What a Laser Eye Surgery patient journey REALLY looks like

29 Nov 2020

Learn more about Laser Eye Surgery with Optilase, Ireland’s No.1 private eye surgery provider

Some might say that there are two types of people in this World, those who have always had a problem with their sight and those who have never had to wear glasses or contacts! Unfortunately dear reader, there are more of us with bad sight than we might care to admit (writer included!)

But there are options, right? Yes. A procedure like Laser Eye Surgery, is from the outside a very attractive option - no more contact lenses, no more glasses, the idea of waking up to good sight every morning sounds amazing right! But is it too good to be true? Optilase, Ireland’s No.1 provider of Laser Eye Surgery takes us through what a typical patient journey might look like and gives us some food for thought on the life changing treatment.

Biting the bullet
Like all life changing surgeries, deciding to go ahead with Laser Eye Surgery is a big decision, but what do you need to know in advance of this? And is there anything you can do to prepare yourself for the surgery? Phillip McGlade, CEO with Optilase urges everyone to visit a professional provider for an initial assessment. ‘Having a consultation with an Optometrist is a great place to start. Firstly they will assess your sight to determine if laser eye surgery is the right solution for you. We offer a free consultation to every customer who is interested in Laser Eye Surgery, so that patients can arm themselves with information about the procedure. We believe that every patient should be knowledgeable and comfortable about surgery before embarking any further, and that’s just what our medical team can offer once you walk through our doors. We’re delighted to offer this important service for free.’

On your way to 20/20 vision
First up, it’s time to talk about suitability. Afterall, you need to be suitable for the surgery before going ahead. The good news is that even if you were not suitable previously for the treatment, you may be suitable now thanks to rapidly changing technology. In fact, the odds are stacked in your favour now as it’s thought that 3 out of 4 people are now suitable for Laser Eye Surgery.

If suitability is something that you are concerned about, try not to worry as it will be one of the first things your Optometrist will discuss with you. Brace yourself for the amazing change that Laser Eye Surgery will bring. Who wouldn’t want a chance for better sight and a whole new lease of life? Your life changing surgery awaits.

No holding you back
Feel like you’ve got a thousand questions? No worries, that's what your initial assessment is for. Next up the Laser Optometrist will explain in detail the processes involved and answer any questions you may have about the surgery before and after. It’s a fast appointment too - the whole assessment takes approximately one hour to complete, and is a great way to find out if you want to start the journey as when you leave your free consultation, you’ll be armed with all the facts you need. If you do decide to go ahead then during the consultation a pre-operative consultation will be arranged with your Surgeon.

So if you’ve been thinking about Laser Eye Surgery, but are still juggling glasses and contact lenses to be able to see the world clearly, take the first step. You won’t regret it.

In control and taking things to the next stage
There’s no greater feeling than having answers to the questions you once had. Once you’ve had your initial consultation and came away with the information you need, your next step is to meet your surgeon. Phillip tells us that this is a crucial stage for most patients, ‘After meeting the Optometrist patients generally feel much more in control of the situation. They now have answers to the questions they may have had, and they know how the process unfolds - what happens in the surgery and how we take our patients through a rigorous
aftercare programme.’

So what is Optilase’s advice for anyone who still has questions after their initial meeting? Phillip says it’s important to feel a rapport with your provider, and this includes having open conversations about any additional worries or questions that still remain.

‘Patients should remember that this is an important surgery, and that they should not go ahead with any surgery without having all their concerns explored. Laser Eye Surgery has never been as successful or safe, but every concern from a patient is worth talking about. Go back to your provider and have an open conversation with them, that’s something you’ll never regret’.

Meeting your medical team
Once you’re watertight on all elements of the procedure, meeting your surgeon is the next important step in the process. Here they will carry out a further eye exam and give the final approval required for surgery to go ahead. They’ll talk you through the technical aspects of your Laser Eye Surgery and resolve any additional questions or queries. Once you’re happy that you understand everything and you’re happy to proceed, the team will then go through all of the necessary paperwork and confirm the date and time of your procedure.

But what can patients expect on their surgery day, ‘In our care you can rest assured you’re in the safe and capable care of our team - Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, nurses, laser technicians and other professional support staff members. Your Laser Eye treatment takes, on average, seven minutes per eye. It’s a very short procedure with a lasting, life-changing outcome. Trust me when I say you’ll never look back.’ says Phillip.

‘Following the operation, you can relax while the Optilase team explains everything about the aftercare programme. They’ll give you a post-operative information pack containing eye drops and a schedule of when to take them. This will also include a 24 hour patient helpline number should you need any more information.

So there you have it. Is it time to take a step in the direction of the best sight you’ve ever had? There’s only one way to find out, and we believe that is by meeting medical professionals who can examine your sight, give you information and their assessment on your personal sight, and go from there. As the old saying goes, you have nothing to lose, only gain.

Time to talk?
If you’re looking for eye surgery but don’t know where’s the best place to get it, why not try Ireland’s premier provider of Laser Eye Surgery. Call us a little biased, but we KNOW that you won’t find a better eye surgery provider than Optilase across the Island of Ireland.

Since 2003 Optilase has been well known as Ireland’s most trusted private eye surgery clinic, performing over 40,000 eye surgeries since its inception in the market - making it a household name that can be trusted.

Our Optilase consultants are among the best in the industry and are expertly qualified to deliver the best possible outcome. Our Consultant Team members are all registered with the Irish Medical Council. We’re proud to offer you the latest techniques for your eye surgery and because we use state-of-the-art equipment, our clinics and the experience and results we deliver, are second to none.

With no hidden costs or upselling, a lot of Optilase patients end up paying less than the published price. And that’s always a plus, especially when you are guaranteed to receive Ireland’s No.1 professional eye surgery experience with great results.

Call us Ireland’s No.1 Eye Clinic today
Optilase are a proud, family-owned Irish business and are privileged to have some of the world’s leading Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons, Laser Optometrists and Medical Staff working on the Optilase team, all of whom are focused on providing the very best laser eye treatment available, using the latest and most sophisticated technology.

Optilase has Clinics, all over the Island of Ireland, including four Clinics in Northern Ireland.
For more information on Optilase and to book your free consultation +353 1 223 8821 now, and we promise - you’ll see the difference!

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At your consultation we will answer all your questions, discuss finance options, and assess whether you are a suitable candidate for one of our life-changing, treatments. Consultations with our expert Optometrists are free and take approximately 1 hour at one of our nationwide clinics.
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Patient Reviews

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Thelma Scanlon
September 23, 2023

Great experience and great after care. Had 2020 vision within 24 hours with very minimal pain.

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Amanda Mulligan
September 23, 2023

Amazing experience , amazing staff, amazing eye sight . I had lens replacement 3 months ago and would highly recommend.

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Mr. O’Flynn Education
September 23, 2023

I got my laser eye surgery done on April 20th and couldn’t be happier. I had one hard day of recovery, followed by dry eyes for a small while. Sleeping with the protective goggles is the hardest part, but you’re helped throughout the process by experts. I couldn’t recommend this enough and Optilase were a dream to deal with. Even if you can’t afford the treatment now, you can always talk about a payment plan and get the vision you’ve always wanted.

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Holli Burgon
September 18, 2023

I could not rate high enough, consultation was extremely informative and the staff were amazing, very friendly and answered all my questions with ease.

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Roisin Byrne
September 15, 2023

I had a wonderful experience in Optilase in Ely Place, the staff were so kind and helpful and made me feel really comfortable. Would absolutely recommend

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PAULA Moriarty
September 7, 2023

Couldn't rate Optilase high enough. I had Lens Replacement Surgery. My experience from the first phone call to the procedure itself and the aftercare was fantastic. All of the staff from the call centre to the staff in Carrickmines and the theatre were so helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend .

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JeriesHamaty
September 5, 2023

I had my PRK done on both eyes , and im happy with the result. The post operation pain was extreme but it settled down after 4 days. Now i feel great after 2 weeks post operation no complications what so ever , other than blurry vision now and then, but its improving every day

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Rebekah Lowry
August 25, 2023

Got LASIK in Ely Place only yesterday and officially had 20/20 vision just 24 hours later! Cannot recommend Optilase enough from my initial consultation with Aisling in Athlone to my trips to Carrickmines and Ely Place. The staff really look after you from the moment you walk in the door and make you feel so at ease from start to finish - 10 out of 10 experience!

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Kate Oto
August 21, 2023

I highly recommend this place, reliable information and care, full professionalism.

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Lisa Simcox
August 21, 2023

LASIK was so easy and pain free. It’s one week post surgery and my eye sight is wonderful. I couldn’t recommend enough.

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Declan Wynne
August 21, 2023

I no longer need glasses,absolutely life changing.Great aftercare,lovely staff.

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Poliana Oliveira
August 9, 2023

I have been wearing glasses for over 20 years. I always hated wearing contact lenses and I got to a time in my life that I needed a change. A friend recommended optilase, I went for the free consultation and the person that did all the exams was really nice and I felt safe and confident enough to go ahead, I was recommended the PRK. I Put on a piece of paper how much I spent and would still spend on glasses for the next 10 years, and the surgery was for sure cheaper than that. My prescription was very high, both eyes, myopia and astigmatism Optilase provided all the information I needed, in clear manner. And they always made clear that there was nothing wrong with my eyes, it was my own choice to go for the surgery. The day of the surgery I was a bit nervous, who wouldn't? But then, from the reception to the surgeon, they were all so nice and welcoming. Hernandez performed the procedure, lovely surgeon, again all information was provided the way it should. I was instructed in what I should and should not do. The actual procedure took less than 15min, I felt nothing, no discomfort or anything. The whole process is very well done by the team, if I remember well around 3 people supporting the surgery plus one other girl providing pos surgery instructions. Right after the procedure I could already see much better than before without glasses! I couldn't believe it, I cried, thanked everyone and left the clinic knowing that I made the best choice. The recovery for PRK is a bit longer, I stayed for 2 full days no phones, or any screens. In the dark. If you have a little one, I would recommend to have someone minding them, as you are very limited in what you can do for the day of and day after surgery. It is hard to open the eyes, the second day after surgery was the toughest, I thought all went wrong as the vision got worst, but again I was advised it could happen. Note that this was my experience and could be different for other people. The 3rd day I felt nothing and could see much better already. Light sensitivity was very high, and still, 6 days after surgery, but nothing that a sun glasses would not help. My vision still blurred, but I need no glasses to see, my eyes feel dry sometimes, but the eye drops provided helps with it and and am very happy with the results already, even knowing it takes a bit longer to fully recover the vision. I'm back to work (screen at 200% to make sure I dont force my eyes too much) and I have had no headaches or anything, which I would have all the time looking at screens for most of my day. I cannot recommend Optilase enough, they are amazing! If you want to do something for your self and want a place you can trust, go for it, choose Optilase. Thanks to the whole team for one of the best things I did for my self!

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