Optical Express, Optilase or elsewhere?

snappieT · 01-10-2008 9:30pm #1

Hi all,
Had a consultation with optical express during the week, and was very impressed. I knew going in that I wouldn't be paying 595 per eye, and I ended up deciding that Wavefront LASIK (without intralase) is the best for me, with a cost of 1373 per eye.
Before I make any rash decisions, I'd like to hear from you. Have you been to Optical Express (or Optilase) for that matter? Are you happy?

Looking forward to reading your responses,
~S

Toots · 01-10-2008 11:46pm

I went with Optliase, and am very happy. See my post below for more details:

I had Wavefront Lasik with Optilase on the 23rd August and I'd definitely recommend them. The procedure itself was a bit gross for me, but I'm really squeamish so the fact that I was conscious for it and could see what they were doing freaked me out a bit. There was a lovely technician who held my hand for the whole thing .

They were lovely, really friendly and went through all the details of the procedure with me before hand and then the aftercare too. I was given aftercare details at my pre-op so I had a chance to familiarise myself with them before the surgery. In my aftercare pack, I got the antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatory drops, and 3 bottles of those 'Blink' artificial tear drops. I also got plastic eye shields and tape. I had to wear the shields for about ten days after the surgery, at night.

In my first week after surgery I went through the whole three bottles of blink. (I just finished off the third one as I was going in for my weekly check up). They gave me more at my check up. I haven't had to use the drops at all for the last two days now, and my eyes feel pretty much normal. Very little halos or anything, drove down from Belfast last night and I was grand.

All in all, I found them very friendly and efficient, they answered all my questions and encouraged me to get in touch if I had anything else I needed to ask.

BopNiblets · 08-10-2008 11:09pm

I'm going to get it done with OE too soon, I'm only eligible for the LASEK because of the thinness of my corneas) and Waveform (which I would have gone for anyway, not doing a cheapo job on me eyeballs!)

Has anyone got the LASEK done in the Dublin Optical Express?

Limestone1 · 20-10-2008 3:28pm

I've set up appointments with Optical Express and Optilase next week - if I'm going to do this , might as well do it before the end of the year before medical expense tax relief drops to 20%.
The prices seem to have have dropped since I last looked into this about 6-8 months ago - looking at the websites :
Optilase is €3390 for the wavefront treatment less another €1000 for having private healthcare less the tax relief which brings it under €1500.
Optical express is €3230 for wavefront with intralease which is about €2000 with the tax relief.
Can someone confirm if this is actually what you pay or are there loads of 'add-ons' ?

Paulie907 · 30-10-2008 6:17pm

According to the 'Review of Optometry' journal, up to one in six people who undergo laser surgery end up with complications that affect their eyesight

Paulie907 · 30-10-2008 6:21pm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2745035.stm

FastFullBack · 03-11-2008 10:20pm

Limestone1 wrote: »

I've set up appointments with Optical Express and Optilase next week - if I'm going to do this , might as well do it before the end of the year before medical expense tax relief drops to 20%.

Was this announced in the budget? How did I miss it? So no more 40% tax relief. Damn I had it planned for the new year.

UU · 05-11-2008 12:09am

Hey all,

I had a consultation today in the Dundrum Eye Clinic which is owned by Eye Laser Ireland and they seemed the best so far cos I've gone to other places also. Luckily I only live in Ballinteer so it's really nearby for me. They are really professional, polite, kind and know exactly what they are talking about everything from the actual operation to tax relief etc. The optician said I have thin cornea so LASEK is ideal for me which my -5.5 eyes. She took a scan and explained everything clearly to me and answered any queries I may have had. She even located scar tissue on my lower left eye which is caused by contact lenses! I'm going in next week for my pre-op and the procedure will be done later this month with one eye done at a time.

Most people wouldn't think of them cos they aren't central but the Luas runs right underneath the centre and they are only across he road from Dundrum Town Centre. The only thing is they are a bit dearer than the likes of Optical Express but they do provide 3 years after-care treatment which includes check-ups every few months and any enhancements that need to be done are completely free! If you have VHI, you can get 15% off.

So for myself, I can only claim 20% tax because my parents are claiming it for me and the 41% has been claimed already for my dad's pension but with 15% VHI included it works out at €2400 plus the standard €200 for the pre-op, it is €2600 in total for me. I like it because I think convenience and after-care should be taken in account. The website is http://www.dundrumeyeclinic.ie/ or http://www.eyelaserireland.com/.

heuston · 05-12-2008 3:39pm

Hi, I'm signed up for laser surgery with optical express newbridge in a couple of weeks. Does anyone have any experience with them?

360ts · 08-12-2008 2:24pm

My father had it done with them and he seems happy, no problems. I couldn't have it done due to the irregular shape of one of my corneas.

I was talking to my optician before I went to get checked out for it and he says he would not recommend them as the doctor performing the surgery usually flies in from the UK, does as many procedures as possible in a few hours and then flies home again.

He would recommend a team that is based here permanently, they would take better care of you and be more familiar with your case.

He also told me that the price for getting the procedure done would be far in excess of what was advertised. Sure enough my father was charged ~€2500 per eye, when it was advertised for €995 per eye. You'll find it hard to find someone who actually got it done for the price advertised, unless they lent their name to an ad.

nostress · 10-12-2008 10:37pm

I am booked in for the 19th with Optical express, they have their own team fully based in Ireland for the regular stuff, I am opting for waveform with intralase. One of the assesment technicians had her own eyes done the day after I was in for the assessment and they flew in a guy from UK for her, I would say that if you assess for their 'normal' stuff go for it, if not and you are concerned go to O'Keeffe in the Mater Private. Also ask who will be your surgeon and if they are resident in Ireland, I asked plenty at my assessment and so far am happy, I will post the results after I have had it done

VMC1 · 16-12-2008 4:13pm

Nostrasse. I had a consultation with Optical Express yesterday. Quoted 3700 euro for wavefront with intralase. Does it seem high? How much were you quoted? My prescrption is only -1.25 and -1.75. It will only cost me 1500 euro after Hibernian's 30% discount and the tax rebate. Following the insertion of the dilating drops my pupils are still huge today and I can't drive because of huge starbursts. Also can't put on the Christmas tree lights because the starbursts are hurting my eyes. Hope things will get back to normal tomorrow.

nostress · 16-12-2008 8:45pm

VMC1 they quoted me 4280 with wavefront and intralase, this is only 120 cheaper than blackrock clinic or mater private, my eyes are -3.5 and -3.25 the worse your eyes are the more they charge, blackrock and mater private are standard 2200 per eye.

I had the drops done at about 17:30 in the evening, the following day my pupils were still huge but I did not have any sensitivity to light and no starburst problems

Anyway I am going ahead on Friday and will post back what I think

Helen2 · 16-12-2008 9:26pm

I have absolutely no problem with the Mater Private / Blackrock Clinic /Wellington / Eye Laser Ireland etc clearly stating their (quite expensive) prices for laser eye surgery. However, I am just flabbergasted that so many people fall for the price baiting used by Optical Express. Does anybody know anybody who knows anybody or has heard of anybody who actually paid 595 per eye????

nostress · 17-12-2008 10:48pm

Hi helen2 don't know anyone who paid the low price, however you can get your assessment done for nothing get all the prices and still go to blackrock etc if you so choose, at least to find out the price costs nothing and you also find out if you are suitable for the surgery

nostress · 29-12-2008 10:15am

Had both eyes done together in optical express on the 19th, wavefront with intralase cost 4280 for -3.5 in both eyes, all went well, it is really uncomfortable for about 6 hours (not painful just irratating you feel the urge to rub your eyes but you can't) after 6 hours its much better and after 8 hrs the irritation goes, had the check up the next day and was up to 20/20 in one eye and one line behind in the other. I had my weekly check on Saturday gone by and both at 20/20 individually and one line better with both eyes open.

No dry eye and off the main drops now, have the blink ones in case I need them, still see a bit of halo around bright lights, this should be gone by my next check in 3 weeks.

Optical express worked out fine for me but as I said earlier my surgery was fairly standard and the surgens were irish and resident here,

If you are in doubt go to Mater or Blackrock

VMC1 · 29-12-2008 7:58pm

Nostress, great to hear the procedure and the outcome worked out well for you. I'm booked in with Optical Express on 22 Jan. Hope it goes well! Will post the outcome.

miss no stars · 29-12-2008 8:11pm

nostress wrote: »

Had both eyes done together in optical express on the 19th,

While I'm very glad it all seems to be going well for you, that very fact should have rung alarm bells with you.

I know someone who has been a specialist in the optham(asomething... I can't remember the correct name) field for decades. Know them quite well, actually. My brother was looking into getting laser surgery done and so naturally, first port of call was to find her opinoin on where is good and where isn't. Her advice was basically: don't go to anywhere that will do both eyes at the same time.

This wasn't a "come to me and I'll do them" thing either, as she doesn't work in laser eye surgery and all that, but does treat the victims of poor practise (and just bad luck) on a daily basis.

So basically, be very careful about getting both eyes done at once. Apparently if you lose sight in one eye, the other eye will come up in visual acuity hugely to compensate for this (barring things like caterracts). Hope this helps.

snappieT · 31-12-2008 1:42am

Hello, original poster back again.
Gladly typing this post without glasses or contact lenses!

I went with Optical Express in the end, got Wavefront (without Intralase).

Overall, very happy. Right eye is perfect. Left eye is not quite perfect. Had trouble with the flap setting, which has since resolved, but some astigmatism returned. They're keeping an eye to wait for it to stabalise, then then will operate again if necessary. I think it may be getting better by itself now.

I have just one complaint: I feel as though the surgeon tried to pressure me into buying Intralase at the last minute. I knew what he was doing and I firmly refused, and he said "no problem", but I still found it unprofessional to be pressuring patients, minutes away from having surgery, into buying additional products.

Minor issues: I was told during my consultation that I'd get valium before the op, and sleeping pills after. I didn't get either. I didn't ask either though. I wasn't that nervous, so maybe they only offer the valium to the basket cases.

Post-op, I felt virtually no pain, just some slight scratchiness (which was corrected with the provided drops). Slept without a bother, and was back to attending lectures in college inside 2 days. 2 or 3 pretty bad headaches have knocked me down for half a day each, but I think this was on account of the difference between left & right eyes. Have had a number of follow-up appointments since, so they can monitor the status of my left eye. I would love to have it 100% sorted now, but I understand the need to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Even despite the issues mentioned, I am very happy with how the procedure went, and how Optical Express treated me on the whole. I would recommend the procedure and the clinic.

Al12 · 03-01-2009 4:09pm

Toots85 wrote: »

I went with Optliase, and am very happy. See my post below for more details:

How gross is the procedure and how long did it take per eye?

Toots · 07-01-2009 3:13am

It wasn't that gross, I'm just incredibly squeamish. It's a bit..... un-natural I suppose. My advice would be just try not to think about it!! They say the procedure takes about 5 mins per eye. Mine took longer cos I kept moving my eye. The suction and incision in the cornea takes about 30 secs or less, then once you focus your eye on the little blinking light, the actual 'zapping' takes about 5 to 10 seconds depending on how bad your eyesight is.

Al12 · 07-01-2009 2:18pm

Toots85 wrote: »

It wasn't that gross, I'm just incredibly squeamish. It's a bit..... un-natural I suppose. My advice would be just try not to think about it!! They say the procedure takes about 5 mins per eye. Mine took longer cos I kept moving my eye. The suction and incision in the cornea takes about 30 secs or less, then once you focus your eye on the little blinking light, the actual 'zapping' takes about 5 to 10 seconds depending on how bad your eyesight is.

Thanks for that. Do they mention the probability of your eye sight needing to be aligned again down the road?say when your eye sight has deteriorated again

Toots · 07-01-2009 9:22pm

If your eyesight deteriorates within a year of the surgery, they'll re-treat free of charge. The chances of this happening is slim though, and the results are usually permanent. The only reason it'd deteriorate again is if your prescription isn't stable at the time of surgery AFAIK. The only other thing they say is that the surgery won't stop you needing to have reading glasses when you get old.

Al12 · 07-01-2009 10:02pm

Toots85 wrote: »

If your eyesight deteriorates within a year of the surgery, they'll re-treat free of charge. The chances of this happening is slim though, and the results are usually permanent. The only reason it'd deteriorate again is if your prescription isn't stable at the time of surgery AFAIK. The only other thing they say is that the surgery won't stop you needing to have reading glasses when you get old.

Hey, thats great.thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.

VMC1 · 08-01-2009 12:57pm

Since I had my consultation with Optical Express, I discovered through web research that someone like me who has excellent reading and close work eyesight will immediately need reading glasses. I contacted OE about this and they confirmed it. I was disappointed to discover that I would be swapping short sightedness for bad reading eye sight. They suggested that I could get one eye only corrected and keep the other for reading. Does anyone know if this is normal practice and if there could be any side effects?

monkeytronics · 08-01-2009 2:12pm

Got mine done in the Wellington (now moved out to the Beacon) a few years ago by Arthur Cummins. Savage experience and was pretty much back to normal after a week. Plus they gave a life time guarantee meaning If my eyes regress in the future I can have them redone for free (as many times as is necessary).

I am not so sure how good that would be for the eyes but I suppose the option is there if required.!

Toots · 08-01-2009 2:40pm

Al12 wrote: »

Hey, thats great.thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.

No worries! Best of luck if you decide to go ahead with it!

Limestone1 · 08-01-2009 6:35pm

VMC1 wrote: »

Since I had my consultation with Optical Express, I discovered through web research that someone like me who has excellent reading and close work eyesight will immediately need reading glasses. I contacted OE about this and they confirmed it. I was disappointed to discover that I would be swapping short sightedness for bad reading eye sight. They suggested that I could get one eye only corrected and keep the other for reading. Does anyone know if this is normal practice and if there could be any side effects?

It depends on your age. If you are 40+ then your up close vision will probably be affected. I am and my up close was perfect like yours. I had it done a couple of months back and now my up close vision is not as good as before - I am no where near needing reading glasses though. It is noticeable when reading something up close (inside 4 inches from the eyes) which I don't have a lot of call for to be honest.
Apparently this would have happened anyway and all the Laser Eye surgery has done is bring it forward. If I hadn't had the surgery I would eventually need bifocals or contacts and reading glasses together ....

ggenocchi · 26-03-2010 6:32pm

Do not go to optical express i got laser eye surgery done there 3 months ago and i still cant see properly... i went for my consultation and was told i was suitable for LASIK treatment i was booked in for my surgery a few days later... The surgeon was so old and couldnt read himself he was about to give me THE WRONG PROCEDURE until i corrected him... i was gettin my surgery done and they were poking at my eyes for ages wen they turned around and said ur eyes are too small ur gonna have to get LASEK which is the more painful procedure... I was in agony for a week the first 3 days it felt like someone was stabbing me in the eyes... im only 21 and my vission wasnt even bad i was 1.0 in both eyes.. Never go der i still cant fully see and i cant drive because my vision isnt clear enough

niall2223 · 18-04-2010 2:47pm

ggenocchi wrote: »

Do not go to optical express i got laser eye surgery done there 3 months ago and i still cant see properly... i went for my consultation and was told i was suitable for LASIK treatment i was booked in for my surgery a few days later... The surgeon was so old and couldnt read himself he was about to give me THE WRONG PROCEDURE until i corrected him... i was gettin my surgery done and they were poking at my eyes for ages wen they turned around and said ur eyes are too small ur gonna have to get LASEK which is the more painful procedure... I was in agony for a week the first 3 days it felt like someone was stabbing me in the eyes... im only 21 and my vission wasnt even bad i was 1.0 in both eyes.. Never go der i still cant fully see and i cant drive because my vision isnt clear enough

Yeah,have you noticed you're not able to spell properly,either,or were you born that way!!

arbeloa · 20-04-2010 3:39pm

I had LASIK surgery done approximately 15 months ago and I'm still suffering with dry eyes and large floaters. It has been a disaster for me. I am hoping to form a group for people whose eyes have been ruined by this. So for people in a similar position my email is <snip>
Remember if the surgery was so safe then there would be no need to sign a consent form. The complications on the consent form are there because they have happened to people before.

niall2223 · 20-04-2010 3:53pm

arbeloa wrote: »

I had LASIK surgery done approximately 15 months ago and I'm still suffering with dry eyes and large floaters. It has been a disaster for me. I am hoping to form a group for people whose eyes have been ruined by this. So for people in a similar position my email is <snip>
Remember if the surgery was so safe then there would be no need to sign a consent form. The complications on the consent form are there because they have happened to people before.

Why don't you sue them!! Every operation has it's risks,if you go into any hospital for a procedure, you will have to sign a consent form!
If you haven't then the hospital isn't doing it's duties!!

If it happened to me I'd sue,and make a fuss about it!!!

also we haven't heard the laser surgeon's side of the story,with regards the people here!!

The 'complications' on the consent form are there because they are legally obliged to have them there!!

microfinance · 04-05-2010 4:16pm

Well I must say I have been very happy with my experience. The only drawbacks are you cant play any contact sports for a month afterwords and you cant exercise for a week. You cant wear contacts for a week before the surgery and you cant wear eye make up for a week after. (Im a girl by the way. so wearing eye make now whenever i want is brilliant!) I got mine done with Optical Express, had the consultation in Mahon Point, Cork and the actual surgery , in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. I am nearly 1 month post surgery now and its brilliant, back football training at the moment and delighted with the results!I still suffer from dry eyes at the moment but that is to be expected for another few months. I was -3 so it has made a huge difference to my life not needing to wear glasses and contacts. Also been able to go out on a night out and enjoy waking up the next morning without sore sticky eyes! Also if you want i can give u a voucher that gives you 150 off the cost of treatment with optical express, just PM me or reply on this thread. also be happy to answer any questions you have!

squeakyduck · 10-05-2010 11:16pm

microfinance wrote: »

Well I must say I have been very happy with my experience. The only drawbacks are you cant play any contact sports for a month afterwords and you cant exercise for a week. You cant wear contacts for a week before the surgery and you cant wear eye make up for a week after. (Im a girl by the way. so wearing eye make now whenever i want is brilliant!) I got mine done with Optical Express, had the consultation in Mahon Point, Cork and the actual surgery , in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. I am nearly 1 month post surgery now and its brilliant, back football training at the moment and delighted with the results!I still suffer from dry eyes at the moment but that is to be expected for another few months. I was -3 so it has made a huge difference to my life not needing to wear glasses and contacts. Also been able to go out on a night out and enjoy waking up the next morning without sore sticky eyes! Also if you want i can give u a voucher that gives you 150 off the cost of treatment with optical express, just PM me or reply on this thread. also be happy to answer any questions you have!

WOW! Can I ask how old you are? I'm getting my surgery done the day after tomorrow! I'm very excited. I'm going up to Belfast to get it done because it's way cheaper! I'm going to miss my make up for the week but it will all be worth it!

I'm very excited!!EEEEKKKK!

I'm going for the LASIK intralase!

microfinance · 12-05-2010 6:52pm

well sqeaky duck, im 23 so really making a difference to my life. let me know how u get on?

squeakyduck · 13-05-2010 2:51pm

Well, It's day one! I've got better than 20 20 vision in one eye already, the other has to catch up. My optometrist is very pleased with my recovery! I can read bus numbers and stuff far away but sending a text is proving a bit hard at the moment, that will pass.

The one thing I hate is the brusing on my eyes. It's horrible. I got intra lase LASIK and the suction cups kept falling off! 4 times. I cried the whole way through the surgery, but when I came out I was so proud that I managed to do it.

Any one that wants to get it done. DO IT! It's amazing! You only realize how amazing it is the day after!

Go North to get it cheaper! OPTICAL EXPRESS are the BEST!

Kenpen · 09-01-2012 12:11pm

snappieT wrote: »

Hi all,
Had a consultation with optical express during the week, and was very impressed. I knew going in that I wouldn't be paying 595 per eye, and I ended up deciding that Wavefront LASIK (without intralase) is the best for me, with a cost of 1373 per eye.
Before I make any rash decisions, I'd like to hear from you. Have you been to Optical Express (or Optilase) for that matter? Are you happy?

Looking forward to reading your responses,
~S

Hi, i had lazar eye surgery wit optical express & very happy with my eye site! Mine cost €2550, they quoted me alot more at 1st! So I'd advise not to go with your 1st quote???
The surgery I was advised to have as it was the best for my eye site was changed by the surgeon at the last minute & they charged me an extra €300 so make sure that's not gonna happen? As it can be upsetting on the day, as your'd be nervous enough!
I can honestly say although the surgery wasn't pleasant, it only lasted bout 10mins & there was no pain what so ever!
There's alot of eye drops as after care but if u look after ur eyes & rest them for bout 2 days there'll be perfect! Well mine are??
Best thing I ever did! So shop around! Get the best price & just go for it!
Good luck!

Retals1187 · 24-10-2012 10:30pm

microfinance wrote: »

Well I must say I have been very happy with my experience. The only drawbacks are you cant play any contact sports for a month afterwords and you cant exercise for a week. You cant wear contacts for a week before the surgery and you cant wear eye make up for a week after. (Im a girl by the way. so wearing eye make now whenever i want is brilliant!) I got mine done with Optical Express, had the consultation in Mahon Point, Cork and the actual surgery , in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. I am nearly 1 month post surgery now and its brilliant, back football training at the moment and delighted with the results!I still suffer from dry eyes at the moment but that is to be expected for another few months. I was -3 so it has made a huge difference to my life not needing to wear glasses and contacts. Also been able to go out on a night out and enjoy waking up the next morning without sore sticky eyes! Also if you want i can give u a voucher that gives you 150 off the cost of treatment with optical express, just PM me or reply on this thread. also be happy to answer any questions you have!

Do you still have this voucher available by any chance?

Badeyes · 13-06-2013 10:04pm

I had laser eye surgery done 3 years ago and had better than 20/20 vision afterwards. Since Dec last year I noticed my vision getting worse. I returned for a check up and was told all was perfect, until i questioned it and it turned out my eyes had deteriorated slightly. In Feb I went to another optician for another opinion and was told I needed glasses for driving etc. I returned to laser eye clinic the next week and told I was fine for driving but i would probably need enhancement and they would give me glasses if it helped my confidence while driving!! I was told to return in 2 mths which I did and was fobbed off further and told to return again! next to being told I was reading 20/20 even if i did squint and it took ages and that my dry eye would improve by drinking water!! My perscription had changed again but i'm still fine and had a stigmatism in the opposite eye! My housemate also had hers done 3 years ago and is going through a similar battle! They have been returning her call since April 2nd!!! Considering I was told I would need reading glasses when I was 40 and 3 years later I need glasses I am far from happy! Would I recommend it, if you asked me 2 years ago I would have said yes, now not a hope! 2500 euro for under 3 years perfect vision!

tbeans · 14-06-2013 10:05am

Hey - sorry to hear that!

What procedure did you get done? You may not want to say but if you can, what clinic is this in reference too?

raka · 05-11-2013 9:59am

3 and a half years post surgery I am suffering daily with itchy eyes. I can no longer wear eye make up and am in constant discomfort. Many people are taking legal action against these clinics. I would do anything to go back to wearing glasses and have healthy eyes!!!

Mousewar · 06-11-2013 3:17pm

Any more details?
Something seriously suspicious about these posts where someone starts an account, says something vague about the surgery going wrong, then is never heard of again despite questions being asked of them.

Glowing · 07-11-2013 9:29am

raka wrote: »

3 and a half years post surgery I am suffering daily with itchy eyes. I can no longer wear eye make up and am in constant discomfort. Many people are taking legal action against these clinics. I would do anything to go back to wearing glasses and have healthy eyes!!!

What procedure did you have and where? Did you have dry eyes to begin with?

Thanks

oconnot5 · 05-08-2014 10:29pm

I have been meaning to give my view online on laser the past while.
I read a lot of forums before doing it and reading through it there are a lot of posts from people within some of the laser companies recommending their company so be wary.
It is not a nice procedure, very uncomfortable and eyes are feeling pretty sore that day. You definitely need someone to bring you home. Seeing stuff after laser though is amazing.

I had it done about 5 months ago, eyes were -3 and -4. I had it done with optical express. I have a combined better than 20 20 vison. One eye is stronger than other now. I am happy with the procedure. I was back in work on the Monday, had the procedure on Saturday, and worked a few shorter days that week as eyes tired.

Glare can still be bad enough and halos at night. There are a lot of risks involved and it can go wrong. You will need reading glasses quicker if you get it done.
Blackrock price is similar to others or even cheapest if you have a strong prescription (They have a fixed price per eye).

My view is do not do during winter. Driving at night is difficult post surgery due to glare/ halos. If you do in winter you will be constantly driving in dark. Spring is ideal/ Autumn is probably good too. Long evenings and not to sunny is best.
You need a good pair of Polaroid sun glasses after. I am still a little dazzled when I go outside on sunny day.
In terms of tax back, late in year is best as you will get the 20% back quicker.
Most health insurance plans do not cover anything. However a lot of laser providers do give a discount based on who you have insurance with. This discount is purely given by laser provider though.
In terms of price, push them push them push them. They are increasing prices by about 100 a year. Do not sign up on first day, they are likely to drop price more to entice you. I was with one insurer, said I was renewing soon so would change to insurer with higher discount and was told not to bother as they would give me full discount (25% I think). I got Lasik, intralase with wavefront. My starting price was 4100, with insurance discount about 3100, ended at 2800 after cals to me and asking for lower price. My refer a friend got 100 Euro too. Optilase and Optical express do refer a friend programs (probably others too.) Make use of them, if you not know anyone who got it done find someone who did/
In terms of aftercare I have had it after a day a week, a month, 3 and 6 months. Think it is yearly as well. I have had unlimited drops included (10 or more bottles now probably). I was told to come back if I wanted more last time. I am still using drops a few times a week due to dryness. I was a little unsure about my eyes given a sizeable difference in strength. I went to specsavers for a second totally unbiased opinion and to reassure myself as much as anything. This for 15 Euro was worth a lot to me. They told me one was far better than ‘perfect’ (a lot better than 20:20) and other was almost 20:20. This I feel is well worth going to your own optician if you have any doubts. Your laser provider is very biased.

Big discounts available after cancellations if surgery isn’t full on a date coming soon. If you are flexible try this. Tell them you are getting a price from their competitors.
As for which company is best, I really don’t know. They will obviously all tell you they have the mot hi-tech equipment. Obviously it is best if you meet your surgeon before the day you have surgery. This doesn’t happen with Optical Express (and also with some others I think).
Reading forums the one eye versus two eyes a time is a big grey area. I really don’t know. I had both done together. I would hate to have to go back a second day but if it goes wrong and both eyes are done you are in a worse situation.
It is meant to be cheaper up north if that would suit.
Overall I was happy with service provided. That’s my random thoughts of laser. Any questions just ask. My main things are be careful the time of year you do it look for lower price. Read up on it, you sign a scary disclaimer form of the 101 things that might go wrong.
Good luck

AdrianBonner · 03-05-2016 7:03pm

My experience with optical express has been nothing short of horrific. I got laser eye surgery on 13/08/2011. I suffered immensely as soon as I left the clinic. The procedure is to go home an lie down and keep your eyes closed. My eyes were in awful pain and a type of distress that is indescribable. For about 8 hours after I was sitting in a darkened room, eyes closed rubbing my arms, my legs, anything else as I couldn't touch my eyes. I went for check ups that week and basically was told that my eyes had taken a very bad reaction to the treatment and were very inflamed.

After a few weeks my eyes settled and my vision was perfect. I had slightly poorer night vision and didn't like bright lights but apart from that I was delighted to finally have good eyesight.

However I could feel my eyesight getting worse after the first year and it regressed until I was -0.5, I was then getting free check ups. I was told that I would get a free top-up surgery if my eyesight continued to regress up to a 4 year time limit. My eyesight continued to regress and I ended up wearing glasses again. It was agreed that I would require top-up surgery. I was keen to get on with it but the ophthalmetrist would continually recommend that I should wait until my eyesight stabilised. It regularly got worse until I was -1.0 at which point I had a meeting with an ophthalmetrist.
It was 1 year out from the deadline and she said my eyesight had still not stabilized and it would need to be stable for a year before they would do surgery. I said I will need to get it done soon and she said: In a case like yours we will extend the deadline as it is important to get it right, I asked are you sure you don't need to have it done within the deadline? No it is important that we get the best result possible we wouldn't leave you like that.
At the time I was almost going to say can I get that in writing, but they always seemed professional to deal with and I trusted them. I took her at her word. BIG MISTAKE! When I went for a check up my eyesight had again regressed to -1.5 but it had been stable for a while. I was told I would be charged for a follow up operation as the deadline had passed, I told the staff member of the conversation I had with the ophthalmetrist but they said I should take it up with head office. I called the next day and met with the woman who had said the deadline would be extended in my case. She said she couldn't remember saying that and that it doesn't sound like something she would say. I asked her does she extend deadlines in certain cases? She said she does in certain cases. It was obvious nobody in their right mind would miss a deadline like that unless they were advised otherwise. How would I know that she did that in certain cases unless she told me she was going to do it in mine?
Now they are happy to do it again if I will pay for it again. I feel utterly betrayed by people I thought were professionals and I trusted with my eyes. Please avoid and go with another provider if you have any sense.
Or if you have no other option treat your appointments like a court-case and have everything in writing.
Once there was a operation to be done with no extra financial gain, they put it off and off and then when the deadline was up said I would have to pay again. I see other negative reviews on here, I am sure I am not the only one who has been treated appallingly by optical express. I would have interest in hearing from anyone who has had a similar negative experience. My email address is <snip> if you would like to share your story with me.

Motherboy · 30-01-2023 12:42pm

Hi All,

Really good thread here. I am going for a consultation with Optical Express. If anyone had a referral code it would be much appreciated

Optical Express, Optilase or elsewhere?

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