Advice please - completely off topic!

[Skippy]

I was wondering if any of you lovely people can help me! I have 2 years of IPA payments left, and I have decided that I need to give myself something to aim for when it's over. As a present to myself, rather than aim for an exotic holiday (as I always said I would!) I want to eventually have laser eye surgery. I'm going to use the next couple of years to research it, and give myself something to aim for. While I know it's not cheap (and will take a bit of saving!), I worked out how much I spend on contact lenses and glasses, and it's scary!

My question is, do any of you know anyone who has had this done, and if so, how they got on? I obviously don't want to go into this blindly (parden the pun!) and I'm looking for as many stories as possible, rather than the praise on the glossy websites.

Thanks!

[Viki.W]

hey skippy, my friend got it done five years ago. I drove her to the clinic in Manchester and I watched her operation on a big screen in the room next door! It was amazing and really quick. She came out not being able to open her eyes so I had to lead her to the car and put her to bed etc. She was upset but not in any real pain. She stayed in bed all night as still couldn't see. The next morning she took off her eye mask and could see perfectly. She was ecstatic. My friend had really bad eyesight, wore big thick lenses. She recommends it to everyone, the only negative thing is her eyes are quite dry and she has to use eyedrops now. Personally I couldn't do it as I'm a wimp but she says it's the best thing she ever did, hope this helps. Viki. X

[chris.g]

What a great idea Skippy. I think the best person to ask when you are ready to have them done is your GP. They should be able to give you a list of reputable clinics that carry out the procedure. I've heard that can be quite painful when it's first done but isn't all surgery procedures?

[Skippy]

I would just love to be able to see without glasses or contact lenses, which both cost a fortune and each have their advantages and disadvantages!

[kallis3]

Hi,

I had laser surgery done last year by Optical Express. I was in great pain for a few hours afterwards. People must have thought I had gone blind as I was in dark glasses being led about by my husband! After a few hours I was able to open my eyes and the difference was amazing. I still have to wear glasses for reading at home as I used to wear varifocals. Don't wear them for driving or work.

Can recommend it - pays for itself in the long run.

[louiseh]

Just bear in mind that it's not a fix for life, 10 years down the line you may need glasses or additional surgery as your eyesight still deteriates with age.

[kallis3]

According to Optical Express, you shouldn't need anything else doing. Perhaps I was mislead?

[louiseh]

Like anything, varies from person to person, some people never need glasses some do. I know 3 people who've had it done, 1 now needs glasses.

[Moneystinks]

My oh boss has had it done and he said she is really pleased. She was off work for one day and then she was up and running again. I think she only had the day off as a precaution.

Good luck brill idea it is something I could do with lol.

[Skippy]

It's a long way in the future, but if I could have 10 years with no glasses or contacts I'd be more than happy!

[Moneystinks]

So would I as we type my contacts are drying up in my eyes lol.
Too lazy to go and take them out and staring at the computer doesn't do them any good!

[Skippy]

I'd also like not to have to spend £22 a month on contacts, £20 for the annual check up and £150 when I need a new pair of glasses!

[Moneystinks]

Whoa

How much!

I used to pay £14 a month no check up fees etc. I also got some discount on my glasses. When I purchased glasses I paid £25 and it covered the glasses for any eventuallity over 2 yrs. This comes in handy with the oh as his lenses are way expensive as his sight is really bad.
What a brilliant goal you've got. Just totting up the 'little' costs of having poor eyesight makes me cringe!

[Skippy]

I wear daily disposable lenses, and the only ones that suited my eyes were the ones that didn't come as part of Specsavers direct debit scheme, meaning I have to pay for my checkups.

I think I can get some money back from work for my glasses, but by the time I've had all the coatings put on it really pushes up the price. I'm lucky that I haven't had to have new glasses for a few years, but I'm dreading my eye test just in case!

[Moneystinks]

I know what you mean.
I went to Vision Express. My glasses are currently scratched and the loyalty card has expired. Like everyone else on this site I too am SKINT lol.