Dr Pixie McKenna Describes Her Experience As A Doctor Visiting London Vision Clinic

On Losing And Squashing Her Specs…

It’s no secret that despite almost two decades of doctoring, I am still a terrible patient. But, in December 2013, having toyed with the idea for ages, I decided to take the leap and see if I was suitable for laser eye surgery. While glasses can, of course, be a fashion accessory for some, I would be embarrassed to tell you how many stylish pairs I have sacrificed.

Many of my “must haves” have been either lost or squashed, and numerous pairs have been chewed beyond recognition by my dog. It’s an expensive habit. On the other hand, navigating the world without glasses has meant I’ve lost out (and I never graduated to contact lenses). Most of my friends’ weddings were blurred, I couldn’t negotiate the menu board when I went out for dinner, and I regularly tried to hitch a ride with a stranger thinking they were my husband.

So, while I “got by” with and without my specs, once my daughter was born I was on a mission for vision; with the responsibility came the realisation that I needed to do something to sort my sight.

On Being A “Control Freak”

I am a total control freak when it does to doctors, and only ever go to someone I truly trust. With laser eye surgery, you want a safe pair of hands, but equally you want someone to take you by the hand and be there for you during the entire process. You want someone who can dispel myths, appease your anxieties and, above all, reassure you they can deliver an A* service – and then deliver it.

While, like any other patient, I had concerns about having intricate surgery on my eyes, every single question I had (and some I hadn’t even thought of!), were addressed during my Initial Screening. As for the surgery itself, I barely noticed I was having anything done… undeniably better than a trip to the dentist! To open your eyes after surgery and be able to read the clock without fumbling for your glasses is gob-smackingly good. It’s a total high, and one that I am still on several months down the line!

On Life After PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision…

While most of us get bogged down thinking about the pre-operative checks and the procedure itself, the after care is, of course, also of paramount importance.

It’s easy to get so excited by your amazing new vision and how easy it was to achieve, that you forget you ever had the operation.  But part of the process at London Vision Clinic is to have continual assessment for a full year post surgery. The operation itself may be quick and the results almost instant, but the aftercare is essential. This is a delicate procedure done by incredibly dedicated surgeons with utmost professionalism, not a processing plant. There is no cooling off time, and they are there for you 24/7.

To say I’m glad I finally had laser eye surgery is an understatement. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner! To see the leaves on the trees and the departures board in the train station, and to sit down to watch the telly without squinting may seem like simple daily activities – and they are, now! Now I see the world in HD, and I am never going back to my goggles!

Written by Dr Pixie McKenna