What is the realistic level of vision you can expect from vision correction surgery?
If you are expecting perfect vision for ever you will be disappointed as no treatment is capable of giving you perfect vision.
Will this realistic level of vision give me the quality of life benefit I am looking for?
The vast majority of patients achieve or better the driving standard of vision, allowing them to carry out most daily tasks without glasses or contact lenses. Some treatments can also reduce your need for reading glasses.
Do the benefits outweigh the small risks of the treatment in my individual case?
Your lifestyle, occupation,need for distance or near glasses and a comprehensive assesment of your eye health by a specialist consultant eye surgeon are critical in choosing the safest and most effective option for your individual circumstances.
Do I know enough about my surgeon?
You should be able to make an informed choice between choosing a clinic who will allocate you to a surgeon or choosing a specialist consultant surgeon who provides a personalised one to one care from the beginning to the end. You can check with the General Medical Council if a surgeon is on the specialist register for ophthalmology. Many laser eye surgeons are not on this specialist register as legally you only have to be a doctor to carry out laser eye surgery.
Why do prices vary so much?
It is true that you generally get what you pay for. There are a range of laser surgery providers from high street laser clinics to specialist consultant based practices who can provide the full range of vision correction treatments in a personal one to one setting. The costs, level of service and quality of care differ. You must be careful when you compare costs.