Life Changing. A statement often used but in this case, it really is true. I started wearing glasses at the age of 7 and contact lenses at 15. My prescription was -11.5 so I relied on them every day – I couldn’t even trust myself to get out of bed in the mornings without putting my glasses on. I’ve always had a fear of someone leaving me in a room and taking my glasses/contact lenses off me – I simply wouldn’t be able to move. My activities were also restricted- swimming- or simply just making sure I always had glasses or spare lenses with me. After a few years of wondering whether I’d be suitable for treatment, I decided to take the plunge find out. I choose Moorfields. With only one pair of eyes, I wanted the best. Professor Gartry was recommended to me and from the first time I saw him, his gentle manner put me at ease. He explained that I wasn’t suitable for Laser treatment but that RLE was a definite option for me. There was no pressure at all and I came away with a lot of reading and research to do which I duly did and then booked the procedure a few months later. I would be having Multi Focal Torique Lenses. Even at this stage, the actual thought that I would be able to see with my own eyes still seemed a dream. On the day of my first operation, I arrived at Moorfields and from the moment I did so, all the staff were lovely. I was made to feel very comfortable and, although the realisation that I was about to change my life still seemed surreal, I wasn’t too nervous. Professor Gartry came in to see me and he was just as calm as I remembered. The actual operation itself – in two parts – laser to dissolve my own lense, then the surgery to put a new lense in was, quite simply, for me an absolute doddle! At not point could I feel anything or see anything – my slight concern – but could hear Professor Gartry talking the whole time. It all seemed very quick and I was soon on my way home, with my eye bandaged up. The next morning I did feel a little nervous sitting at my dressing table, taking the bandages off but it was absolutely amazing! I sat there, looking around my bedroom, using my own eye. To some, that may sound weird, but to those of us with such high prescriptions, it unbelievable. My eye was a little bloodshot but straight away I could see so well. I started on drops that day and had to wear a clear eye shield for one week at nighttime. I think night was when I noticed it more – just getting in and out of bed without the need to put glasses on was something I actually got used to very quickly. 7 days later, I had my other eye done. Over the next 6 weeks my eyesight improved. I’ve just had my final appointment with Professor Gartry and, following an eyesight test, my new prescription is -0.5. An absolutely amazing result from -11.5, Ive decided to get glasses just for night driving to make sure the car headlights are crystal clear but for all other aspects of my life, I won’t be wearing any. And, after 40yrs of wearing glasses, that still seems incredible to say. This operation, without a doubt, is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I would whole heartedly recommend Professor Gartry and Moorfields- they really have changed my life