The Laser Eye Surgery Journey - from Consultation to Aftercare

laser-eye-surgery-journey-blog
 
The decision to undergo laser eye surgery is never one that is taken lightly, and it is certainly not a snap decision made on the spur of the moment.
 
Nobody wakes up one morning and decides on a whim to head down to Optilase to avail of some laser eye surgery! Far from it in fact; as with any medical procedure - particularly one which is voluntarily undertaken and involves the eyes – people always require a great deal of information, consultation, questions and answers, as well as complete reassurance, prior to committing to any type of surgery. To be completely honest about it, we would not have it any other way; opting for laser eye surgery is a major life changing decision, and major decisions can only be made when the full facts have been examined, and every single detail addressed.
 
With this in mind, our aim has always been to make the entire process as simple and straightforward as we possibly can, from the very first consultation right through to the post operative care that we offer. That is why we like to break the process down into 4 simple steps.
 

Step 1 – Come in and meet us for a FREE initial consultation!

 
Well it stands to reason that the first thing anyone should do, when considering laser eye surgery, is come in and have a chat with us, so that we can conduct the necessary preliminary consultation. Here, our laser Optometrist will carry out a full eye examination, assess your suitability for laser eye surgery (and if suitable, outline which procedure would be best suited to your particular vision), explain the recommended procedure in detail, answer your questions, and endeavour to ensure that you know exactly what lies in store right the way through the process, should you choose to proceed to surgery.
 
At the end of this initial stage, both your pre-operative consultation as well as your laser eye surgery can be booked in.
 
(And remember – anyone can book a FREE consultation with one of our Optometrists, and take it from there; nothing ventured, nothing gained. What’s more, because we know that life is pretty manic for all of us, we offer extremely flexible appointments, including late evenings and weekends , so that whatever your family or work schedule is, we will find a time that is tailored to your needs!)
 

Step 2 – Now meet your Ophthalmic Surgeon for your Pre-Operative Consultation

 
Now that you have met us, (and us you), you will be a lot more familiar with what we can offer you, and many of your questions and concerns will already have been addressed at the initial consultation stage. If you do still have further questions of course, this is the perfect time to ask them, because it is now that you will meet your Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, who will conduct a further eye examination and give final approval for your surgery.
 
(At this stage you will also meet our Clinic Administration Team, who will go through in detail all of the various paperwork, including of course the small matter of payment!)
 

Step 3 – The day of Surgery

 
Unlike many surgical procedures, we like to keep things as relaxed as possible for you; we know that surgery can cause anxiety but equally, we also believe that with this short 10 minute painless procedure, there really is nothing to be worried about!
 
Upon arrival, one of ultra-friendly Clinic Coordinators will be on hand to take care of your every need....which essentially means offering you plenty of TLC, cups of tea and whatever else you may require during your time with us!
 
Finally, you will meet the team who will be looking after you during the very short procedure, including of course your ophthalmic surgeon whom you will already be familiar with.
 
As for the procedure itself, well this is over before you even get a chance to make yourself comfortable....10 minutes and you’re done! After the surgery is complete, you will then be moved to our recovery suite where your surgeon will carry out a post-operative eye examination, just to ensure that your vision is perfect and everything has gone according to plan. Once your surgeon is happy, you will now receive a post- operative information pack, detailing exactly what you are now required to do, in terms of recovery, following your surgery.
 
From start to finish, your entire visit on the day of your surgical procedure should be no more than 2 hours. Afterwards, just go home, relax and allow yourself the rest of the day for recovery; within 24 hours your recovery will be complete, your eyes like new and your life completely transformed!
 

Step 4 - Our Aftercare Programme (complete with Lifetime Care Guarantee)

 
With Optilase, we believe in providing you with a full aftercare programme, lasting between 9 -12 months; during this time you will have an average of 6 follow up visits, with each visit lasting approximately 20 minutes and involving a comprehensive eye examination with your laser Optometrist. Once you have completed our aftercare programme to the satisfaction of our Optometrist, that’s it - all you need to do is concentrate on living your life seeing things in perfect vision!
 
But, of course... if ever you do need to call in to see us again for any reason whatsoever, we are always here for you courtesy of the Lifetime Care Guarantee that we offer as standard, with all of our laser surgery treatments.
 
Book a free consultation today, contact Optilase – call +353 1 223 8821 or fill out the green contact form above right.
 
Article written by Alan Shanley
 

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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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