April 26, 2009 
The risks associated with laser eye surgery have continued to be highlighted in the press since a negative report by Which? emerged two weeks ago…
As reported by OT (March 27, News), the consumer magazine’s investigation claims that high street laser eye clinics are endangering people’s sight by playing down the risks involved in surgery and pressuring customers into treatments that are more expensive than the advertised price.
On Monday (April 6) Daily Mirror agony aunt Miriam Stoppard wrote: “A friend of mine, who had successful laser eye surgery a few years ago, went for a normal eye test this year and was surprised when the optician told her she was one of the minority of patients who hadn’t suffered any side effects.”
According to Which?’s undercover laser researchers more than half of the 18 clinics they visited gave unsatisfactory advice, and none of the consultations were rated as ‘good’ by the consumer title’s panel of laser eye experts.
Both Optimax and Optical Express were named in the report for advertising surgery at a lower price than what was offered to Which? researchers. The lowest quote offered to Which? by the two high street names was ?1,090 compared to the ‘from ?790 for both eyes’ price tag that is advertised.
Giving her view on cut-price surgery, Dr Stoppard added: “I’m concerned that some high street operations offering cut-price laser surgery treat patients as through they are on a conveyor belt. I fear they might be sacrificing quality for volume.”
In the article, ‘Is laser eye surgery right for you’, the doctor urges readers to ask the surgeon a number of questions before surgery including, how many laser eye operations have you carried out? – for which she advises that 1,000 shows they are well practised – and what is your repeat rate? – 3% is low and 10% is high she reports. Responding to the Which? report Steve Schallhorn, chief medical director at Optical Express, told OT: “I am disappointed with the article and find it very misleading. It does not do justice to the service we provide or encompass the robustness of Optical Express and the systems we have in place to ensure we do our best for our patients.”
“Basing the report on a sample size of only four visits is not good science,” he added.
Optimax owner, Russell Ambrose commented: “It [laser treatment] is a liberating operation which myself, my wife and son have all undergone with great success. I would have no hesitation in recommending the treatment to my younger short-sighted children when they are old enough to have surgery.
“Which? magazine has yet to provide us with details of their complaints. Until then we are unable to thoroughly investigate them but be assured that Optimax will take on board any criticism to improve our service.”
Ultralase clinical services director, Mark Korolkiewicz informed OT that the company would be liaising with Which? to discuss the report in more detail.
A spokesperson added: “At Ultralase we take our responsibility to patients very seriously and follow stringent guidelines and practices to ensure that the highest levels of care, advice and treatment are provided.”
Taken from: www.otmagazine.co.uk