Laser surgery proves a real ‘eye-opener’ for local patients

Pioneering laser eye surgery is now available to residents of Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire thanks to a new service set up by a locally based Consultant Surgeon.

The surgical procedure, which is being carried out on an estimated 30,000 people in Britain every year, regularly grabs the headlines thanks to a growing list of celebrity converts. Sir Richard Branson, singer Engelbert Humperdinck, Spice Girl Mel B and golf number one Tiger Woods are just a few of the high-profile names that have been won over by the benefits of the revolutionary technique known as LASIK. LASIK, which combines micro-surgery with laser treatment, corrects a patient’s vision by altering the shape of the cornea.

The growing appeal of refractive surgery has prompted Winchester-based ophthalmic surgeon Mr Rob Morris to establish Grange Eye Consultants and team up with London-based specialist LaserVision. In a bid to extend LASIK treatment to regional centres across the country, LaserVision regularly provides its latest state-of-the-art laser system to the practice, which is based at the Wessex Nuffield Hospital, Chandlers Ford.

The laser is the world's most widely used and studied excimer laser, appreciated by both patients and surgeons alike for its unique 3-dimensional eyetracker and outstanding record of safety and accuracy.

Rob Morris has treated a succession of satisfied patients using this facility since his clinic opened in mid-2002. With the list of patients growing steadily, Rob says he has been impressed with the quality of the pioneering equipment, which is vital in enabling him to offer the very best service to his patients.

One patient who has been delighted with LASIK by Grange Eye Consultants is Joy Fuchter. Joy, who lives in Dorset and underwent treatment by Rob Morris earlier this year, said: “I was certain the best course of action would be through a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon for continuity of care. Everything was explained, including the possible side effects, and the outcome has been better than expected. I am delighted and would recommend it highly.”

In addition to providing LASIK, Grange Eye Consultants has also established a reputation for offering an extensive range of other surgical options such as PRELEX, cataract removal, PRK and LASEK. Rob says the range of ophthalmic services offered is now one of the most comprehensive on the south coast.

For anyone considering laser eye surgery, it is important to be aware that LASIK, although the most common refractive procedure, is not suitable for everyone. A full assessment of your eyes with a consultant ophthalmic surgeon is advisable before making a decision. If you are considering surgery then you may find this checklist helpful:

• Will the treatment be performed by a consultant surgeon who is registered as a “specialist” by the General Medical Council?
• Do the clinic’s surgeons follow the Royal College of Ophthalmology guidelines and does the clinic comply with the European regulations for operating sterility?
• Will you get the chance to have a consultation with the surgeon before the day of surgery?
• Does the surgeon perform at least 1,000 vision procedures a year and are the surgeon’s treatment statistics made available?
• Have the risks and complications and surgical alternatives been fully explained?
• Are comprehensive aftercare and follow-up appointments included, and in what kind of facilities?
• Is the surgeon capable of managing any complications — and available to treat you — in the unfortunate event that there is a post-op problem?
  

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE - MAY/JUNE 2003