Laser Eye Surgery

kevinmcc

Has anyone here had laser surgery in the north. What is the service you received like? Is there much difference in cost between belfast and dublin? Have been looking at a few places in Belfast there's Optimax, Optical Express and All clear clinic. Then in Dublin I came across Wellington, Mater Private and Blackrock which have gotten good reviews so I'd be more interested in hearing about the places in Belfast. Also are you able to claim tax back if you go to the north to have it done?

mise_me_fein_V2

I got it done in London. Was meant to go to Belfast but couldn't do it at the time.

Could have got it done in Dublin, but to get an extra thing called Wavefront Technology, I had to go to London. It'll be in Dublin next month.

I'd advise it.

Look up on LASEK, LASIK and Wavefront to know more on it.

el tel

The Ophthalmic Laser Clinic (aka Allclear) in Belfast is run by Dr Gerard Kervick who is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at the Mater Hospital in Belfast and is a big name in the field and is possibly the premier clinic in Ireland for this sort of thing. It'll probably be expensive but if it goes pear-shaped then at least you are more likely to get decent after care.

their website is http://www.qualityhealthcaregroup.com/

Big Nelly

Was looking about this only last week. Seemily if you go with Vivas health insurance they will cover the costs(or part of the treatment). They are the only health insurance company in Ireland to do so at this point but they could be moving out if the Government bring in this new law that VHI want. Not sure of details but because VHI have all the older people they want BUPA/Vivas to pay extra or extra tax because they have younger people and rates are less.

They have: Cover for Optilase Wavefront Eye Laser Surgery

Patient position (includes both eyes)
Gross Payment to Optilase €2,990.00 €2,990.00
Rebate from VIVAS Health €1,000.00 €1,000.00
Net after VIVAS Health Rebate €1,990.00 €1,990.00
Patient tax rate 42% 20%
Tax rebate to patient 835.80 398.00
Net Cost to Patient €1,154.20 €1,592.00

I emailed these but got no reply
http://www.eyelaserireland.com/home.htm

RustySpoon

I was thinking of getting this done, so perfect time to see (or squint at if i take off me specs) a post about it.

Here are the questions that are in my mind, i would appreciate anyone giving any advice and answering some of the questions below.

I can then make up my mind and see..:o if it would be worthwhile.

1. How much does it cost?
2. Is it safe?
3. How long does it take the eye to heal?
4. what is the waveform technology and why is it so good that i should wait?
5. What are the waiting times for the operation?
6. Can you claim for tax releif if you get the procedure done in NI/UK?

Big Nelly

RustySpoon wrote:

1. How much does it cost?
2. Is it safe?
3. How long does it take the eye to heal?
4. what is the waveform technology and why is it so good that i should wait?
5. What are the waiting times for the operation?
6. Can you claim for tax releif if you get the procedure done in NI/UK?

Prices above with or without insurance

http://www.eyelaserireland.com/faqs.htm for rest of questions

Canis Lupus

You know I used to think laser eye surgery was simple and easy till I read up about it. You know they generally keep you awake and they cut your cornea open and then use a laser to do whatever it does. I am so not ever having someone come at my eyeball with a knife while I'm awake.

It's also apparently not as fail safe either as is commonly believed. Complications can easily occurr. Personally it's my belief that when it comes to something as vital to me as my eyesight wearing glasses is hardly a chore.

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

http://www.askmen.com/sports/health_60/70_mens_health.html (good link)

LegacyUser

i'm thinking of having it done. i've done a bit of research online, and look at a few threads on here.

has anyone got it done in this place,
Optilase http://www.optilase.com/index.php

this is all they have to say about their clinic,

"The Clinic
Located at No. 19 Ely Place, the Optilase Clinic has been created from a magnificent Grade I listed 18th Century 5 story terrace building, forming this newly renovated prestigious and private medical clinic. Since the upgrading, restoration and preservation, the original Georgian features have been preserved creating a classical ambience, while being fully air conditioned and fitted to a high standard. This will ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable visit."

ok..... so they have a nice building.......


there seems to be a huge price difference between them and this wellington place, http://www.wellingtoneyeclinic.com/

why?

are the wellington crowd better?

does anyone have any experience with either of these places, or any other place in dublin?

joejoem

I thought the title was eye laser surgery for a minute :rolleyes:


I used to dream that I had supermans eye laser power and I cut cut down trees with them. Really vivid dreams.

pfff and they said mercury thermometers were dangerous for us kids!

sillpss

I got laser eye surgery about 8 months ago. I was a bit nervous about getting it done so researched for about 6 months. Since having it I haven't regretted it for a single second, my vision was extremely poor ( I couldn't read a newspaper that heas held a foot from my face) but since its 20/20. I have suffered no adverse problems at all, and I know it might sound a bit overly dramatic but it really has changed my life, if even in a small way.

I got it done in Optilase in Ely Place just off stevens green. This place was at the time I got it done the best value in Ireland, probably still is but you would have to check, it was much cheaper than belfast and blackrock anyways. this deosn't mean their any less capable, they provide you with the backround information on their opticians and surgeons whe you go for a consultation or by post. They all have tons of expierience and there head surgeon that actually deos the operation was head of a major optical surgery institute for years.

Just reading over that I think I should say I in no way work for or own stock in optilase, I was just really impressed with the work they do and the aftercare was amazing.

Rusty spoon questions
1. it costs 1800 for two eyes (for lasik and lasek-the two most common types, and around 2800 for waveform)
2.It is safe, as safe as any surgery, i personally know about 14 people that had it done and no one had any problems. The clinic is required by law to tell how many cases if any resulted in problems if you ask the straight out.
3.It takes on average only 1-2 days with lasek and waveform and 3-4 with lasik( you have to year eye shields-kinda like goggles- for the recovery time and put a few drops in for about 2-3 weeks.
4.the waveform technolodgy takes a kinda topographic scan of your eye and is suposed to improved night vision and things like glare and halos as well as eye sight.
5. In optilase the waiting time from consultation to surgery was on 1 week( there aren't really any waitng lists as the surgeory only takes 10-15 mins.
6.I am not sure about the tax relief in mainland britain or NI but I cant see any reason why they would refund tax. Maybe a chance in NI.
They refund around 50% off the money in the Republic.

I hope all this helps every one, as for canus lupus- you honestly cannot feel a ny pain or discomfort what soever during the surgery and if you don't like the thought of them making an incision, you could have Lasek done in which they dont cut your eye at all, they just sortof brush the lens aside.

finlma

I'm considering getting it done myself. I'm due for new health insurance so I'm going to take out a Vivas policy and get Waveform for €1800, seems like great value. My eyesight is bad (-7.0) and glasses cost €350 every 2 years and I spend around €200 a year on contacts.

LegacyUser

did a search in another thread, and found this link

http://www.irishhealth.com/?level=4&id=4220

do a search for Optilase on the page, good indipendent feedback.

i think i'll go with them, and switch to vivas, bupa cover feck all, they don't even cover dental, or gp, for more of the cost of vivas!

anyway, if there's anyone else who's been to Optilase, let us know.

faceman

Has any boards member had any laser eye surgery done? what type n what were ur experiences?

dundalk cailin

i got contacts in aug and had problems with them, since discovered that my eyes are sensitive, changed my solution and ive had no trouble. i would like to get laser surgery done, as i have northern health insurance, and everything is cheaper up there, i wonder how much it would cost?

finlma

finlma wrote:

I'm considering getting it done myself. I'm due for new health insurance so I'm going to take out a Vivas policy and get Waveform for €1800, seems like great value. My eyesight is bad (-7.0) and glasses cost €350 every 2 years and I spend around €200 a year on contacts.

my eyesight is just as bad and i'm getting it done next year but i dont want to take out a whole health insurance policy to get it done so i'l go with lasek/ laser
BTW whats the difference?

mikemac

stp wrote:

has anyone got it done in this place,
Optilase http://www.optilase.com/index.php

I've a consultation next Monday morning to see if I'm suitable.
I'll be going for the wavefront option which cost €1500 per eye.
However, my employer gives me free Vivas Healthcare so I can claim €1000 back.

I researched all the main places in Dublin and Belfast and am choosing Optilase due to this deal with Vivas. Obviously, you dont just go for the cheapest option but its nearly worth signing up to Vivas if you wanted laser eye surgury.

Having attended a presentation by Vivas and by doing a bit a research, they're just as good as VHI and Bupa imho.

They seem very professional and sent out a brochure about the head consultant and a booklet explaining the procedure. Had to wait two months to get a appointment.

Been wearing the glasses all week as you need to take a break from contact lenses before your consultation.

I'll let ye know how I get on

faceman

micmclo wrote:

I've a consultation next Monday morning to see if I'm suitable.
I'll be going for the wavefront option which cost €1500 per eye.

I'll let ye know how I get on

Do keep us in the loop, im very curious about the wavefront option.

JohnK

Me too. Its a lot of money but hopefully its a case of you get what you pay for.

StandnDeliver

yeah i made an appointment with optical express went to the clinic in london ,i had a free consultation ,they did loads of tests etc said i was suitable but had to wait for another eye exam etc.the totalcost of the 2eyes is €1,200 thats converted an all ,you can pay by credit card.they were professional and i shal defo be going me thinks.works out much cheaper than here.

dundalk cailin

coolsmileygirl wrote:

my eyesight is just as bad

how bad is -7.0 cos mine is -2.5 and thats not great??

tk123

I was just on vhi's website and they're now giving €1000 of laser eye surgery at the Wellington Clinic...

mikemac

dundalk cailin wrote:

how bad is -7.0 cos mine is -2.5 and thats not great??

-2.5 is not bad at all. Can you manage without glasses when walking around town. If you can, that's fairly good.

I'm -5 and -6. AFAIK around -1 is fair, -5 is moderate and -10 is very bad.

I could be wrong but -10 is legally blind without glasses or contact lenses.

Tiger Woods was -11

http://www.tlcvision.com/why_choose_tlc/famous_people/TigerToolsFactSheetCenter.pdf

dundalk cailin

:eek: really??

well i only got glasses a few years ago and only wore them for school, tv etc. i was used to being without glasses when out for example. but it helped a lot when i got contacts, that said ive only had them since aug so its only a few months that im going around perfect-visionned. obviously now i am dependent on glasses when i dont have contacts in as i am used to having perfect vision. suppose its hard to know really when i cant exactly experince having -7.0 vision

mikemac

faceman wrote:

Do keep us in the loop, im very curious about the wavefront option.

Did my consultation on Monday with Optilase.

It lasted about an hour.
Firstly, there were three tests. One was focusing on a balloon in the distance. If you've ever been to Specsavers you'd have done this.
Second was focusing on a spinning line.
Third was taking a map of the eye. This will be used if you go for the wavefront option. The printout was very detailed and impressive to look at.
It was explained to me that having the wavefront option gives you a 20% better chance at avoiding night glare.
This doesn't realy apply to me as my pupils as smaller than normal.

Next I did a standard eye test. This involves 3 different eye drops.
I then had all the procedures and problems assiocated with laser eye surgury explained to me. Once, I signed a form explaining that I understood the risks, the staff member did the eye test again.
I was told I was suitable and have to do a pre-op appointment in March.

I thought it was very professional but am disappointed that it will be probably be late March before I get my surgury, considering I first contacted Optilase in November.

Word of warning. Take the rest of the day off work. They dilate your pupils with eye drops which lasts for several hours. This means you can't focus on close items. I was trying to text a mate on Henry Street and couldn't even read my mobile screen.

JohnK

What sort of costs were they talking about?

mikemac

JohnK wrote:

What sort of costs were they talking about?

Direct from the website.

"Optilase offers Lasik and Lasek premier treatments from €995 per eye. We provide wavefront-guided Custom-vue procedures for €1500 per eye. Our package of care includes all aftercare consultations for 1 year and post-op medications. There is income tax relief available on the cost of this treatment of up to 42% of medical expenses. Refractive surgery is covered by the Garda Medical Aid Fund."

If you're with Vivas it's expecially worth it as you can claim €1000 back.

I don't pay 42% tax as I'm only on a graduate wage but I'd say for me €3000 overall with €1000 back from Vivas and a few hundred back from tax.

Considering a 3month supply of contact lenses are €52.50 it seems a good deal to me. As I said before, you don't go for the cheapest option in these situations.

JohnK

Thanks micmclo.

As I said before, you don't go for the cheapest option in these situations.

I couldn't agree more! Did you have to pay extra for your consultation? Is that taken into account if you do go for it?

mikemac

Consulatation is completly free. Hardly fair to charge you if they find you're unsuitable for laser eye surgury.

I'd say book a consultation(www.optilase.com) as you'll be waiting two months.

If you are suitable you then do a pre-op consulation with the consultant. He double-checks everything and you get to ask any questions you want.

This is free also and you can pull out at this stage as well.

If you decide to go ahead with the surgury you need to pay 50% deposit to get an appointment.

JohnK

Might go ahead and do that cause I'm getting very tired of glasses. Thanks micmclo.

proteus

I had a LASIK operation done to both eyes a few months ago.
One of the best decisions I've ever made. Classic.
No more glasses fogging up when you walk from outside into a warm room.
No more cleaning of rain/beer spots from the lenses etc.
I was about -3.8 in both eyes btw.

I went to the Wellington Clinic. I new two people that had gone there previously
and they were very positive about the experience.

The various tests they go through was very organised and professional.

The operation took less than 20mins per eye. I was fully awake during the procedure and didn't find it painful at all. They explain every step of the procedure to you and what you should expect as they do it. 20mins per eye may seem rushed but I just found them very efficent during the OP.

After the OP I was quite blurry for the rest of the day but I could still make out things in the distance which I couldn't previously see with glasses and I could see well enough to move about the house easily. I wore the protective eye shells at night (in case you rub your eyes during sleep) and took the various series of drops that they provided. My eyesight settled down quite quickly over the next day or so but I did suffer halos around bright objects at night. The halos took about 3 months to really fade away but I didn't find them distracting at all.

Summing up: If you're tired of all the hassle associated with glasses or lenses, talk to friends that have had the laser OP. Go to a laser surgery and get a consultancy to see if you're suitable and get all the facts. Some places produce a free CD/dvd showing a detailed overview of the procedure which is worth watching.I had a preference for using a surgery in Dublin just in case anything went wrong but each to their own decision.

JohnK

I've just booked a consultation with the Optilase crowd. Hopefully all will be OK and I can get the procedure done. Now I just have to decide if I want to have both eyes done on the same day or leave one for a few weeks.

Mhiceal

i had laser eye surgery in optilase . found them brilliant and wud recommend this place to anyone contemplating about getting the surgery!The aftercare is brilliant couldnt thank optilase more!

JohnK

Mhiceal wrote:

i had laser eye surgery in optilase . found them brilliant and wud recommend this place to anyone contemplating about getting the surgery!The aftercare is brilliant couldnt thank optilase more!

Did you get the two eyes done at the same time or did you wait between them?

slipss

micmclo wrote:

Word of warning. Take the rest of the day off work. They dilate your pupils with eye drops which lasts for several hours. This means you can't focus on close items. I was trying to text a mate on Henry Street and couldn't even read my mobile screen.

Yeah I definatley agree with this, take the rest of the day off work and bring sunglasses with you. When I got the tests done it was at 12 O clock and it was a real sunny day. I could barely open my eyes, even squinting and looking directly at the ground it felt like I was starring into the sun. I kind of shaded my eyes with my hand, squinted, and kept my eyes down and tried to make my way back to eden quay.

After about 10 mins of this I was only at graffton street, but luckily some young one stoped me and asked me if I needed help (I think she thought I was blind or something). I told her about the tests and she walked me all the way to the bus stop and then said she had nothing better to do so she volunteered get the bus to Tallaght with me (i really didn't think there was people like that still left in dublin). The whole time I was with her I hadn't even been able to see her face my eyes were so sensitive. I asked her if she wanted to come back to my house and I'd get her a drink and ring her a taxi back to town and she said ok.

My eyes were starting to feel better by the time we got back to my house, so I opened them fully when we got indoors. I was sure this girl was going to be really ugly or something, because she had come all the way from town with me, just because I needed her help and we had got on so well on the bus home. I just couldn't see her being beutifull aswell - I'm just not that lucky. But the minute my eyes adjusted and I seen her face I was completely amazed - she was such a stunner. Honestly she was the best looking girl my age I'd ever seen in real life.

Well any ways long story short, we ended up getting together and moving in with each other and the next couple of months were easily the happiest time of my life. Of course by the third month everything went to sh1t. This is the usuall pattern my life follows. We were too similar I think, we ended up having a few massive fights because niether of us would ever back down and then one day I ended up saying some really ****ing horrible things to her and walked out of the flat. When I got back she had packed up and moved out and left a note saying "love really is blind". I never found out where she went and never saw her again. Well I'm a ****ing stupid idiot.

Sorry that was so off topic, just hadn't thought about her lately.

Liz on the long shot you happen to be on boards and read this, I ****ing love ye babe

Tusky

slipss wrote:

Yeah I definatley agree with this, take the rest of the day off work and bring sunglasses with you. When I got the tests done it was at 12 O clock and it was a real sunny day. I could barely open my eyes, even squinting and looking directly at the ground it felt like I was starring into the sun. I kind of shaded my eyes with my hand, squinted, and kept my eyes down and tried to make my way back to eden quay.

After about 10 mins of this I was only at graffton street, but luckily some young one stoped me and asked me if I needed help (I think she thought I was blind or something). I told her about the tests and she walked me all the way to the bus stop and then said she had nothing better to do so she volunteered get the bus to Tallaght with me (i really didn't think there was people like that still left in dublin). The whole time I was with her I hadn't even been able to see her face my eyes were so sensitive. I asked her if she wanted to come back to my house and I'd get her a drink and ring her a taxi back to town and she said ok.

My eyes were starting to feel better by the time we got back to my house, so I opened them fully when we got indoors. I was sure this girl was going to be really ugly or something, because she had come all the way from town with me, just because I needed her help and we had got on so well on the bus home. I just couldn't see her being beutifull aswell - I'm just not that lucky. But the minute my eyes adjusted and I seen her face I was completely amazed - she was such a stunner. Honestly she was the best looking girl my age I'd ever seen in real life.

Well any ways long story short, we ended up getting together and moving in with each other and the next couple of months were easily the happiest time of my life. Of course by the third month everything went to sh1t. This is the usuall pattern my life follows. We were too similar I think, we ended up having a few massive fights because niether of us would ever back down and then one day I ended up saying some really ****ing horrible things to her and walked out of the flat. When I got back she had packed up and moved out and left a note saying "love really is blind". I never found out where she went and never saw her again. Well I'm a ****ing stupid idiot.

Sorry that was so off topic, just hadn't thought about her lately.

Liz on the long shot you happen to be on boards and read this, I ****ing love ye babe

nice story

Nala

I'd love to get it done but I've heard your prescription needs to have stabilised. Mine is different every time I get tested. Also i've heard that at 20 i'm too young.

Mhiceal

hi john!i got two eyes done at the same time!I would advise getting both done at same time as i would think it would be a bit of a hassle getting it at different times!!i got the wavefront procedure done which i would recommend to get!

Martly

Im thinking of getting it doen in the Optilase clinic also..My eyesight is -5.00 each eye and would really love to wake up in the morning and be able to see without my glasses..From what ive heard from friends who have had it done they say its fantastic...I have to book my consultation soon

toffeapple

Bloke in the pub told me a story about his brothers friends neighbour who had laser eye surgery..when he was getting it done he was bitten by a daddy long legs and his arms turned into a set of wings and he kept walking into walls and being attracted to lights...dont know how true this is but be careful..if movies have thought us anything its that when theres lasers or radioactive stuff involved things can go horribly wrong

JohnK

Mhiceal wrote:

hi john!i got two eyes done at the same time!I would advise getting both done at same time as i would think it would be a bit of a hassle getting it at different times!!i got the wavefront procedure done which i would recommend to get!

I would like to get both done on the same day but I dont think its worth the risk. Although very unlikely, there is a chance of something going wrong and if I do both on the same day that means both eyes are ****ed. If I leave even a week between them, at least I'd have one eye that at worst will be like it is now. I think that's worth a bit of hassle to be honest.

mikemac

Had Lasek on both eyes in Optilase yesterday.
I wanted to do Lasik but I wasn't suitable. Lasek has another advantage in that if my eyesight adjusts over the next few months the surgeon will be able to do an enhancment procedure

Found the staff in Optilase brilliant, especially the French nurse who was incredibly friendly and put me at ease.

The surgury itself went prettly quickly. It was painless but its not something I'd like to do again.

Had to get a taxi home and spent the rest of the day resting. Woke up this morning and Wow, I could actually see incredibly well. I wouldn't say its 20:20 but it should settle over the next few days.

Do my eyesight test on Saturday so I'll see how it goes. Was advised to wear sunglasses when I'm outside and got lots of strange looks around Dublin today since it was pretty overcast and must have looked it weird.

Considering I started wearing glasses at 11 years old it the best thing I ever did. Can't recommend Optilase enough

Anyone else on boards getting this done?

JohnK

I had my first assessment with them at the start of February but I haven’t been back to see the surgeon yet. I was told after the assessment said I’m suitable for both but I’m leaning towards the Lasek. It does take longer to recover (1wk rather than 2 days) but I like the sound of it more than the Lasik. What was your vision like yesterday in the hours after the surgery? I’d be very interested to hear how you get on during the next week.

John.

mawk

how much did the optilase cost you, im thinking about it but their site didnt have prices and they didnt reply to my questions

JohnK

mawk wrote:

how much did the optilase cost you, im thinking about it but their site didnt have prices and they didnt reply to my questions

From: http://www.optilase.com/pricing.php

Optilase offers Lasik and Lasek premier treatments from €995 per eye. We provide wavefront-guided Custom-vue procedures for €1500 per eye.

Saintly

I had Lasek surgery last year in Belfast with Optical Express. I have absolutely no regrets, it has made a huge difference to my life. Three colleagues from work also got it done there, no probs with any of us.

I didn't find the procedure particularly enjoyable, no pain but there is a discomfort and some very strange sensations in your eye. Nothing to worry about though. Lasek requires a longer recovery and in my case, it really was three weeks before my eyes began to settle (didn't drive for 2 and a half weeks post op -this varies from person to person but I wasn't prepared for that delay), takes a while for your eyes to heal but big improvements occur every day. Read around, inform yourself. I took Vitamin C and Arnica before and after surgery, it supposedly improves healing powers.

Yes, there are risks (When I began wearing contact lens, I was supplied with a full lists of risks then too!), that can occur to a minority of people - go to a reputable organisation, Optical Express refused to consider me for Lasik, as my corneas were too thin, (the Mater were quite happy for me to choose either option). Google the surgeon, make sure he is experienced in the option you choose. And then just take the Valium they give you and enjoy your new vision!!

BTW, Dublin clinics are offering great deals now, stay local if you can, if I was going to make a choice now, I would stick with a Dublin clinic rather than Belfast, from a practical point of view.

Saintly

Siogfinsceal

Im a -3 and have wanted to do this for ages. Im really interested in this new 'wavefront' as someone said it improves night vision. Even with my contacts in I feel my night vision is not great so that sounds very good. I know people who have had the lasik/lasek in Blackrock so Im going to see if they have wavefront. Im with BUPA but I dont care how much the opp costs being able to see properly is worth anythin gto me

JohnK

Siogfinsceal wrote:

Im a -3 and have wanted to do this for ages. Im really interested in this new 'wavefront' as someone said it improves night vision. Even with my contacts in I feel my night vision is not great so that sounds very good. I know people who have had the lasik/lasek in Blackrock so Im going to see if they have wavefront. Im with BUPA but I dont care how much the opp costs being able to see properly is worth anythin gto me

If you get it done with Optilase and switch to Vivas, they will cover the €1000 required for the Wavefront. They'll only do it for Optilase though (I think!).

LegacyUser

i'll be getting my surgery somtime in april, in optalise.

going for the wavefront Lasik.

costs €3,000, but with tax back, and insurance cover, it should end up costing me around €850

JohnK

stp wrote:

i'll be getting my surgery somtime in april, in optalise.

going for the wavefront Lasik.

costs €3,000, but with tax back, and insurance cover, it should end up costing me around €850

If you dont mind me asking, when did you have your first assessment?

LegacyUser

JohnK wrote:

If you dont mind me asking, when did you have your first assessment?

about a month ago.

JohnK

I had mine on Feb 1st and still havent any form of date from them