Joanne Churchill could barely believe her eyes when her world was bought back into sharp focus.

For over 20 years life had been one long blur for the 35-year-old who suffered from short-sight, which is caused by the cornea being too steeply curved for its own focusing power, resulting in blurred distance vision.

Now however, thanks to the latest eye surgery by Grange Eye Consultants, Joanne is enjoying perfect vision and has been able to free herself from the daily hassles of wearing contact lenses.

"Its incredible," said the mother of two who lives in Chandlers Ford who underwent treatment at the Wessex Nuffield Hospital. "Things are now so much sharper and colours are brighter than they ad been before. It's made a huge difference to my life. I can't praise it enough."

Joanne underwent a treatment known as LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis), which combines micro-surgery and laser treatment to alter the shape of the cornea. The procedure was carried out by consultant Rob Morris who has treated a succession of satisfied patients since the arrival of LaserVision's laser service to his clinic in mid-2002.

Joanne had been considering laser treatment for about a year-and-a-half but it was not until she discovered that the treatment was available by a locally-based and experienced surgeon, that she decided to actually go ahead.

She said: "Mr Morris instantly made me feel if I'm having it done he's the man. He talked me through the whole procedure and all the possible complications, which was a good as it meant I could make an informed decision."

Although Joanne does admit to being nervous before undergoing the procedure, she says her treatment was "completely painless" and over in a matter of 'minutes'.

She said: "It is unbelievable - you literally lie down in the chair and before you know it you are walking out again."

Joanne added: "It is an incredible procedure. For years I have not been able to see clearly and now to be able to see like this, without my contact lenses, is such a gift. It's amazing and I would recommend it to anyone."

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE - JULY/AUGUST 2003