From Frustration to Freedom: Sophie’s Laser Eye Surgery Journey

Sophie had always enjoyed a life of freedom until she developed the need for glasses in her late teens. As someone who enjoyed the outdoors and physical pursuits, it was a massive frustration for her. After advice from a friend in the gym, and with her wedding looming, she decided to look into Laser Eye Surgery. She booked a free consultation at Optilase and find our what her options were. Here is her story: 

The Decision to Undergo Surgery 

28 year old Sophie, originally from New Zealand, was frustrated by wearing glasses. She says “I started needing to wear glasses about 10 years ago. Up until then, my eyesight was great, but I've always found it very frustrating and never found contact lenses very comfortable, which has had an impact on my ability to be able to play sport comfortably.” Over the years she had considered her options for getting rid of them, but it wasn’t until the year of her wedding that she decided to take the plunge and book a free consultation at Optilase Eye Clinic.“I'm getting married this year and I love the idea of not having to wear contact lenses on my wedding day. I had my consultation with Optilase in January and I was in only four weeks later for the surgery. It was so quick!” 

The Optilase Experience 

From the moment she booked her consultation at Optilase, Sophie experienced exceptional care. The staff carefully explained the procedure and pathway for restoring her vision. Her worries about the recovery time, were quickly alleviated after her initial consultation. She said “It was so simple, and everyone was really informative. My main reservations were the recovery time, because I don't have a lot of extra annual leave that I wanted to take off work. But I was reassured that the recovery would be very quick, and it really was. I came in on a Sunday, and I was back to work fine on the Tuesday afternoon, which is amazing.” 

Sophie, like many people was also concerend about the prospect of feeling pain. She recalls “I has some reservations a little bit around whether it would actually be painful. But the procedure itself was so fast. It was like 15 minutes, and completely painless. After two days, I was able to function like normal. So it's amazing how fast you can recover. I just woke up the first day after surgery and I looked out the window and just looking at the trees and how much detail they were in.  

Finding Magic In The Mundane

The main thing which has changed for Sophie are the “everyday” activities that many of us take for granted, such as being able to see the moon or stars at night! She told us, “You know, every day I've done that routine of looking out the window. And it is amazing, just seeing the detail. I remember going and looking up at the stars and I was like, wow, I've never seen them this clearly! I would 100% recommend this surgery to a friend.” 

Excited For The Future 

Sophie is now looking to the future with renewed excitement. “I think it just makes life so much easier, not having to worry about glasses.  I'm so excited about my wedding and not having to think, Oh God, am I going to smudge my makeup from rubbing at my contact lenses or putting eye drops in.” 

She goes on to encourage others to trust in Optilase and make that phone call that may change their life. “It's so simple. I don't see why anyone shouldn't do it.” 


Conclusion 

Sophie’s story highlights the profound impact that Laser Eye Surgery at Optilase can have on one's quality of life. She finished by thanking all of the staff who helped her, “Everyone's been so welcoming. I want to say a big thank you to all of them just for for making that such a great experience. I'd definitely do it all over again!” 

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Patient Reviews

amnnau
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amnnau
April 3, 2026

Got my PRK surgery with optilase couldnt be happier! I was cared for in each step even post surgery, give me a call or message if you need referral

Amy Phelan
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Amy Phelan
April 2, 2026

Had such an amazing experience with Optilase in Cork. Such a brilliant team, they all made me feel so relaxed and explained everything so well. They reassured me so much on the day of my surgery, and I never felt rushed with any questions. I would highly recommend Optilase to anyone even considering laser eye surgery. I am the most nervous and skeptical person and it’s truly the best thing I ever did, there is honestly nothing to be worried about!! I had zero pain whatsoever and my vision was clear by that evening and 100% perfect the next morning, it’s truly amazing! Wish I got it done years ago. I have so much freedom now without contact lenses or glasses, it’s so hard to believe my vision is fixed!!

Helen Sanfey
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Helen Sanfey
April 2, 2026

My experience has been amazing. Everything was super professional and I was handled with complete care. My vision is perfect now and has changed everything for me.

Chloe Kearney
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Chloe Kearney
March 5, 2026

Had a consultation done today couldn’t fault the team at optilase the were very informative answer all the questions I had very quick and professional would definitely recommend

Barry Neville
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Barry Neville
March 3, 2026

Very professional, and very customer focused

Timmy Kelleher
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Timmy Kelleher
February 18, 2026

I got the refractive lens surgery in December and from my first appointment to the last post op appointment I was looked after with great care, and I would recommend this company to anyone

Sinéad Elizabeth Delaney
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Sinéad Elizabeth Delaney
February 5, 2026

My glasses has always made me feel self conscious to the point of not wearing them. I had my free consultation for eligibility with Rachel who was helpful and really put me at ease about the entire procedure. Elizabeth in reception was friendly and welcoming throughout each visit helping me set up all my upcoming appointments and fit me in for my surgery to meet my schedule. The day of surgery I was brought upstairs for re-scans. Paul did these and he was extremely kind. He answered all my questions making me feel at ease. After I was then called by Fiona who was assisting Dr. Tom in my surgery. I met Dr. Tom who ran over the procedure and answered questions I had. Fiona then went through the things to be mindful of after surgery showing me the three different eye drops to be taken and then helped me prep for surgery. The surgery itself was so quick. I first laid down on the chair and they dosed my eyes in eye drops which were to stop infections and aesthetic to keep my eyes open. Dr. Tom and the team began. It was such a quick painless procedure I couldn’t believe it was finished so quick. Already getting up I felt I could see better although a little fuzzy. Fiona guided me to the dark area of the reception while I waited to go home. The girls in reception had already called my dad and he was on the way. Sitting there I could already read the signs on the wall (I couldn’t when I had come in). Paul and Fiona came and sat with me for a second in reception asking me how I was and how I got on which was so nice of them. My dad collected me and I put my sunglasses on. It was a sunny day and I’m going to be honest the car ride home for me was the hardest part. Fiona told me my eyes would become heavy when the eye drops wore off. I felt the light from the sun in the car ride home was harsh on my eyes and my eyes stung. This was instantly relieved when I got home and went to my room which was in complete darkness. The first two hours my eyes were a little sore and stingy. Then this all faded very quick. No stinging. No pain. Nothing. All great. My eyes improving more and more as the day went on. I was nervous about the eye drops but set them up on my table with an alarm and it’s so easy to just pop them in. My eyes were quite red with two red dots on each side. I rested up for the evening and I wore my dark glasses they provided for a lot of the evening to really rest my eyes and by that night my vision was very sharp it was amazing. I slept very well with my eye mask and not once did I have to take painkillers. My follow up appointment was with Michaela who was lovely and stated I have 20/20 vision and my eyes look good. She also said the redness is 100% normal and is just bruising of the eye from the suction. My experience has been amazing. I honestly can’t thank the staff enough. Each and every one of them were so nice and welcoming and the liking to answer all my questions. If you have any doubts at all; I wouldn’t. Get it done if you can. I wish I got it done sooner. Any questions or using a refer a friend find me on fb or instagram with the name above 😊

Laurence Lee
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Laurence Lee
November 25, 2025

It was the best decision I ever made,I can see better now than I ever did.

Teddy Sheehan
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Teddy Sheehan
November 20, 2025

Finished LASIK eye surgery yesterday. Unbelievable how crystal clear next day was. Bit nervous on day, but staff put me right at ease. Very professional, Clean, fast. Definitely should got it done years ago..

Lazer
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Lazer
November 19, 2025

I recently had my LASIK eye surgery done at Optilase and I couldn’t be happier with the entire experience. From the moment I walked in, the team made me feel completely at ease. A special mention goes to Optometrist Dan, who was incredibly professional, patient, and reassuring throughout the whole process. Dan explained every step clearly, answered all my questions, and made sure I felt confident before and after the procedure. The surgery itself was quick and comfortable, and my vision improvement has been amazing. I highly recommend Optilase and especially Dan for anyone considering LASIK. Excellent service, fantastic results, and a team you can truly trust.

manon Clairbaux
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manon Clairbaux
November 18, 2025

Nice and helpful team !

Endija Ozolina
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Endija Ozolina
November 13, 2025

From the day 1 I felt I was important client ! Carrickmines clinic is sooo clean & neat in every way On the day of the surgery I felt even more cared for and soothed while being a VERY anxious customer the staff & surgeon made me calm and also advised on a better future treatment then initially was thought , which I though was wonderful and showed they care Small downside 🫤 can’t reach directly clinic but when call the number given it’s going to main customer care ( which is also very helpful) But the reason for that is that they work the load between the clinics , which is understandable Overall , even if you’re the most scared person to do this - please TRUST you feel no pain and the gain is fare more worth, then few pre-stressful moments And the actual procedure is honestly less then 10 min

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