Open your eyes and dive in! “I dont know why I waited so long, it is a real life changer� Page
Contents 2 Welcome to Freedom Vision 4 The Freedom Vision experience 6 Treatments 8 Laser eye surgery – LASIK and LASEK • What is laser eye surgery? • Benefits of laser eye surgery • Treatment overview • FAQs 12 Refractive lens exchange – RLE • What is RLE? • Benefits of RLE • Treatment overview • FAQs 16 Cataract surgery • What is cataract surgery? • Benefits of cataract surgery • Treatment overview • FAQs 20 PreceyesTM • Conditions PreceyesTM can treat • Benefits of PreceyesTM • The PreceyesTM experience • Is PreceyesTM right for me? 26 Insurance 27 Our location 28 Next steps www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Page
01
Welcome to Freedom Vision Freedom Vision is an exclusive provider of sight correction surgery, offering world-class surgical care in a contemporary city-centre clinic. Using next-generation technology, we deliver excellent results for unparalleled patient satisfaction and are leaders in our field. Our organisation has carried out thousands of sight correction procedures including cataract removal, refractive lens exchange and laser sight correction, all performed by some of the most technically-able surgeons in the country. Bringing you the future of eye surgery today, we use innovative technology together with tried and trusted techniques to deliver the very best visual outcomes for our patients, without compromise. We recognise that what we do today impacts your vision for the rest of your life, which is why we don’t do anything but the very best. We also offer a unique lens replacement solution called PreceyesTM. PreceyesTM is, in our opinion, the most precise, accurate and comprehensive method of cataract removal and lens replacement surgery, and is available exclusively at Freedom Vision.
Page
02
At Freedom Vision, we pride ourselves on our ethical and passionate approach to customer care, and with the help of valuable patient feedback we regularly evaluate and improve our services. Our dedication and commitment to patient satisfaction is reflected in our 24-hour clinical careline, through which patients can access a registered nurse or surgeon, 365 days a year. You will be seen by our clinical team who will create a customised treatment solution just for you. Our consultantled service is supported by a team of experienced and knowledgeable clinical staff who are professionals in ophthalmology. We believe the quality of care our patients receive speaks for itself, so we never upsell. In our relaxed, no-pressure environment, we only ever recommend the procedure that is right for you; and if you’re an unsuitable candidate for corrective eye surgery, we’ll tell you. Our honest, transparent approach is the reason why so many of our patients say they would recommend us to family and friends. Explore the treatment options available and discover how Freedom Vision can help restore your sight and enrich your life.
www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Page
03
The Freedom Vision experience‌ At Freedom Vision we offer: Clinical leadership - Some of the most technically-able surgeons in the country form the Freedom Vision surgical team, meaning we offer unparalleled clinical leadership. Our leading consultant ophthalmic surgeons have a combined experience of treating more than 50,000 patients, so you can relax knowing you’re in safe and experienced hands. Industry-leading technology - Freedom Vision is a leader in its field. We combine trusted technologies with some of the most innovative techniques to deliver a complete service to patients, with excellent results. Freedom Vision brings you the future of sight corrective eye surgery, today. Honest, transparent pricing - Freedom Vision is a professional, clinical environment - not a sales one. What matters to us is the highest degree of patient care and satisfaction. You will never be pressured to commit to surgery and you will only ever be offered the treatment that is right for you, with no hidden extras. With an affordable pricing structure and finance plans available, Freedom Vision ensures world-class care is more accessible than ever.
Page
04
www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Page
05
Treatments Laser eye surgery - LASIK - LASEK LASIK eye surgery uses the most current iDesign WaveFront technology to map your unique optical pathway, so that we may plan for your bespoke needs. With custom LASIK surgery, we aim to optimise the quality of your vision through a tailored treatment plan. LASEK eye surgery is similar to LASIK but does not require a flap to be created, as the laser is used on the outer layers of the cornea. It offers the same impressive results as LASIK, but is a more suitable treatment for certain patients. Our team will discuss which treatment option is best for you.
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) Sometimes called lens replacement surgery or clear lens extraction, refractive lens exchange may be a more effective procedure than laser eye surgery for people with presbyopia (age-related requirement for glasses), moderate to high hyperopia (higher levels of far-sightedness) and high myopia (high levels of short-sightedness). During this procedure, the natural lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial lens designed to correct vision problems.
Page
06
Cataract surgery A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye which causes decreased vision over time. It is the most common cause of vision loss in older people. Freedom Vision offers safe and effective cataract removal surgery to restore your vision to its former clarity.
PreceyesTM PreceyesTM is our most advanced, complete and precise lens-based sight correction able to correct both your distance and/or near vision. Femtosecond lasers replace several aspects of manual cataract surgery, including the creation of the initial surgical incisions to the cornea, the capsulotomy and the fragmenting of the lens. This, combined with the intraoperative Wavefront aberrometry we use to map the eye, makes PreceyesTM a highly accurate and precise technique for sight correction and cataract surgery.
www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Page
07
Laser eye surgery – LASIK and LASEK What is laser eye surgery? Laser eye surgery uses a laser to gently and precisely reshape the cornea. This allows your eyes to focus more effectively to improve your vision. There are two main types of laser eye surgery; LASIK and LASEK. Both procedures are similar, and neither requires the use of a blade. We utilise innovative technologies to ensure our laser eye surgery delivers superior accuracy and visual outcomes. We use iDesign - Advanced CustomVue WaveFront and IntraLase. iDesign represents the next generation in ultra-accurate eye scanners which are used for eye aberration (optical imperfection) mapping. It is an advanced eye scanner and the only scanner that uses 1,257 data points to measure imperfections inside the eye. iDesign provides outstanding accuracy and the ability to measure complex wavefronts, resulting in improved visual outcomes.
Page
08
Advanced CustomVue WaveFront is specialised computer software which guides the laser, allowing it to target the unique imperfections in your eye. It uses the information collected by the exceptionally advanced iDesign scanner to generate your unique treatment plan. This is more accurate than standard treatment. We do not offer standard treatments, as it is important that the best treatment available is performed in the first instance. IntraLase is the safest and most accurate way for your surgeon to prepare the cornea during LASIK. Also known as ‘blade-free’, IntraLase uses femtosecond pulses of laser energy (equivalent to one quadrillionth of a second) to create a very thin flap on the cornea. This larger area beneath the thin flap allows more of the corrective laser treatment to be carried out. With enhanced precision and accuracy, IntraLase reduces flap-related issues and induced higher order aberrations, as well as shortening healing times and recovery rates, ultimately resulting in better visual outcomes. Some patients may not be suitable for LASIK, for example, if their corneas are very thin, they have dry eyes or are involved in contact sport. These patients may be better suited to LASEK treatment. Whether LASIK or LASEK is the most appropriate treatment for you will be discussed at your consultation.
www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Page
09
Benefits of laser eye surgery •
Eradicates or significantly reduces the need for
•
Improves clarity of vision
spectacles
Treatment overview You will attend the Freedom Vision clinic prior to surgery for an initial consultation where we will assess your suitability for laser eye surgery. Our ophthalmic optometrist will conduct a number of non-invasive tests and scans to determine suitability. The ophthalmic optometrist will then thoroughly explain the treatment options available to you and answer any questions you may have. On the day of treatment, you will be in the expert care of our surgery team including your consultant ophthalmic surgeon, surgery nurses and support staff. We ask that you bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment. Your diagnostic scans will be repeated before the laser surgery takes place. Treatment takes approximately 10 minutes per eye, but you should expect to stay with us for approximately 2 hours. After treatment, you can relax and recover while your nurses explain our aftercare programme.
Page
10
FAQs Is laser eye surgery painful? No, laser eye surgery is not painful. It is a quick procedure, performed with anaesthetic eye drops. These drops numb the eye so that no pain is felt during the treatment. It is possible you may feel some mild itching or discomfort for a few days afterwards. This is completely normal and will quickly disappear. Is laser eye surgery permanent? Yes. Long-term studies indicate that after the healing process is complete, eyesight remains stable. Some patients may develop the need for reading glasses as they age due to presbyopia (the age-related need for reading glasses which typically occurs after the age of 45-50 years) but this happens to all adults. Which procedure achieves better visual results – LASIK or LASEK? The visual outcome for both LASIK and LASEK patients after surgery is the same. The difference between the two procedures is simply how the surgeon accesses the cornea and is usually a surgeon-related decision. When can I go back to work? After laser eye surgery you should take 4-5 days off work to allow for a safe, relaxed recovery and for your eyes to heal effectively.
www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Page
11
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) What is refractive lens exchange?
As we grow older, the lens in our eyes naturally deteriorates. Over time, this can lead to dependence on glasses for both distance and near vision. Refractive lens exchange offers you independence from glasses and contact lenses. RLE is similar in essence to cataract surgery, although it is a more sophisticated procedure. RLE corrects both distance and near vision simultaneously, reducing or eradicating dependence on spectacles and contact lenses. Because every person’s vision is unique, you will need to attend our clinic for an in-depth consultation prior to undergoing RLE surgery.
Benefits of refractive lens exchange •
• • •
Page
Eradicates or significantly reduces the need for
spectacles Fully customised lens for optimised and enhanced near and distance vision Prevents future cataract formation Improves clarity of vision
12
Treatment overview You will attend the Freedom Vision clinic prior to surgery for an initial consultation which will assess your suitability for refractive lens exchange. Our ophthalmic optometrist will conduct a significant number of non-invasive tests and scans to determine this. Once your suitability has been assessed, the ophthalmic optometrist will thoroughly explain the treatment options available to you and answer any questions you may have. Together, you will discuss your unique situation and the optometrist will carefully select a lens that suits your individual requirements. Your appointment for surgery will be scheduled after your consultation. Refractive lens exchange is performed on one eye at a time. The second eye is usually treated 2-4 weeks after the first. On the day of treatment, you will be in the expert care of our surgery team including your consultant ophthalmic surgeon, surgery nurses and support staff. We ask that you bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment. Treatment takes approximately 20 minutes per eye, but you should expect to stay with us for approximately 2 hours. After treatment, you can relax and recover while your nurses explain our aftercare programme.
www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Page
13
FAQs Is RLE painful? No, RLE is not painful. It is a quick procedure, performed with anaesthetic eye drops. These drops numb the eye so that no pain is felt during the treatment. It is possible you may feel some mild itching or discomfort for a couple of days afterwards. This is completely normal and will quickly disappear. Is RLE permanent? Yes. Long-term studies have shown that RLE is a safe and permanent procedure. Is there a chance I might still develop a cataract in the future? No. During RLE we replace the natural lens with an artificial lens. This means there is no chance that a cataract can ever form. When can I go back to work? Normally, you can go back to work within 7 days of RLE surgery taking place. However, if you work in a dusty or smoky environment, we recommend that you wait approximately 2 weeks before returning.
Page
14
What if I have astigmatism? As part of your detailed consultation we will examine the level of astigmatism present in your eyes. Based on our measurements, we can have a custom-made lens created which will perfectly suit your individual requirements. This will eliminate the effect of astigmatism on your new vision. Will I still need glasses after RLE? Patients who have undergone RLE and have been fitted with a multifocal lens will not normally require glasses for general, everyday activities, but may need them for intricate tasks such as sewing.
www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Page
15
Cataract surgery What is cataract surgery? A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye, which impairs vision. Visual loss occurs because the clouded lens prevents light from passing through to the retina at the back of the eye. Cataracts are most commonly caused by ageing, but there are a number of other causes too. People with cataracts commonly experience difficulty with driving, reading, recognising faces, coping with glare from bright lights, and in appreciating colours and changes in contrast. Fortunately, cataracts can be successfully surgically removed. During this simple procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one to restore vision to its former clarity.
Benefits of cataract surgery •
Eradicates or significantly reduces the need for
• •
Fully customised lens for enhanced clarity of vision Simultaneously treats cataracts and prevents future cataract formation
Page
spectacles
16
Treatment overview You will attend the Freedom Vision clinic prior to surgery for an initial consultation which will assess your suitability for cataract treatment. Our ophthalmic optometrist will conduct a significant number of non-invasive tests and scans to determine this. Once your suitability has been assessed, the ophthalmic optometrist will thoroughly explain the treatment options available to you, and answer any questions you may have. Together, you will discuss your unique situation, and the optometrist will carefully select a lens that fulfils your individual requirements. Your appointment for surgery will be scheduled after your consultation. Cataract surgery is conducted on one eye at a time. The second eye is usually treated 2-4 weeks after the first. On the day of treatment, you will be in the expert care of our surgery team, including your consultant ophthalmic surgeon, surgery nurses and support staff. We ask that you bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment. Treatment takes approximately 20 minutes per eye, but you should expect to stay with us for approximately 2 hours. After treatment, you can relax and recover while your nurses explain our aftercare programme.
www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Page
17
FAQs Is cataract surgery painful? No, cataract surgery is not painful. It is a quick procedure, performed with anaesthetic eye drops. These drops numb the eye so that no pain is felt during the treatment. It is possible you may feel some mild itching or discomfort for a couple of days afterwards. This is completely normal and will quickly disappear. Is cataract surgery permanent? Yes. Long-term studies have shown that cataract surgery is a safe and permanent procedure. Is there a chance I might still develop a cataract? No. During cataract surgery we replace the natural lens with an artificial lens. This means there is no chance that a cataract can ever form. When can I go back to work? Normally, you can go back to work within 7 days of cataract surgery taking place. However, if you work in a dusty or smoky environment, we recommend that you wait approximately 2 weeks before returning.
Page
18
What if I have astigmatism? As part of your detailed consultation, we will examine the level of astigmatism present in your eyes. Based on our measurements, we can have a custom-made lens created which will perfectly suit your individual requirements. This will eliminate the effect of astigmatism on your new vision. Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery? This depends on the type of lens that is fitted following cataract removal. Patients with a monofocal lens will usually need glasses, either for distance or near vision depending on your prescription. Patients who have been fitted with a multifocal lens will not normally require glasses for general, everyday activities, but may need them for intricate tasks such as sewing.
www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Page
19
PreceyesTM is a highly advanced treatment for refractive lens exchange, removing cataracts and achieving spectacle independence for both distance and near vision. The process combines extensive intraoperative aberrometry (measuring the inside of the eye to identify anomalies and refractive errors) with use of a femtosecond laser to perform the capsulorhexis (the opening and breaking up of the lens or cataract), as part of the phacoemulsification process. A multifocal intraocular lens is then implanted for clear, crisp vision. During phacoemulsification, the lens of the eye is emulsified using an ultrasonic hand piece, and is aspirated from the eye. The eye is irrigated with a balanced salt solution which simultaneously cools the hand piece and maintains the anterior chamber. The process leaves a perfectly round chamber in which an artificial lens can be implanted.
Page
20
PRECEYES
With substantial investment in industry-leading equipment and highly skilled staff performing each stage of the treatment, PreceyesTM is the ultimate cataract removal and lens exchange experience, offering superior accuracy and precision when compared to traditional techniques. At Freedom Vision, it’s our aim to exceed patient expectations in every way. We strive to deliver the highest standards of patient care, while alleviating fear and apprehension through our professional approach and in-depth knowledge. In short, PreceyesTM is the premium choice of treatment for cataract removal and refractive lens exchange.
The femtosecond laser The role of the femtosecond laser in cataract and lens exchange surgery is to assist or replace several aspects of manual surgery. These include the creation of the initial surgical incisions in the cornea, the creation of the capsulotomy, and the initial fragmenting (breaking up) of the lens. The femtosecond laser may also be used to create incisions within the peripheral cornea to aid the correction of pre-existing astigmatism. A femtosecond is a unit of time that is one quadrillionth, or one millionth of one billionth, of a second. For context, a femtosecond is to a second what a second is to about 31.7 million years.
www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Page
21
Conditions PreceyesTM can treat Cataracts If the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, it restricts the amount of light that is able to enter the eye, reducing your eyesight. This condition is known as cataract formation. A cataract usually develops gradually, eventually making it difficult to carry out your daily activities. If the cataract is not removed, your vision usually becomes worse over time. Cataracts can occur at any time, but are more common in advancing age. One or both eyes can be affected. PreceyesTM is a precise, accurate and advanced way of removing cataracts and permanently correcting vision problems. Traditional cataract surgery is performed manually, by a surgeon using blades. In contrast, PreceyesTM uses a femtosecond laser to perform many parts of the procedure, ensuring the treatment is performed with the highest levels of precision, every time. Refractive errors Myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism can all be corrected through PreceyesTM. For patients over the age of 45, laser sight correction may not be the most appropriate treatment, as good near vision is usually sacrificed with this procedure in this age group. PreceyesTM treatment, on the other hand, can reduce dependence on spectacles and contact lenses for every day distance and near sight.
Page
22
Benefits of PreceyesTM PreceyesTM offers three key benefits; laser-guided precision, enhanced accuracy and optimum visual outcomes. The PreceyesTM femtosecond laser makes surgical incisions with unparalleled precision, which translates into safe surgery as the wounds heal and seal extremely well. The lens of the eye is fragmented using the femtosecond laser, which means that less energy is used to remove it. This makes the surgery more gentle on the eye.
Optimum visual outcomes
PRECEYES www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Through surgical precision and exact lens measurements we are able to deliver visual outcomes so accurate our patients have no, or minimal, dependence on glasses. All suitable patients undergoing PreceyesTM treatment are given a multifocal lens, allowing you to live your life free from the inconvenience of spectacles and contact lenses, with good distance and near vision.
Page
23
The PreceyesTM experience At your initial consultation, a series of comprehensive but non-invasive diagnostic tests will be performed to assess your suitability to surgery. Your pupils will be gently dilated using special eye drops, and a full examination of your eye will be carried out. Our thorough approach to intraoperative aberrometry allows us to create a bespoke treatment plan that is entirely unique to you. The benefits and any risks of the procedure will be explained, and you can ask any questions you may have. On the day of surgery, you will be welcomed by our friendly team and admitted to the hospital. A mild sedative can be given to you before the procedure if you wish. We will ensure you are completely comfortable and relaxed at all times. Your personal surgeon will then meet with you to explain the treatment and answer any further questions. The PreceyesTM treatment itself takes only 60 seconds and no injections are required. Following PreceyesTM treatment, you will be taken to theatre to have the new lens inserted. Once complete, you will be taken to our comfortable discharge lounge and given post-operative care instructions and eye drops to take home with you.
Page
24
Post-operative review During the post-operative review, your eyes will be assessed to check that the surgery was successful and they are healing as expected. Post-operative reviews are held one week, one month and three months after surgery has taken place. The review can be held at Freedom Vision or at your referring optometrist if they are suitably accredited.
Is PreceyesTM right for me? PreceyesTM is ideal for people with cataracts or aged 50 and over who simply want to reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses for both near and distance vision. At Freedom Vision, we treat every patient as an individual. While most patients are suitable candidates for PreceyesTM, for some, a different course of treatment would be more appropriate. We will discuss your individual suitability at the time of your consultation; and if PreceyesTM is not the best treatment option for you, we will let you know.
www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Page
25
Private Medical Insurance* If you have private medical insurance the cost of your treatment may be partially or fully covered. We are approved providers for all the major private medical insurance companies.
*Please consult your insurer for more information.
www.freedom-vision.co.uk/pricing or phone us on 0161 838 0880.
Page
26
Our location
Address: Freedom Vision, Citygate Central, Blantyre Street, Castlefield, Manchester, M15 4SQ T: 0161 838 0880 or F: 0161 835 1704 Our hospital is located in Manchester city centre, close to the scenic Castlefield canal and near Deansgate train station. It is easily accessible by both road and rail. Our premises has private patient parking in a secure underground car park.
www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Page
27
Next steps I would like to have a consultation with you…what do I do? We’re delighted you’re interested in coming to Freedom Vision. Just contact us by phone or email to arrange a consultation, and we will be happy to discuss our lifechanging treatment options with you at your appointment. How we will help… At your consultation, we will conduct a thorough assessment and full examination of your eyes before recommending the solution that is best for you. Freedom Vision is a clinical environment, not a sales one, so you will only be offered the most appropriate treatment for your eyes, and you will never be pressured to commit to surgery. Once your treatment plan is agreed, we will arrange for your treatment to take place on a date that suits you. On the day, you will arrive at our exclusive Manchester hospital, where we will explain in detail every step of the treatment you are about to have. At Freedom Vision, corrective sight surgery is quick, easy and very comfortable thanks to the skill and precision of the femtosecond laser technology we use.
Page
28
You will notice a remarkable difference in the clarity of your vision immediately following surgery, and this should only improve as your eyesight stabilises following the procedure. If you are undergoing a two-stage procedure, we will arrange the date for your second surgery before you leave. When all surgeries have been performed and you have recovered, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to check the health of your eyes. To assist you in your recovery, we provide a comprehensive guide for you to take home, and the Freedom Vision team is always available to answer any questions you may have. With us, you’re supported at every stage.
Call us now to book your appointment.
0161 838 0880
“You only get your sight corrected once – we are committed to achieving the best results.”
www.freedom-vision.co.uk
Page
29
www.freedom-vision.co.uk