye, for the next month. The latter price will increase a bit in mid Sept.

Hope this helps

Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 18 August 2008:

Hi Maggie
sorry for the delay, as away on hols still.
The prices for you prescription, approx, likely to be £1020 for one eye and £1120 for the other (worse) eye.
Prices going up mid Sept but can hold if you have your consult prior to then, even if treatment not taken place.
thanks

Dave
Comment by Tim Whitfield on 18 August 2008:

Thank you for the reply.Please feel free to post what ever you want.
Tim
ps can you run a comptetion for free treatment maybe you could draw a picture and the person who comes up with the best caption could win a free treatment or some vouchers for 20 – 50% off for example.Just a thought as i like entering competitions.
Comment by Francesco on 13 September 2008:

Hi,

I have mild astigmatism with no long or short sight. Is Lasik suitable for this?

Would you be able to give me a rough quote for blade free Wavefront Z-Lasik?
I’m 36 and my prescription is:
R Sph: plano, Cyl: -2.25, Axis: 100
L Sph: plano, Cyl: -1.75, Axis: 80

I’m a computer programmer and I normally work longish hours 10-11 per day. How much time away from work would you recommend after having the surgery?

Final question; the FDA results list Wavefront Optimized and Wavefron Guided separately. What is the difference and which do you recommend?

many thanks,
Francesco
Comment by Dave Allamby on 16 September 2008:

Dear Franceso
Yes, Z-LASIK is suitable for your prescription and you would need one day for the surgery and the next day for the post op check. you can go back to work straight after that.
Optimized treatment works best for most prescriptions. You will get more info at the consultation.
Pls call to FOCUS on 0845 5000 500 and they can help with pricing directly.
regards
David
Comment by John Clarke on 27 September 2008:

Dear Mr Allamby

I’m impressed by the professionalism and your transparent (no pun intended) approach on this and the focusclinics.com site. I’m considering blade-free Z-lazik with you. I do have two questions to which I can’t find an answer however:

First, what is the aftercare deal – in other words, should re-treatment be necessary, either immediately or some years later (other than due to presbyopia), what guarantees do you offer?

Second, I’m approaching 40, have mild short sight (-0.75 and -1.5) and no sign so far of presbyopia. I understand that treatment will effectively hasten its onset however since my short sight will no longer be available to balance the ageing lens and muscle. What is a realistic strategy, thinking say 5-10 years ahead – get treatment now based on my current script, and accept it’ll be reading glasses later, consider a second treatment when the time comes, or what?

Thanks for your help
John
Comment by Dave Allamby on 27 September 2008:

Thanks for your kind words John!
If your -1.5 eye is the dominant one (we will test for that) then you might just treat that eye and leave the -0.75 alone to help with presbyopia in your 40s. You compromise a bit on the best distance vision, but only a bit, and it would keep you out of reading glasses until around 50. You could then have the -0.75 eye treated to boost the reading.
We follow all patients for 1 year and any adjustments are usually around 12 weeks after LASIK (with our Z-LASIK blade free technology enhancements are now pretty rare). Myopic corrections are very stable at this level so I wouldnt expect to do anything again to your distance eye. Presbyopia will be the issue for you.
Hope that helps
David
Comment by Stephanie on 5 October 2008:

Hi Dave,
I have been reading your questions and answers page and no-one seems to have a + prescription. My right eye is sphere +4.25, cylinder -0.75, axis 85 and my left eye is sphere +4.50, cylinder -0.50, axis 120 which I think will be for distance and both eyes are plus 2.00 for close work. This is my latest prescription, tested in June this year. I have varifocal lenses. What sort of cost would I be looking at for both distance correcion and also distance plus reading correction?

Thanks

Steph.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 5 October 2008:

hi Steph
You have a very high long sighted prescription as I am sure you know! Laser correction here is best aimed at distance correction as the reading benefit does tend to decrease with time because of the extreme correction needed. Can I ask please how old you are?! Dave
Comment by Kat on 6 October 2008:

I am a middle class working 33-year old (Somerset) and dream of having my short sight corrected. I am shocked how much this cost as advertising is always so optimistic and when you look into it truth is totally different, sadly. It’ s so painfull to see all those thousants of people being able to afford it and I can’t. Laser eye surgery has been around for years now and so I would expect the prices to go down – but instead you have increased yours. I never thought I was poor but this has opened my eyes and made me realised I simply can not afford it althought millions can. Where do people get money for it? And where is the justice when us, who were born shortsighted, have to pay thousands just be be closer to normal??? So not fair…
David, have you got an idea, if the prices will go down in the future?
Comment by Stephanie on 6 October 2008:

Hi Dave,

I’m 52. Does this mean that I won’t be suitable for the treatment?

Steph.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 10 October 2008:

hi Steph
if we aim for distance vision correction you will be happy with the result of laser eye surgery. this is £1845 per eye. if we aim also for reading vision correction, you will initially be good for both close and far, but as you have a bad degree of long sight and you are only 52, it is highly likely that your eyes will continue to get worse and you would loose that reading benefit. so better not to try to do something that will not last long. the distance improvement will be more effective but your eyes have not finished getting worse i am afraid.
the other option is to go for reading/distance lens implants in both eyes, similar to a cataract operation, and long sighted patients are usually happier with that approach overall. More expensive operation which is done in a hospital theatre. Costs are £3000 per eye for multifocal reading implants.
Hope that explains more!
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 10 October 2008:

Dear Kat
Even though we have the UK’s best prices, overall all laser eye surgery prices are increasing. The cost of new technology to give you better and safer surgery is very high and needs to be constantly updated.
For example, laser clinics used to need one laser at a cost of £1/3 million. Now they need two to offer blade free dual laser LASIK, total cost £2/3 million and treatment prices are no different on average to back in 2000. In a nutshell it costs a lot to do this type of treatment and costs are only increasing. The benefit of that though: highly accurate treatments with better safety than ever before.
At FOCUS, we made a decision to buy the very best technology and to bring that to the UK at the lowest price so that more people could afford to get fantastic levels of surgeon, service and technology, all without compromise. That is not hype. It is just what we have wanted to do.
But all of that does cost and has to be paid for. And no government bail-outs for anyone in healthcare! Unlike some banks we have to be prudent, cautious and look after our customers without risk so that we will be here next week, next month and next year and still here for our patients.
Price wars in the US a few years ago meant cheaper surgery at first. Then lots of bankrupt clinics closing with patients having to pay all over again in order to get their aftercare. Not a good result for patients in the end.
Regards
Dave
Comment by susan janneh on 11 October 2008:

I am interested in blended vision surgery. I tried monovision contact lenses and found medium distance fine but neither close up or far sight good enough. Are much better results achieved with blended vision particularly near sight? My last prescription taken 2/4/08 was R eye sph -3.50 cyl -2.25 axis 90 L eye sph -5.00 cyl -0.75 axis 85 and both eyes add +1.75
The eye test before this was on 22/12/06 and was R -4.00, -1.00, 105 and L -5.00, -.50, 91 both add near +1.75
Have I left it long enough to check whether my prescription is stable enough to have a consultation? ( I am planning to come to London at the end of October.)
Regards
Comment by Stephanie on 11 October 2008:

Hi Dave,

Thanks very much for your honesty. I have been in touch with Paula and have arranged for a consultation which I know will give me more information. Is it possible that you may find that my eyes aren’t as bad as my prescription states? I was looking forward to doing without glasses completely but it appears I will still need them for work. Can I just ask how you come to a cost for laser surgery? Isn’t the treatment the same for ie, all Wavefront or all Lasik or all Lasek? I can understand the high prices for the RLE due to the nature of the surgery but I just assumed that the laser treatment came in bands depending on the type of treatment rather than how bad my eyesight is.
Many thanks.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 11 October 2008:

Hi Steph

Thanks for booking in. You will get an very comprehensive set of tests and we can confirm your prescription. If you can see well with your current glasses then that prescription will be very close to your true measurements. It will be checked FOUR times with us anyway, at your appointment,and twice again before the actual surgery!

For LASIK pricing, there are two common ways to charge. The first is 1 price for all prescriptions – in effect the lower prescriptions are subsidising the higher more difficult cases. The second method, used by ourselves and some others, is to charge based upon the prescription. So the easier the treatment and the simpler the case, the less that patient pays – and vice versa. This seems the fairer way overall.

Also, younger patients (who are mainly short sighted) generally have less money and so can more easiy afford to have laser eye treatment with FOCUS, as their prescriptions come in at a lower rate. Long sighted treatments are more complex (we specialise in these, unlike most clinics) and are more expensive. These patients are typically in the 40s and 50s and often can often afford a bit higher price.

I know it sounds rather like Robin Hood(!) but allows more people to get a superb level of treatment with a very experienced surgeon, with lots more time in a relaxed clinic, away from a high-volume quick turnaround setup.

I really have tried to make top-end ‘Harley Street’ laser eye treatment available to more people, hopefully in a fairer way. I wish everyone with glasses could afford to come for treatment but, if you see my answer to Kat above, this is not likely to happen.

Best regards

Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 11 October 2008:

Hi Susan
Your right eye prescription has changed significantly, whereas the left appears stable. The astigmatism (irregularity) in your right eye prescription increased from 1 unit to 2.25 units over 18 months to April 08. Usually this is related to contact lenses so I would need to know more about whether you were wearing lenses in Dec 06 through to April 08 and if not, when did you stop wearing them? There are other problems that can happen with the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) to cause increasing astigmatism, and we would need to exclude those.
Basically, let me know the history of your contact lens use and then I can advise you better about the likelihood of you being stable enough for laser treatment. We really need to do a consultation with special scans to know more.
Also, having significant astigmatism makes a blended vision trial quite difficult and would diminish likely success of contact lens monovision. However, a failed contact lens monovision trial does not mean that blended vision wont work. I have done plenty of patients who didn’t get on with lens monovision but who were delighted with blended vision. Contrary to a widely held view amongst eye clinicians, contact lens trials for monovision are not overly helpful for laser eye surgery blended vision.
If you are happy to get good distance vision and wear reading glasses as needed then that simplifies everything. You could have laser blended vision and if you didn’t ultimately get on with it, you could have an enhancement so both eyes are then focused for distance vision and go back to only reading glasses.
If you are determined that you only want surgery to get rid of all glasses for everything and wouldn’t be happy to still need reading glasses, then it will be hard to promise that result.
Still, the main thing is first to work out what is going on with your increasing astigmatism. Pls book in for a consultation at FOCUS.
Regards
Dave
Comment by Chris on 12 October 2008:

Hi I am 24 and I am looking into getting laser surgery for my short sightedness. Can you give me a rough quote please.. I am a bit conufused with the different procedures

My prescription is R -3.00SPH -0.25CYL 35.0 Axis
L -3.00SPH -0.50CYL 130.0 Axis

Thanks in advance
Comment by Dave Allamby on 12 October 2008:

Dear Chris
You want to look at safety, always. For that choose blade-free dual laser LASIK (flap created without a blade, no real post op pain, good vision in about 3-4 hours) or PRK (surface laser, no flap, but painful after for 2 days and takes 5-7 days for vision to recover).

Always get the wavefront option which will give you better high definition vision and night vision.
Blade free wavefront LASIK is the most popular version – better vision and no blade. At FOCUS, all our treatments are wavefront.

If price is a big issue, you could go for PRK instead – this is a surface laser correction. Need a few days off work and can be pretty painful afterwards. Not very popular compared to LASIK

Prices for your numbers are the same for each eye:
Blade free dual laser wavefront LASIK = £1145 per eye
Wavefront PRK = £795 per eye

If you can afford it, go for the blade free LASIK option, wavefront included. Patients love it. You may be suitable for financing through FOCUS if you want to spread the payments.
Regards
Dave
Comment by ali on 14 October 2008:

i am thinking about lazer treatment but because of money worries can’t go ahead
my prescripition is -6.00 and -7.75 how much will it cost me
Comment by Una on 14 October 2008:

Hi

Thinking of having lasik blade free. Been short-sighted since 11y/o with age-related long-sightedness (onset 2 yrs). Have tried monovision with lenses but not hugely successful. My current lenses are not optimal for either correcting myopia or as monovision – been wearing these for 11/12 now so time for review anyway. Prior to the age-related changes my myopia script was pretty much unchanged for many years.

I’d probably go for the myopia correction but haven’t totally ruled out the blended vision option. Would I still be suitable for surgery even though not ’stable’ as such because optician has varied script for monovision?

Thanks
Comment by Dave Allamby on 15 October 2008:

Dear Ali
Based on your numbers (need to confirm at consultation) wavefront M-LASIK would be £1095 for one eye and £1195 for the other (worse) eye. If you would like advanced blade free wavefront LASIK just add £350 per eye.
Thanks
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 15 October 2008:

Hi Una
Yes, as long as your myopia is stable, you could be fine for laser eye treatment, depending on a full exam and consultation of course. We will look then at how you would handle blended vision and advise you.
I certainly have successfully treated patients with blended vision who did not do that well with contact lens monovision. Best choice is to come for a consultation to get a better understanding of you and your eyes.
Thanks for writing
Dave
Comment by Vikki Horrocks on 16 October 2008:

Hi,

I just wanted to say a great big thank you. You operated on my eyes last week and they are fantastic… I have recommended this to several people i work with ( at Southend hospital), all of who’m will be in touch shortly!

It is so lovely to be able to wake up and see an alarm clock and i cannot thank you enough for this.

Once again, thank you so much…

With Kind regards

Vikki.
Comment by Kay on 17 October 2008:

Hi Dave

I am exploring having laser surgery and was hoping you could clarify a few points for me please?

Both Optimax and Optical Express suggested that I go for blade free Wavefront treatment, but also said I could opt for the cheaper treatments. If technology is now more advanced and the blade free method is considered safer how is it ethical to allow patients to opt for a sub-standard treatment?

Statistics published on complications and results achieved seem to be quite limited (i.e based on a small amount of patients compared to the 2 million a year having treatment)but overall (from my limited reading) there does not appear to be that much difference between microkeratome Lasik and blade free Lasik. Is there any studies or statistic that you can point me in the direction of to support either treatment?

At a third consultation (at the Birkdale Clinic) the surgeon strongly recommended Lasek over Lasik on the grounds of biomechanical stability. (This is a link to an article on this subject for anybody else researching this subject http://www.otmagazine.co.uk/articles/docs/98b3f4f1a6338c3d722db8ec550fab58_shah20030613.pdf) The same surgeon also suggested after my eye exam that Wavefront treatment for me would not necessarily offer any additional benefits.

Im now completely confused as I can’t work out whether the first mentioned clinics are trying to sell me the most expensive treatment to get more money or if the Birkdale is behind on the technology front. (The Birkdale do offer Wavefront Lasik and Lasek but not blade free).

Do you think some clinics are pushing the more expensive treatments to pay for the lasers they have already invested without the evidence being conclusive at this stage as to whether it will achieve better results?

Finally when I rang Focus to obtain some information I was told that you would probably not even treat my right eye as the prescription is too low. My prescription is

RIGHT SPH -050 CYL -075 AXIS 110
LEFT SPH -025 CYL -225 AXIS 90

Obviously there is a huge difference between £0 to not treat the eye and £1700 at other clinics. Is there any way to get independent advice (outside of the clinics selling the procedure) on what the best treatment for me is?

Apologies for the extremely long post

Kind regards

Kay
Comment by Dave Allamby on 17 October 2008:

Hi Vikki
Delighted to be able to help. Please enjoy your new high-definition eyes!
The surgery is so quick, isn’t it?!
Warm regards
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 17 October 2008:

Hi Kay
Great questions! Thank you! In fact, I liked them so much I will write a series of answers over the next 3-4 days as blog posts to cover all your points, entitled ‘Kay’s Questions” !
Series starts tomorrow. How does that sound?

Best regards

Dave
Comment by Thanh on 25 October 2008:

Hi Dave,

I’ve been quoted £3,200 from Optical Exp. for the Intralase, Lasik Wavefront. This was recommended by friends who had treatment done there, I dont know anyone how has been to Focus. But from what I have read from this website, I could get the same treatment (Z Lasik) and save money, I am confused on how the price could vary so much. Can you give me a 2nd opinion quote.

Right eye: Sphere: -5.25, Cylinder: 0.50 Axis: 180
Left eye: Sphere: -5.00, Cylinder: 0.25, Axis: 160

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks.

Thanh
Comment by Cathy McBain on 25 October 2008:

Dear Dave

I am thinking of having Lasik surgery. However I will be going travelling for three months to Asia two months after the Lasik operation. Is this safe and do you think this is a sensible decision?

Thanks for your help.

Cathy
Comment by Dave Allamby on 25 October 2008:

Hi Cathy
I remember traveling in Asia. Fantastic experience so pls enjoy! Yes, you will be fine two months after LASIK so no reason not to go ahead with your trip.
Have fun!
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 25 October 2008:

hi Thanh
Yes, our Z-LASIK is similar to Optical Express’s Intralase wavefront treatment. We use the Ziemer laser instead of the Intralase for the flap part and for me it is better technology, but no major difference from your point of view in the experience of the surgery. Both those lasers will do a great job of a blade free flap creation. For the second stage of the procedure, reshaping the cornea, our vision laser is German rather than American. But again, both good machines.

For price, based on your numbers which we can confirm at consultation, OE is about £1600 per eye whereas FOCUS is £1345 per eye so you will save £500.

Why the difference in price? We grow by word of mouth and don’t spend the millions that OE need to do to feed and grow their many clinics. We are a single specialist clinic with NHS teaching hospital corneal consultant surgeons and also deal in corneal diseases, glaucoma etc – OE just isn’t the same kind of centre; they are a commercial laser eye clinic. I have set our prices below OE exactly because I want patients to be able to get Harley Street specialist consultant quality at an affordable price.

If you come along for a consult, you will definitely see the difference at our centre! It is quite special.

Take care, Dave
Comment by JennyW on 28 October 2008:

Dear Dave. I have been to both Ultralase and Optical Express for my consultations and still so very worried that it will not work for me. I appreciate there are many people who it has worked for but also there are people it is has not been so great for. I have been recommended your clinic so would be interested to come along for a consultation however I would be interested to meet with the surgeon as part of the consultation – is this possible? Thank you.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 28 October 2008:

hi Jenny
Yes, definitely, you can always meet your surgeon as part of the consultation. Can give you a straight assessment of success etc. You can meet with either myself, Mr Ali Mearz or another of our NHS consultant specialists. Pls just confirm when you book in that you would like to be able to talk with the consultant when you attend. Pls call and talk with Paula on 0845 5000 500.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Asif on 28 October 2008:

Hi David

My brother and I I’ve been wanting to get wavefornt LASIK eye surgery for the last 5years. We have been at least a couple of times to various clinics, (Optical Express, Ultralase, Optimax) over the years and every time they have said both my brothers and my corneas are too thin.

Now we hear about the bladeless Lasik and we really want to go for it. My prescription is:
RIGHT
Sph: -5.5
Cyl: -1.75
Axis: 175

LEFT
Sph: -6.00
Cyl: -1.25
Axis: 10

How much would it cost and was is the success rate? My brother has a similar prescription is there a discount available for 2 simultaneous bookings?

Thanks for everything, great site.

–
Asif
Comment by Dave Allamby on 28 October 2008:

Dear Asif
thank for your mail. Honestly, if you were told that your corneas were too thin for LASIK by multiple clinics, you are likely still to thin, even for blade-free Z-LASIK. I presume these other clinics offered PRK (LASEK) also? Were you too thin for that as well?
Regards
Dave
Comment by Asif on 28 October 2008:

Hi Dave

Oh you have dashed my hopes. I was so optimistic about this blade free option

My optimism was fueled by the comment on the OE website it says:
IntraLase is of particular benefit to patients with steep, flat or thin corneas, some of whom are not eligible for LASIK/LASEK surgery performed with a standard microkeratome.
http://uk.opticalexpress.com/laser-eye-surgery/intralase.html

The last time my brother and I went was probably over 2years ago. They did offer PRK LASEK. But the blade free option I’m sure was not available then.

I thought the blade free option would allow you to reduce the amount of corneal tissue you would have to cut through, hence people with thinner corneas could be treated.
Comment by Asif on 28 October 2008:

Hi Dave

Ok I will book an appointment to come to your clinic. My main concern was the longer downtime with PRK and also I imagine surgeons do fewer PRK ops so they may not be as experienced with this technique (so more prone to error?). The particular surgeon at optimax I went to who suggested PRK, just did not fill me with confidence when I quizzed him on his experience of PRK. Could you explain to me if my concerns are justified and if so how experienced are you and your team in PRK?

Somebody also told me that after laser eye surgery you are recommended not do any contact sports again. I play a lot of sport, football, squash etc, so it would be good to know where you stand on this.

Thanks for all your help.

–
Asif
Comment by Dave Allamby on 28 October 2008:

Hi Asif
If you do a lot active sports, PRK is a better option as there is no risk to a flap later on. In terms of doing the surgery, actually, PRK is technically an easier operation to do than LASIK. However, at FOCUS we have a huge amount of experience with this technique. Prior to the arrival of thin flap femtosecond laser flaps, we were one of the advocates of surface laser techniques, so we have done a LOT.
You will certainly be in very good hands.
Regards
Dave
Comment by Cathy McBain on 29 October 2008:

Hi Dave

Can you please tell me more about the drops you need to put in after Lasik surgery – what type they are, and how long you need to put them in. I would like to know the full aftercare regimen before I go ahead.

With thanks

Cathy
Comment by Dave Allamby on 29 October 2008:

Hi Cathy
You will use two kinds of drops for 5 days after LASIK. One is a broad spectrum antibiotic (called Exocin) to protect against infection and the other is a steroid to reduce inflammation (called Pred Forte, contains prednisolone). After this time you can use artificial tear drops if the eyes feel dry, but not everyone needs those.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Andrea on 2 November 2008:

Hi Dave
I am booked in to have z lasik with you this Thursday having previously been told my cornea were too thin for Lasik and would have to have Lasek. This bothered me because of the additional downtime. I am a keen horsewoman and am now concerned that this is classed as a contact sport so I would again be unsuitable for Lasik. Can you let me know what you think please?

Thanks
Andrea
Comment by Dave Allamby on 2 November 2008:

Hi Andrea
Yes, I looked through your scans and numbers and thin flap Z-LASIK is fine, still with a wide safety margin, so there is no need to switch over to LASEK. Its one of the benefits of moving away from the thicker flaps from blade LASIK.
Contact sports include those activities where there is the possibility of repeated direct physical blows to the face, such as boxing, martial arts, rugby, etc. I don’t put horse riding in that group.
I am a cautious and conservative surgeon but I think you can safely benefit from Z-LASIK.
Hope that was helpful. Please let me know if you want more information.
Regards
Dave
Comment by Andrea on 2 November 2008:

Thanks Dave

Look forward to seeing you on Thursday – I can’t wait although feeling a little apprehensive about the procedure. Just one more question, will I be able to go back to work after my appointment on
Friday morning?

Thanks
Andrea
Comment by Dave Allamby on 2 November 2008:

No problem Andrea. And don’t worry, it will be much easier and simpler than you imagine! Yes, you can go back to work after the one day check up.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Andrea on 2 November 2008:

See you on Thursday afternoon then!
Best regards
Andrea
Comment by Andrea on 2 November 2008:

Hi Dave

I have a couple more questions if that’s OK. How long after surgery will I be able to resume running and horse riding and will it be OK to muck out my horses stable if I wear protective googles like swimming goggles? She is on a low dust paper pulp bedding.

Thanks again
Andrea
Comment by Dave Allamby on 2 November 2008:

Hi Andrea
Running and horse riding is OK after 7 days. You should avoid dust and dirt also for 7 days. Please do not wear the tight small style of swimming goggles during the first 2 weeks as they can put the eye under high suction… best avoided! It is OK to use the large mask type of goggles if you need to go into the stables during the first week, but definitely do NOT go there during the first two days under any circumstances.
Regards
Dave
Comment by Andrea on 2 November 2008:

Thanks Dave
Andrea
Comment by James Wong on 3 November 2008:

Hi Dave

Could you confirm whether it is possible to have LASIK if I have moderate dry eye which prevents me from wearing contact lenses? Is it a general recommedation to not have LASIK if one has dry eye and would this cause any problems post surgery?
My concern is that I have read on some websites that dry eye is a contraindication to having laser eye surgery as surgery would exacerbate an already present condition?

Thanks

James
Comment by Dave Allamby on 4 November 2008:

Hi James
Laser eye surgery will increase dryness for typically 6-12 months after treatment. So that can increase some pre-existing dryness. It all depends on how dry the eyes are and what kind of dryness it is (yes, there are different kinds!). We do have a range of measures to increase lubrication of the cornea however so often we are still able to treat. Sometimes we start a few weeks before LASIK to get the eyes ready, depending on the case.
So certainly worthwhile getting seen and we can advise you better. I have done lots of cases with moderate dryness who have done just fine. So, as long as we manage it appropriately doesn’t have to be a problem but all are measured on a case by case basis.
Thanks
Dave
Comment by Andrea on 7 November 2008:

Hi Dave
Just wanted to say a massive thank you for my z-lasik treatment which I recieved yesterday. The whole process was painless from start to finish even though, as you are well aware I was really nervous!. Today, when I had my check up, I had better than 20/20 vision in both eyes! What is more, I can read smallish print (the newspaper) without my reading glasses – which I couldn’t do with my contact lenses. I can’t thank you enough.
My husband is having his consultation next Tuesday and hopes to get his eyes done before we go skiing in December.
Thank you so much again
Warmest wishes
Andrea
Comment by Dave Allamby on 7 November 2008:

My pleasure Andrea!
Comment by Boris on 7 November 2008:

Dear David. I’ve been considering treatment for a few months now but am concerned about over and under correction. I realise with under correction that retreatment can be done, however is there anything that can be done for over correction?

Do you have any figures for your clinic for over and under corrections? Thank you.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 7 November 2008:

Yes, Boris, all over- and under-corrections can be treated easily. In fact, the whole treatment can be reversed. The move over to the Ziemer blade free system (Z-LASIK) has dramatically reduced the need to re-do LASIK treatments. Most clinics quote enhancement rates of around 5% BUT with Z-LASIK for short-sight I have only had to adjust one case in the last 200, so that’s a 0.5% rate. Without any hype or spin, that’s just very impressive and a great step forward.
Regards
Dave
Comment by Andrea on 8 November 2008:

Hi Dave

Perhaps you could give me a small piece of advise? My eyelashes are now crusty I think due to the vast amount of drops that I am putting in my eyes on a regular basis! What is the best way of cleaning them?
Many thanks
Andrea
Comment by Dave Allamby on 8 November 2008:

Hi Andrea – it’s the steroid drops that do that. They are a suspension of white powder in water and leave white deposits on the lashes. You can GENTLY clean the lower lashes with a moistened cotton bud while pulling the lid downwards away from the eye. Do not try to clean the upper lashes for the time being as you can put pressure on the cornea. You will stop the drops in three days time and can clean the lashes more then. Enjoy your new vision!
Dave
Comment by Boris on 8 November 2008:

Thanks for that David and you have some impressive stats there. Just one thing though, how can the treatment be fully reversible if the laser takes away cells during the original procedure? To reverse the treatment, does the laser reshape again? I’m a little confused. thanks.
Comment by Julia Bicker on 8 November 2008:

Dear David. I attended your clinic on Friday for my consultation and was very impressed, however I’m a little concerned over a couple of things and wonder if you could help alleviate my worries.

First of all, I have mild blepharitis, is this going to be a problem for treatment or could it introduce problems after treatment, ie introduce infection?

Secondly, during my cornea scans, there seemed to be some concern over the figures, something like an irregularity in the shape of the cornea? The optometrist therefore asked the consultant to look at the scans and he said for safety, the best procedure would be Lasek (my prescription is -3.50 and -3.25). However at the end of the consultation, I was then advised that Lasik would be the best treatment. As I was confused as to what would be best, I was told that my details would be shown to Dr Mearza next week for his comments. Would you please be kind enough to look at my file and give me your opinion. I just want the safest procedure according to my scans. Thank you.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 8 November 2008:

Hi Boris, yes you are quite right about the laser removing some corneal tissue in the original treatment, for example in the centre part of the eye for a short sighted treatment. To fully reverse the EFFECT we remove some tissue from the outer part of the cornea to put the corneal curvature back to where it started. So now an equal amount of tissue has been removed across the cornea and so the focus would be back where it started. Of course, the cornea is a little thinner than before, but still strong enough for its role.
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 8 November 2008:

Hi Julia, Thanks for your questions. Mild blepharitis is not a big problem typically, but we should treat that to get it under best control prior to treatment. On Monday I will take a look at your scans and notes also and get back to you on what I think the best treatment would be for you.
We are obsessed with safety at FOCUS and I will make sure you get the absolute right treatment for your eyes! There are some cases where you could opt for either treatment. Anyway I will know once I see the pictures and figures and I can call you to chat about that. Sound good?!
Thanks Julia
Dave
Comment by Julia Bicker on 8 November 2008:

sorry David, one other thing. I have moderate dry eyes (only bothers me when wearing lenses) and the optomotrist recommended getting some Blink eye drops to help. Would my file detail what sort of dryness I have and again help decide if I should have Lasek or Lasik? I notice on a previous post, you recommended preparing the eyes prior to surgery, would the Blink eyedrops be adequate or would I have to get something different from your clinic? Sorry to be a nuisance but this is a big step for me.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 8 November 2008:

No problem Julia. I will advise you on the best treatment for your kind of blepharitis when we speak. Sometimes it involves cleaning of the eye lashes, drops and/or tablets, just depending on the ‘kind’ of dryness you have. It’s not complicated, just needing to be tailored to your own eyes.
Dave
Comment by Julia Bicker on 8 November 2008:

Thanks Dave, I appreciate your help and look forward to speaking with you. Julia.
Comment by Julia Bicker on 11 November 2008:

Hello Dave. I had a good chat with Paula today and have booked treatment for early December. I have had cold sores in the past and wondered if this could cause problems in the future (does this mean I could be prone to herpes eye infection)? Just wondering if this means the virus could be present in the eye nerves? Thanks, Julia.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 12 November 2008:

Hi Julia
Your scans are fine for Z-LASIK so no problem there. Having a history of oral cold sores is fine for LASIK. As long as you don’t have active oral sores at the time of surgery then all is well. The herpes issue is only for people who have had infections in the eyes in the past.
Thanks, Dave
Comment by Asif on 14 November 2008:

Hi Dave

I know I have to take a week off work to go ahead with LASEK, would I after this week be able to see well enough to do my normal day job as a computer programmer?

Thanks
Comment by Dave Allamby on 14 November 2008:

Hi Asif, Yes you will be fine after 1 week. You will benefit from using artificial tear drops every few hours while working at a PC during the first month. That will help the healing.
With best regards
Dave
Comment by yiwei jiang on 17 November 2008:

Hi Dave, I have two questions to ask.

The first one is about the cost, besides the eye treatment costs, is the consultancy and eye monitoring for free? I know some of the clinic charges hidden costs.

And how long will it take before doing the operation to confirm the stablitiy of the eyesight condition?

Thanks a lot for your coming reply.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 17 November 2008:

Hi Yiwei yes, all post-op care is included and you get our LIfetime Care Guarantee. If you have distance vision Z-LASIK, refractive aftercare and enhancements are free, for life. That’s nice, isn’t it?!
Consultation is free from this blog if you quote LT01 when you book in (refundable deposit applies though, which you will get back when you attend the clinic).
Stability is determined at the consultation. Please bring any previous prescriptions from the optician that you have available.
With best regards
Dave
Comment by yiwei jiang on 18 November 2008:

Thanks Dave,

That is really great. I am planning to do the Z-lasik surgery in early Jan. 09, when do you think is better to do a consultation? Do you think it is necessary to do one eye first, and later the other one? Another thing is that some points metion that all-laser cut heals itself? Will this happen to me? In addition, I am really care about the night vision problems as well.

By the way, does your clinic open on Saturday?

Many thanks for your kindness reply.
Yiwei
Comment by Dave Allamby on 18 November 2008:

Hi Yiwei
You can have the consultation anytime to suit your schedule, so you can choose that. We do both eyes at the same session for almost every patient, unless there is a clinical reason not to. Laser eye surgery has been demonstrated safe enough that we haven’t done eyes at different times for many years now.
Yes, the thin laser flaps do appear to heal again, unlike the blade cut flaps, so that’s an excellent reason to choose all-laser Z-LASIK.
Night vision problems were a problem in some cases with early lasers, so you can find reports of that from the 1990’s. With our WaveLight laser treating short-sight, with its advanced wavefront treatment profile and size,I just have never seen a patient get night time difficulty. It seems to be no longer an issue with this laser.
Best regards, Dave
Comment by Asif on 18 November 2008:

Hi Dave

What success rate do you have for people of relatively high prescription like mine. By success rate I mean what level of correction could I expect and would it be more likely, due to my higher prescription, I would need a 2nd op. Also if a 2nd op is needed how soon after the 1st op can/will it be done.

Thanks for all your help, this blog of yours is so refreshing.

My prescription is:
RIGHT
Sph: -5.5
Cyl: -1.50
Axis: 167

LEFT
Sph: -6.00
Cyl: -1.00
Axis: 180
Comment by Dave Allamby on 18 November 2008:

Hi Asif
With our Z-LASIK dual laser approach you can expect an excellent results, even with your prescription. Based on what we have seen this year since using the Ziemer femtosecond laser (blade free method), your chance of a second op to adjust the focus is less than 1%!
If you did need that, it would be about 12 weeks after your treatment.
You will also get our Lifetime Care Guarantee with Z-LASIK so distance vision enhancements are free for life. although i would expect your result to be very stable over the years.
Glad you like the blog!
Dave
Comment by Asif on 2 December 2008:

Hi Dave

Ok I’m booked for a free consulation on friday 12th Dec. Would it be possible to also get the special discount ‘YES250′?

Thanks

–
Asif
Comment by Dave Allamby on 3 December 2008:

Hi Asif
Yes, you can get the YES250 discount off the Z-LASIK treatment. Just let reception know on arrival that I have confirmed that.
Thanks
Dave
Comment by Asif on 4 December 2008:

Thanks Dave, much appreciated

–
Asif
Comment by Richard Porter on 10 December 2008:

Hi I went to Optical Express in June 2008 for a quote and the top of the range LASIK Intralase Wavefront treatment came out at £3100. (standard was £1500). So I just wondered how your prices would compare.

Here’s my details
right sphere -4.00 cyl -1.25 axis 80
left sphere -4.25 cyl -0.75 axis 85

Because I do scuba diving a lot during the summer I decided not to have it done then as they said I couldnt go diving for a month (I see swimming is 2-3 weeks). Whats your take on this? And also could doing scuba diving affect healing etc. They mentioned pressure etc but with a mask on your face pressure is equalised. Be interesting for another opinion on this. What sort of a break would I need from scuba diving – mainly swimming pool work. Is depth an issue?

And who really has got the most up to date, best, most reliable and safest lasers!!!! Can you categorise lasers like cars by comparing a Ford Escort with a Ferrari or are they all pretty much the same.
Thanks,
Richard
Comment by Dave Allamby on 10 December 2008:

Hi Richard
Our price for those prescriptions for blade free wavefront LASIK is £2390 total, including a lifetime guarantee, which OE don’t offer.

As a fellow scuba diver, I would give it 2 weeks for pool work if using a face mask, and dont go below 10 metres during first 4 weeks. After that you have the all clear.

Hope thats clears the waters!
Dave
Comment by Dal on 11 December 2008:

Hi, I’m thinking of getting the Z lasik. I’ve read about some people needing further treatment a few months later, and of others, their eye site deteriorating a year or two (or further) down the line. Do you have stats on the chances of this at your clinic, and also what type of retreatment costs would be involved? Thanks
Comment by Dave Allamby on 11 December 2008:

Hi Dal
Early re-treatments are called enhancements and are to fine tune the first op, if needed. The chance of that happening with our Z-LASIK technology (only available currently at 2 UK centres) is only 0.5% for short sight treatments up to -6D. Most other clinics quote up to 5% for this.
We dont see short-sighted corrections deteriorating a year or two down the line, seems to be an urban myth floating around.
Costs depend on your prescription. You can call 0845 5000 500 to find out our email me back here. Quote LT01 to get a free consultation.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Anthony Lenk on 12 December 2008:

Hi
Can you give a rough cost on surgery
Right -1.00 -150 10
Left -0.25 -2.25 180
Near +150
I live in the Reading area, (your local clinic map is not loading)would I have to go to London for consultation/treatment etc, and dose your price include follow up appointments, drops, and are there any more costs that I am likely to incur.
Thanks
A Lenk
Comment by Dave Allamby on 12 December 2008:

Hi Tony
Yes, all the visits would be to our Wimpole St clinic, just next to Harley St.
Costs will depend on whether you just want to correct your distance vision and then wear glasses for reading, or see if you are suitable for laser blended vision where you can do pretty much everything without glasses for both far and near.

Distance correction for most advanced blade free wavefront Z-LASIK is £2,090 both eyes, which is about £1,200 cheaper than the other three laser chain clinics.
For blended vision Z-LASIK it is £3,990. The other laser chains dont offer blended vision while we are a specialist centre for that correction.
Choice of procedure is up to you, and also on your suitability for a blended approach (10% not suitable)
There are no other costs you will incur, all is included.
Regards
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 12 December 2008:

Hi Tony,
PS
Thanks for pointing out the map issue. These are maps of all UK clinics, not just my own London centre, as a service for people to find something local and compare centres and offerings.
We have a lot of very specialised technology in Wimpole Street, and although we do have patients from around the world who come because of our name, we mainly serve patients from London and the SE.
Thanks
Dave
Comment by Hazel Mulvaney on 19 January 2009:

Hi Dave, please could you tell me if I would be suitable for this surgery and approx cost my prescription is…. Right eye = sphere +0.25,cyl -0.50,axis 120,add near +2.25
Left eye = sphere +0.25,cyl-0,25, axis 90, add near +2.25.
Many thanks
Hazel Mulvaney
Comment by Dave Allamby on 19 January 2009:

Hi Hazel
It looks like we can treat this, assuming all is good at the consultation of course. Likely one eye only based on the prescription you sent. The cost would be £1995 for the advanced wavefront Z-LASIK (blade-free) which is what I would recommend for these reading treatments.
Hope that helps Hazel
Dave
Comment by Chris Burwell on 26 January 2009:

Hi,

After reading round many forums and websites I am beginning to confuse myself more and more as to the type of surgery would be best for me. Could you give me your recommendations and rough price for the following prescription…

Right Eye: -0.75 Sph -0.25 Cyl and 140 Axis
Left Eye: -0.75 Sph -0.25 Cyl and 100 Axis

Thanks in advance,

Chris.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 26 January 2009:

Hi Chris. You want to go for wavefront blade-free (dual laser) LASIK. The wavefront part will give you better vision while the blade-free refers to using a second laser to create the LASIK flap. (called Z-LASIK or Intralase LASIK)
If this is to correct your distance vision and you are younger than 40, the price is only £595 per eye, which is about £1000 per eye less than other clinics. Basically we subsidize these low corrections from our higher level treatments.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Georgia on 31 January 2009:

Hi,

I have recently been for a consultation at Optical Express, but would like to get second and third opinions before deciding to go ahead with any treatment. I was offered Wavefront LASEK as my corneas were very thin, and on the day of consultation they could not promise I was a suitable candidate as they wanted the surgeon to look and the scans first. This naturally made me a bit uncertain, as I don’t want to take any risks.

Would FOCUS recommend the same procedure for thin corneas, and what would the following prescription cost to correct with LASEK?
Right eye: -6.25 -1.75 x090
Left eye: -6.75 -1.25 x080

Can I expect 20/20 vision after correction, or would one eye always remain slightly weaker?

Many thanks!
Georgia
Comment by Dave Allamby on 1 February 2009:

Hi Linda
With very thin corneas and uncertain scans you may not be suitable for treatment and I would advise caution, especially as your maximum surgery would be -8D including your astigmatism. Do select an independent quality centre and consultant to redo your scans and measurements. If you let me know where you live I can recommend a top consultant, and you are also welcome to visit FOCUS, of course.
Regards
Dave
Comment by Sam Fiorani on 3 February 2009:

Hi Dave,

A friend you recently operated on was so enthusiastic about the results that I am now tempted to follow suit…

Could you give me an idea of how much I would be looking at (Z Laser) to treat the following prescription?

Sph -6, Cyl -0.25, Axis 180
sph -3.75, Cyl -0.50, Axis 175

I have had a baby on 3rd November and stopped breastfeeding two weeks later. In your opinion how long should I wait before considering surgery?

Thanks in advance for your time.

Sam
Comment by Georgia on 3 February 2009:

Hi Dave,
Thanks for your reply. I live in London, and work just around the corner from Harley Street. It would certainly be worth coming for an appointment at FOCUS.
If I’m not suitable for surgery then that is naturally fine, I’m happy enough with contacts and glasses, so would rather continue as before rather than take any risks.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 3 February 2009:

OK, Georgia, no problem. Just call in on 0845 5000 500 and my team will take good care of you!
Regards
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 3 February 2009:

Hi Sam
Glad to hear that. No problem now re breastfeeding, by the time we have seen you. The price for the Z-LASIK will be for the worse eye £1,445 and the other £1,145, to be confirmed at consult, so could be £100 up or down from that.
Just call in on 0845 5000 500 to arrange your consult and I will see you soon!
Take care
Dave
Comment by Dharmesh on 18 February 2009:

Hi

I am -2 in both eyes. How much would it cost for lasek wavefront please?
Comment by Dave Allamby on 18 February 2009:

hi, that’s £695 per eye. but painful for 3 days after for LASEK. allow 1 week off work altogether
Dave
Comment by Sue on 19 February 2009:

Hi Dave

I blogged a few days ago asking for possible outcome of -8 prescription. I have a consultation booked for 9 March and I have another couple of questions. Firstly, should the results not be too successful will I still be able to wear contacts if necessary? The second question is that if I’m going on holiday on 24 April is it OK to have the surgery before I go or would it be best to wait until my return?

Thanks again, Sue
Comment by Dave Allamby on 19 February 2009:

Hi Sue
Great, we will see you on the 9th. Yes, you should have no problem to wear contacts again if needed – the eyes can be a but dry for a few months after and some patients like to use artificial tears during that time until it recovers. There is less dryness with the blade free approach so that will help.
I have an extra surgery day on March 19th so you might want me to do your treatment then, which will give you plenty of time to recover before your holiday – then you can enjoy all the sights with new eyes!
Regards
Dave
Comment by Sue Rumbul on 19 February 2009:

Hi Dave
Thanks for your reply. The thought of having a holiday without contacts is too exciting for words. Would I be able to provisionally book March 19th before I have my consultation? Optical Express have already said I’m suitable for surgery but I decided to go elsewhere as I wasn’t 100% confident with them.

Thanks
Sue
Comment by Dave Allamby on 19 February 2009:

Hi Sue, yes we can book you in for the 19th March for treatment and confirm that when we see you on the 9th. I will arrange with the clinic.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Sue Rumbul on 20 February 2009:

Thanks very much.

Kind regards

Sue
Comment by Erin on 20 February 2009:

Hi Dave,

Thanks for that. I’d be very happy for you to get one of your staff to contact me! The 15th would suit me better to ensure i can have the 1 week post op check up, as i will be leaving London on the 23rd to continue my 3-month europe travels! The option of the 19th would mean my 1 week post op check would be cut to only 3 days later…i’m guessing that won’t be suitable?

I look forward to hearing from your clinic soon.
Comment by Dave Allamby on 21 February 2009:

Hi Erin
I will get my clinic manager Amy to liaise with you about treatment on Friday 15th May. I will email and cc you directly, and Amy will follow up early next week.
Thanks Erin
Dave
Comment by charli on 25 February 2009:

Hi
I have been quoted by Optical Express that I am suitable and stable for Wavefront Intralase lasik surgery. I am 19 years old, have large pupils and good thickness on both corneas. My prescription is
right eye -5.75 -0.75 70
left eye -5.00 -1.50 118
according to their measurements using the Wavefront could I be considered as a candidate with yourselves? What costs? What time scale from consultation to Op? Also would I be able to have one eye done at a time?
Many thanks
Comment by Dave Allamby on 25 February 2009:

Hi Charli
Costs are £1345 right and £1445 left. Time scale is 1 week max consult to treatment and one eye at a time is no problem.
Regards
Dave
Comment by Gabrielle Walker on 25 February 2009:

Hi Dave,

I’ve been thinking for a while of getting laser surgery and have just discovered your blog and Focus website. It’s great to have a means of asking questions directly, and seeing other people’s questions and your replies. It all looks very encouraging.

My prescription as of 21 January this year is:

21 Jan 2009

Right Eye -1.75/-1.25 axis 170

Left Eye -2.75/-1.75 axis 175

This has been pretty stable for years, and I wear a combination of glasses and soft daily torics–though not at the same time! However, lately I’ve needed to remove my glasses to read closely; in other words the dreaded presbyopia has begun. (I’m 42)

This means I now have an “add +0.75? in both eyes

I haven’t yet gone for separate reading glasses or varifocals as it’s not too annoying to have to take my glasses off and there doesn’t seem to be a problem with my lenses in.

So here are my questions:

First, could you give me a quote for all-laser Lasik correction just for the distance vision?

Second, given that I now see better up close WITHOUT my glasses, if I had the distance vision corrected would I then see ok for reading or would I need reading glasses?

And finally…if the latter, would you recommend blended correction, and if so what would be the cost?

Best regards

Gabrielle
Comment by Dave Allamby on 25 February 2009:

Hi Gabrielle
Thanks for your comments! We have three options for you:
1. Full distance correction both eyes (but will need reading glasses now or very soon after): total price = £2,490
2. Mini-blended vision (will keep you out of reading glasses until age 46-49) = £2,490
3. Full blended vision (will keep you out of reading glasses until ?60 or older) = £3,990

If you tolerate a full blended vision (chance 95%) I would go for that – you will be much happier over the longer term.
Dave
Comment by Gabrielle Walker on 25 February 2009:

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the quick response. The cost for distance correction (option 1) seems high compared to prices you’ve quoted for others–considering my prescription isn’t that drastic. It’s also the same as for the mini-blended version. Is that right, or was that a slip?

Also, how can I tell if I tolerate full blended? And finally if I have the distance correction now is there an option to go for blended at a later date? ( The full blended is tempting but the price tag is a bit hefty!)

Thanks

Gabrielle
Comment by Dave Allamby on 25 February 2009:

Hi
The prices are the same for distance or mini-blended so no typo! Your astigmatism takes you out of the lowest bands but we are still £700 cheaper than the nearest competitor, Optical Express and £1000+ cheaper than the other two big chains, so still a great price and a lower volume specialist centre, compared to the chains.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Gabrielle Walker on 25 February 2009:

Ok, got it. And yes, I’m writing to you because the advantages of a lower-volume specialist centre seem clear. I’ve heard all sorts of warnings about inexperienced surgeons, and I’m really impressed with all I’ve read about you, your experience and your practice. I wouldn’t want to trust my precious eyes anywhere else!

Now I’m just wondering how I would figure out if I can tolerate full-blended–would I have to take some time between the consultation and surgery to try something out? And if I didn’t go for the full blended now, would there be an option to do it later?

Best regards

Gabrielle
Comment by Dave Allamby on 25 February 2009:

Thank you! For the full blended, I can test your suitability at the consultation very accurately (99.9%). With your myopic prescription, your best result will be to do the blended at the first procedure with a much longer lasting result. Later addition can be done but longevity of the result is less. If you did go for full blended and later didnt get on with it (chance is 0.1%), you could be more easily adjust to mini-blended or distance only.
Dave
Comment by Gabrielle Walker on 25 February 2009:

Hi Dave,

OK, I’ve booked my consultation for the end of March. I’m really looking forward to getting my vision sorted out. I must confess that I’m slightly nervous about the blended option, not just because of the cost but also because I’ve read quite a bit about people taking a long time for their vision to settle, and being restricted in the process. I’m very eager to be able to see clearly at a distance with my naked eyes (the leaves on the trees! The stars!) as i do a lot of outdoor activity. But my job involves a lot of close up work, reading books and papers and writing on the computer and I can’t afford to lose that for any serious amount of time…

Do you have any more details on your blog about how the blended vision works (no flap? what’s the after experience like?) so I can read a bit more and be thinking about it?

Thanks again for your answers–they’ve made me feel even more reassured, and I’m sure I’ve chosen the right place to come.

Best wishes

Gabrielle
Comment by Dave Allamby on 25 February 2009:

Hi Gabrielle
We will cover all at your consultation – but the adaptation to blended vision is pretty rapid and you can get back to work the following day if needed. If you do intensive close work we might give you a pair of glasses to use at your desk (you don;t need to carry them anywhere) while your eyes adapt. All depends on how many hours you do – we will discuss that when you come too.
If you would like to talk to one or more of my patients about the BV experience, just let me know – that might help more than my description!
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Derek on 4 March 2009:

Hi Dave

We exchanged emails back on 29th January. Still thinking about it but getting closer to making a decision.

Some more questions for you:

Website indicates that post operative examinations are required one day, one week, one month, three and six months. Is it possible for these examinations to be done on localised basis as live in Great Yarmouth and time consuming and expensive to make so many visits to London?

Is it possible for consultation and surgery(if suitable) to be done on same day for reasons stated above?

How many days in advance of both consultation and surgery would it be necessary to stop wearing my Dailies Disposable Contact Lenses so can work out how best to fit in appointments?

Regards

Derek
Comment by Dave Allamby on 4 March 2009:

Derek
We only have one specialist centre actually so everything is done in London. We dont treat same day due to needing to dilate your eyes at examination, but we can do consecutive days. you would need to leave your lenses out for 5 days prior to consultation and then only 2 days prior to treatment.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Derek on 4 March 2009:

Dave

Thanks for your response.

Do you have any current offers or are any likely in near future. Have noted previous codes YES250 and BV01. Might help me to make an early decision to have treatment.

Regards

Derek
Comment by Dave Allamby on 5 March 2009:

Hi Derek
No offers planned actually – we are fully booked up, especially since the publicity of my treatment for Denise Van Outen!
Regards
Dave
Comment by Robert on 5 March 2009:

I have an offer here saying I can get Laser Eye Treatment at half price being £1785. It is Intralse LASIK Wavefront. I would guess you are aware of competitor activity so know the supplier I am referring to. Are their machines as good as yours? What questions do I ask to determine if they are as accurate?

many thanks
Robert
Comment by Les Rose on 17 March 2009:

Hello Dave,Please tell me if I am suitable as I have glaucoma.
I take Azopt morning and night and Xalatan morning which keeps the correct pressure in both eyes.
I have asked my consultant who said it would be ok.
My age is 79 in May 2009 and my eye test results 11/11/08 are.
Sph -1.75, Cyl -2.25 Axis 85 Distance Right.
Sph +0.75, Cyl -2.25 Axis 85 Near Right.

Sph -0.75, Cyl -2.00 Axis 90 Distance Left.
Sph +1.75, Cyl -2.00 Axis 90 Near Left.
Could you please inform me of the price to correct my distance vision and astigmatism and approximate date for the operation.
regards
Les Rose (Mr)
Comment by Dave Allamby on 17 March 2009:

Hello Les
We are usually cautious in patients with glaucoma and needs liaison with your consultant. The general issue for someone in late 70s is whether there is any cataract. Removing any cataract and using the right approach would lessen most of that astigmatism anyway and clear the distance vision. Or have you already had cataracts removed?
Regards
Dave
Comment by Phil Levin on 22 March 2009:

Hi,

Could you please give me an idea how much I could expect to pay for Z-LASIK treatment? I’m 33.

Here’s my prescription (3/4/08):

(L) Sph -3.25 Cyl -0.50 Axis 90
(R) Sph -3.50 Cyl -0.25 Axis 95

Many thanks in advance.
Phil
Comment by Dave Allamby on 22 March 2009:

hi Phil
It would be £1145 for that prescription for blade free Z-LASIK.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Phil Levin on 22 March 2009:

Hi Dave,

Thanks for getting back to me so fast.

I’ve just got a couple more questions if I may…

What’s the minimum/maximum amount of time in between the consultation and surgery?

Does your 10 month interest-free credit offer apply to all customers (subject to status)?

I appreciate that I’ll probably need reading glasses when I’m older, but is it likely that the laser treatment will cure my myopia for literally decades to come or could I start getting more short-sighted again? From what I can tell my prescription has been pretty stable in recent years.

Many thanks and regards,
Phil
Comment by Dave Allamby on 22 March 2009:

Hi Phil, no problem!
Minimum time from consult to treatment is one day; no real maximum but we have to repeat all measurements if more than 3 months.
Yes, all customers can apply for interest-free credit
We see a return to myopia in 1-2% of cases overall, which will in fact help your reading as you move to presbyopia so it isnt necessarily a big problem. The London study showed regression in only 1-2% over 16 years. Interestingly, we are seeing myopia progressing in recent years due to the great increase in near work we all do these days, esp working with monitors. So myopia is not as stable as in years previously so we cannot assume now that the eyes will not themselves change, depending on our lifestyle and work habits. We have to tease out then between true LASIK/PRK regression, which can occur, against myopia progression which is getting more common. Of course, both events could occur together. Fortunately, enhancements are relatively straight forward but may not be needed – a patient entering presbyopia with a prescription of -0.50D in each eye will be very happy and remain glasses free for several years more than their normal sighted friends (but may sometimes need glasses in the car for night driving).
Hope that helps
Dave
Comment by Phil Levin on 23 March 2009:

Hi Dave,

Thanks for that. I’ve just been to OE for a consultation and they examined my eyes.

It turns out my prescription may well have changed since last year but I still wear GP lenses once a week so not too sure how accurate it is. Anyway they quoted just under £3000 (both eyes) for this prescription:

(L) Sph -3.5 Cyl -0.50 Axis 90
(R) Sph -4 Cyl -0.25 Axis 95

Would it still be £1145 per eye for this prescription?

I couldn’t help feeling that I was just getting processed at OE and that they weren’t all that fussed whether I got my treatment done there or not. Also they rather rushed though their success rate stats. I couldn’t help thinking it might be because they know they don’t have the best laser but I’m in no position to judge.

They did make sure to mention that Moorfields use the same laser and that it’s endorsed by NASA. Why wouldn’t Moorfields use the very best laser?

What would happen if my post-treatment vision ended up being not as sharp as I’d hoped (compared with the decent clarity I get now with GP lenses), despite being told that I now had 20/20 vision?

Do you generally only perform further surgery if you don’t get to 20/20 first time round or due to other complications rather than because the customer isn’t entirely convinced about the clarity of their “new” eyesight?

As I wear my GP lenses once a week for about three hours a week for football, how long before consultation/surgery with Focus should I definitely stop wearing them? Could I use daily/monthly disposable soft lenses in the run up to the consultation/surgery without affecting the result?

Looking forward to arranging my consultation with you soon.

Many thanks and regards,
Phil
Comment by Sam Fiorani on 24 March 2009:

Hi David,
I am scheduled to see you on 8 April to have Z-Lasik on both eyes. One of my children has just got conjunctivitis, so far it looks like I’m fine, but I was thinking of using over the counter antibiotic drops for a few days (to make 100% sure I don’t have it). On the other hand, I’m not sure this approach is the right one being, as I am just a couple of weeks away from the procedure. What is your advice please?
Thanks very much for your help,
Sam
Comment by Dave Allamby on 24 March 2009:

Hi Phil
The price would be the same for the left eye and £1245 for the right.
The reasons behind why clinics buy a certain laser are mixed and not always straightforward – pre-existing affiliations and preferences, financial considerations, contracts, discounts as well as clinical performance. For NASA, I could never see the American Space Agency promoting anything else than the American laser – the other brands are German and Japanese, despite the WaveLight laser (which we use) getting the overall best results in the American FDA trials.
We enhance the result depending on both patient happiness and expectations and the likelihood of being able to improve the vision, and it’s a decision we take together with the patient. Of course, it is based on the reason why the vision isnt optimum.
I like GP wearing patients to switch over to daily disposable lenses where possible and use those for 4 weeks as needed with no GP use. You would then leave out the daily lenses for 5 days prior to the consultation and 48 hours before treatment. If leaving them out isnt possible prior to the consult, you could have that exam anyway and then leave them our for 5 days prior to the treatment, but we would need to remeasure all prior to treatment on the day itself – generally though I like to get all the info up front so there are no surprises on the treatment day, when the patient is usually a bit anxious anyway!
Hope that answers all your questions
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 24 March 2009:

hi Sam
You could use Optrex Infected Eyes, three times a day for 5 days to be on the safe side. The conjunctivitis may well be viral and the drops won’t be any help but no harm done. Use separate towels and face cloths for your child and regular had washing. If you do contract it we will postpone your surgery for 1 month.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Dave Allamby on 24 March 2009:

Hi Kirsty
We would need to check your dryness and measure it. You can take flaxseed oil capsules which often help (4 grams daily starting 6 weeks before your consultation/surgery). Having the infection previously is no problem unless it was diagnosed as herpes virus.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Kirsty on 25 March 2009:

Hi Dave

Thanks for your advice. I’ll go out and buy some flaxseed capsules today. And the infection they believe was an irritation/sensitivity to a new brand of contacts which I trialled. So hopefully we are fine on that front.

Regards
Kirsty
Comment by Kent Claxton on 15 April 2009:

Hi Dave,

Have read most of posts, the Denise Van Outen story as well as the link to the procedure done Paul Ross. First let me say that your openness and candidness is very much appreciated in an industry that perhaps has many grey areas.

I am in need of some advice from some one that has your expertise.

I had RK done on my right eye back in 1990 and got okay results but not what is being achieved with current technology. It was done by a Dr. Marvin Kwitko in Montreal Canada who was one of the pioneers in Canada in those days.

My prescription for glasses is
Left Eye -5.5/-1.0 axis 75
right eye -0.5/-1.5 axis 125

I am 42 years old and eyes seem in good health but I am using my left eye as the dominant one when I have glasses or contacts on and the right eye when not wearing anything.

I went to Optical Express 2-3 months ago and they did their consultation, not with the consultant, but an optometrist and they said they would be happy to go ahead with wavefront lasek on both eyes at a charge of £1295 per eye.

I felt I needed another opinion so I went along for a second opinion to Ultralase last week and they also did a consultation and mentioned that they would not do the right eye. The optometrist felt that as the sight was not so bad in the right eye it would be useful to have this as I got older and furthermore they felt their eye surgeons did not have the necessary expertise to look at this situation. They however said they would do the ultra lasik and intralase on the left eye at a cost of £1995. I must say I was disappointed with the level of discussion in their consultation given the fee they were looking to charge.

I accept it would be very hard for you to make a decision without examination and as I am yet to see a consultant at the two aformentioned places, can you work on eyes that have previously had RK?

I plan to give your clinic a call but thought to send you this post to hear your thoughts.

Best regards

Kent
Comment by Dave Allamby on 15 April 2009:

Hi Kent
Interesting mail, thank you. You are fortunate actually that your RK operated right eye remains shortsighted and has not become long-sighted as many of them do long term after RK. It may be possible to leave this right eye for some reading as Ultralase said, but the astigmatism may well get in the way of that. You seem to be naturally left eye dominant, which helps with the combination of left eye for distance and right for reading. We would also need to look at the degree of aberrations in the right eye though, as to whether that eye could be left for reading.
Treating the left eye for distance is probably straight forward with wavefront blade free LASIK, what we call Z-LASIK, and the cost would be £1345 based on your numbers.
Treating the right eye can be more complex, as RK eyes are not structurally stable as a virgin eye. It may need a custom treatment, either based on wavefront or topography measurements, and is best done through PRK (surface) laser correction, avoiding yet another cut in this cornea from a LASIK approach, which can weaken the cornea further. If I was to tackle the right eye, I would charge £2,300 as a complex case, and it may require two procedures to get the best result.
Best regards
Dave
Comment by Kent Claxton on 21 April 2009:

Thanks for the response Dave,

The prices appear good however the question is should I contact your clinic for consultation appointment?

Given that Optical Express said yes and Ultralase said no to my right eye, and both gave me different procedures for my left eye your answer certainly has the first hint of not a factory line answer.

I fully understand my situation is not standard and thus if you are willing to proceed further please do let me know who to contact and if to quote our discussion.

Many thanks

Kent
Comment by Dave Allamby on 26 April 2009:

Hi Kent
Sorry for the delay, thought I had replied already. Best to come along for a consultation and see me personally for a specialist exam. If you call on 0845 5000 500 and say we have discussed this as a Focus specialist case, they can book you in. The fee for that is £170 – it wouldn’t be suitable for a routine consult with an optometrist.
Best regards
Dave

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