I will admit to thinking VERY long and hard about having mine done. We had a flyer from Optical Express through the door about the time I knew that the necessary cash would be forthcoming so I booked their free assessment.

I had that initial consultation in a local branch, where of course they don't have all the required machinery, and although I was told that I was suuitable, I was also warned that further tests would be done on arrival at the clinic in Lakeside (round here OE do the lasering at Westfield, Lakeside and Bluewater).

I was actually impressed by the fact that they weren't prepared to go ahead and the instant refund I was offered along with the IOL consultation.

If you are in the London area, and are going with Optical Express, I would suggest you go to the Clinic in Harley St. I was seen by this guy and was very impressed with the way he dealt with me at all stages, and the aftercare even included his mobile number with instructions to call if I had any problems whatsoever!

The Westfield clinic is like a mini operating theatre, where you lie down on the trolley in the prep room (clad in fetching green gown, hairnet and shoe covers) where a sedative is administered as well as numbing eye drops before being wheeled in. The procedure was short (15 mins or so) and then you are wheeled out pad and shield applied before being sat down in a recovery room for a few minutes.

As I said - I thought the treatment I received at all branches (initially at Tunbridge Wells, then Lakeside, Harley Street and Westfield) was second to none, and the consultations were free - I only had to pay when i decided to go ahead with the treatment!