Questions about Initial Screening at London Vision Clinic

Laser Eye Surgery is an amazing procedure that offers patients the opportunity to experience life in a new way – without glasses and contact lenses. But in order to achieve the best possible outcomes, a thorough screening process is essential.

Below, we answer some of the most common questions about screening and consultations at London Vision Clinic.

Why do I need to have an initial Laser Eye Surgery screening consultation?

Before patients decide to go ahead with Laser Eye Surgery, we first ask that they go through our initial screening process. This not only helps us and yourself understand whether you are suitable for treatment, but it also gives you the opportunity to learn more about the procedure.

This gives you all the information you need to decide whether Laser Eye Surgery is the right option for you.

At London Vision Clinic, we hold initial screenings from Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 3 pm.

In the video below, Dr Glenn Carp explains the importance of an initial screening for Laser Eye Surgery.

If another clinic finds me unsuitable, why come to London Vision Clinic for screening?

At London Vision Clinic, we often see patients who have been turned away by other clinics – particularly high street clinics. While it may sound strange, there is a perfectly good reason for attending an initial screening with us, even if you have been found unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery elsewhere.

Clinics are only able to provide treatment according to the technology, experience, and expertise available to them. These considerations have a direct impact on the type of patients and prescriptions a given clinic is able to treat.

At London Vision Clinic, we have access to the latest technology as well as some of the best Laser Eye Surgeons in the world. This means that we can often treat much higher prescriptions than other clinics. As a result, many patients are often surprised to learn that they are eligible for Laser Eye Surgery treatment with us.

In the video below, Dr Glenn Carp explains how attending a screening appointment at London Vision Clinic could be useful – even if you’ve been turned away for treatment elsewhere.

How is a Laser Eye Surgery consultation different at London Vision Clinic compared to other clinics?

We are proud to offer one of the most comprehensive screening programmes that a clinic can offer. We use a wide variety of tests and scans to ensure we gather the most accurate information regarding your eyes.

This helps us to create the most effective personalised treatment plan on a patient-by-patient basis in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for every patient. The average initial screening session usually takes around 2 hours.

For more information on the importance of a rigorous screening program, click here.

In the video below, Dr Glenn Carp explains how consultations for Laser Eye Surgery at London Clinic are different.

Can I bring someone with me to the initial screening?

Patients are more than welcome – and, in fact, encouraged! – to bring someone with them to all their appointments at London Vision Clinic. This includes not only your initial screening but also follow-up aftercare visits as well as on the day of the procedure itself.

There is often a lot of information to take in at each visit, so having someone with you can help to improve your understanding of the treatment. We also recommend asking a friend or family member to pick you up from the clinic following your surgery as your vision may be a little blurry for a few hours afterwards.

Dr Glenn Carp tells us more in the video below.

What do I need to do to prepare for the initial screening?

You can book your initial screening appointment at London Vision Clinic over the phone or via our Booking Form. From here, one of our friendly clinic coordinators will take your details to create your file and give you the opportunity to ask any questions. They will also walk you through the next steps of the process.

Before your initial screening, you may wish to read up on Laser Eye Surgery (take a look at our Guide to Laser Eye Surgery). However, this isn’t strictly necessary as everything you need to know will be explained to you at your consultation.

If you wear contact lenses, you will need to take these out on the morning of your consultation. It may also be useful if you bring your old prescription with you, though these aren’t relied upon. Finally, if you are planning to book your ophthalmic exam and/or surgical appointment, you should bring your diary and a method of payment with you in order to make the necessary arrangements.

In the video below, Dr Glenn Carp walks you through preparing for your initial screening appointment.

Does anything at the initial screening cause pain or discomfort?

At your initial screening appointment, your optometrist will perform a number of tests and scans. These tests allow us to gather the necessary information to create your bespoke treatment plan. But while the initial screening process is extremely comprehensive, none of the tests should cause you any major discomfort or pain.

For more information on the tests that will be performed at your initial screening, click here.

In the video below, Dr Glenn Carp explains what you may experience during the initial screening.

Will I be able to see clearly after the initial screening?

The initial screening is an opportunity for our staff and surgeons to gain a detailed understanding of your eyes and your prescription. This helps us to determine your suitability for Laser Eye Surgery and to create your personalised treatment plan.

For some of the tests performed at your initial screening, dilating eye drops will be used. These can cause some discomfort and may indirectly blur your vision slightly. However, these effects are temporary and will not affect your vision after the screening appointment.

Nonetheless, as the drops can make your eyes more sensitive to light for up to around four hours after application, we recommend that you bring a pair of sunglasses to your appointment.

Dr Glenn Carp explains more about how your vision may be affected during the initial screening.

How long is the initial screening assessment valid for?

The measurements and information collected at your initial screening will be valid for a period of three months. This ensures that there are no significant changes to your prescription between screening and your procedure.

If your surgery dates are delayed for any reason, your initial screening assessment will be repeated. This allows us to keep your treatment plan up to date and prepare for any movement that may occur.

In the video below, Dr Glenn Carp explains the validity period of the initial screening assessment.

Will there be any pressure to have Laser Eye Surgery while I attend the initial screening?

At London Vision Clinic, we are dedicated to making sure no patient ever feels any pressure to have any treatment. In fact, we may even decline to treat patients who we feel are not ready for treatment – whether for financial or personal reasons – even if they are medically suitable.

Laser Eye Surgery is an elective procedure and there is no reason to rush into making any decisions. Of course, the sooner one has the procedure, the sooner one can experience the benefits; however, only the patient can decide what is right for them.

Our primary aim at the initial screening – and throughout the entire patient process – is to provide you with as much information as possible to make an informed decision about your treatment options.

Dr Glenn Carp explains further in the video below.

How soon after the initial screening can I have my Laser Vision Correction procedure?

Once you have been found eligible for Laser Eye Surgery treatment, the next step is to have your ophthalmic exam with your surgeon. This consultation allows the treating surgeon to check some of the parameters of your treatment and your refractive errors.

This also offers the patient another opportunity to address any concerns or ask any questions relating to Laser Eye Surgery treatment. From here, surgery can be performed from the next working day (Monday to Friday). The period between your surgical consultation and treatment may vary; however, as we mentioned above, your initial screening assessment will no longer be valid after three months.

In the video below, Dr Glenn Carp explains more about the period between your initial consultation and your surgery.

What If I’m Found Unsuitable For Laser Eye Surgery, What Are My Options Then?

At London Vision Clinic, we pride ourselves on being able to treat the majority of patients – even those who have been turned away elsewhere. In fact, we are able to successfully treat around 98% of patients who visit us for a consultation. That being said, there are, of course, cases where Laser Eye Surgery is not a suitable treatment. But don’t worry, there may be an alternative suitable for you.

In the video below, Dr Glenn Carp explains what your options are if you are found unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery.

If you have any further questions that weren’t answered in this article, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators today. Alternatively, if you’re ready to go ahead with your initial screening appointment, Book a Consultation using the form below.