In good health, Fouad Tayfour, MD, FRCSC Medical Director The Windsor Laser Eye Institute

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1 Changing lives through better vision LEADING THE WAY

2 Changing lives through better vision LEADING THE WAY Nearly three decades ago, medical researchers began to explore the idea that, using laser technology, they could dramatically improve visual acuity for people suffering from sight disorders. Since that time, technologies and procedures have been perfected to the point where Laser Vision Correction has become a safe, non-invasive and painless procedure. I personally have had the privilege of performing Laser Vision Correction since its inception, and I know from experience, how remarkable the results can be. By freeing yourself from dependency on glasses and contact lenses, you ll change your life forever. Like my patients before, you will be able to enjoy sports more fully, perform your job with less strain and stress, aid career advancement, improve your appearance and simply feel more secure and confident. Now that you re contemplating Laser Vision Correction, I strongly recommend that you call us for a free consultation. It will be the first step toward a lifetime of improved, unaided vision and the related benefits for you to enjoy! In good health, Fouad Tayfour, MD, FRCSC Medical Director The Windsor Laser Eye Institute

3 Welcome and thank you for your interest in The Windsor Laser Eye Institute, a world leader in vision correction procedures. Now that you are considering Laser Vision Correction, we have dedicated this brochure to help you with that decision and to provide you with the information you ll need. Tens of thousands of people have changed their lives forever thanks to Dr. Tayfour and The Windsor Laser Eye Institute. They have eliminated or reduced their dependency on glasses and contact lenses as well as the hassle, expense, inconvenience and compromises associated with corrective lenses. Dr. Tayfour has helped them gain a new independence, feel more confident, look better and enjoy life from a different perspective. No longer passively sitting on the sidelines, they are engaging in life to the fullest. Now it s your turn. Spend a few moments with this brochure and see what vision correction procedures at The Windsor Laser Eye Institute can do for you. Here s to your new vision. Enjoy the reading! Established in 1991 by Medical Director and Chief Surgeon, Fouad Tayfour, MD, FRCSC, The Windsor Laser Eye Institute is world renowned for its work and contribution in vision correction procedures. Continuously on the forefront of clinical research, the Institute and its founder have always embraced the pioneer spirit. The Institute and Dr. Tayfour frequently are the first to introduce new techniques and technologies in vision correction procedures, resulting in superior results for the patient. The Institute s commitment to the patient is well defined and employed daily by the staff. Simply put, it is to maintain its leadership within the industry by providing exceptional service with a commitment to the most advanced technology and highest standard of care. The Institute is able to deliver on this promise because of its tremendous resources and extensive experience in the field of vision correction. As a result of placing the patient s best interest first, The Windsor Laser Eye Institute has developed a Co-Management Program with other eye care specialists and optometrists, many throughout Michigan, Ohio and Ontario. This program provides the ultimate in convenience, allowing patients to have their pre and post-operative care close to home. Located in Canada and on the forefront of new advancements, The Windsor Laser Eye Institute is able to use technologies and methods unavailable in the United States, not only today, but for years to come. The Institute had the benefit of years of extensive experience and research in LASIK long before it became available in the United States. Because of its visionary approach to Laser Vision Correction, The Windsor Laser Eye Institute was the first to adopt LASIK as the procedure of choice to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Patients of the Institute come from throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. Today, many ophthalmologists in North America consider The Windsor Laser Eye Institute the organization that sets the standards for the industry. And many eye surgeons direct their more difficult cases to The Windsor Laser Eye Institute, a true testimony to Dr. Tayfour and his staff.

4 Changing lives through better vision LEADING THE WAY One of the most critical components to great vision is the cornea the window of your eye. The job of the cornea is to bend or refract light rays so that they focus on the retina. Vision disorders occur when the cornea fails to focus light precisely on the retina. LASIK reshapes the cornea so light rays focus on the retina and the vision is clear. Myopia: Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is the most common refractive disorder. In North America alone, over 70 million people are myopic. Myopia is the result of the eye being too long, or a cornea that is too curved. In both cases, light rays are focused in front of the retina. People who are myopic typically have good close vision, but distance vision is blurred. Hyperopia: Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is the opposite of myopia. With hyperopia, the eye is too short, or the cornea is less curved, resulting in light rays that focus behind the retina. The result is blurred vision that is worse at near distance than far distance. Astigmatism: Astigmatism occurs when your cornea is shaped like a football with two different curvatures, therefore two different focal points. Images appear blurred or ghostly because light rays are refracted unequally. In some cases, people with astigmatism have trouble seeing clearly with both near and far vision. Presbyopia: As we get older (40 s and beyond), we begin having difficulty with near vision, specifically for close up details like reading. This is part of the natural aging process. Presbyopia is the hardening of your natural lens. The result is reduced elasticity, thus the lack of ability for the lens to focus properly. Unfortunately, this is not a refractive disorder and cannot be corrected by Laser Vision Correction. Although, there are some experimental procedures on the horizon, it may be years before we see help in this area. Until such time, reading glasses are the only practical answer. However, if you have just begun to experience this change and have myopia as well, its effects can be reduced through vision correction surgery by intentionally leaving a small amount of myopia in one eye. The resulting undercorrection allows presbyopic patients to maintain some near vision. This technique is known as monovision.

5 Understanding Laser Correction: We are dedicated to providing the best possible results. That s why we are committed to the most advanced techniques like custom LASIK and the Intralase Method. When combined with the skills of Dr. Tayfour, you can be confident that the LASIK procedure provides unsurpassed results, high standards of quality and value. LASIK Vision Correction: LASIK is the most common technique to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, offering many patient benefits. Because treatment is performed below the surface of the eye, healing is expedited as is the result of your new vision. Not only will you achieve your new vision faster, but it will be more stable than with previous procedures. The LASIK procedure begins with the application of topical anesthetic to numb the eye. During the procedure, you are comfortably situated in a horizontal position at which time Dr. Tayfour will ask you to look at a specific target. A device is then put into place to prevent the eyelid from blinking. Next, an automated microkeratome or the Intralase laser creates a hinged corneal flap, which is moved away from the cornea, exposing the cornea for treatment. Today s technology centers around the excimer laser, which combines argon and fluoride gases to produce a cool, ultra-violet light that does not cut or burn tissue. The excimer laser is fast, accurate and virtually painless. The laser beam delivers ultra-precise pulses. Each pulse removes a 39 millionths of an inch in 12 billionths of a second! So remarkable, it s hard to comprehend it s capabilities. The laser s computer is specifically programmed to correct your refractive error. The laser gently reshapes the cornea by vaporizing microscopic layers of tissue. This part of the procedure usually takes less than 60 seconds! The flap is then repositioned at which time you leave the surgery suite. Although LASIK is not for everyone, it clearly is the most advanced technique designed to help more people than ever before. For people who are not within a correctable prescription range, Dr. Tayfour can recommend a variety of optional techniques. Please see the enclosed insert sheet Alternative Treatments & Surgery Facts.

6 LEADING THE WAY Changing lives through better vision The first step in improving your vision and your life is to find out if you are a candidate for vision correction procedures. And doing so has never been easier thanks to a no-fee consultation at The Windsor Laser Eye Institute. Our consultation is a comprehensive evaluation that will ensure your eyes are healthy enough to undergo the procedure, and as importantly, that you are a candidate. As part of our responsibility to your healthy vision, we keep you fully informed throughout our relationship. No question is too simple, no concern is too trivial. It is only with thorough knowledge that you can make the best decision, the decision that s right for you. 1 the consultation: Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by our caring professional staff. You will undergo a initial screening including corneal topography (map of the cornea). All aspects of the procedure will be thoroughly explained. You will meet with Dr. Tayfour to discuss your Laser Vision Correction procedure and have your questions and concerns addressed. Dr. Tayfour will provide you with a realistic opinion of the results you can expect. You will also have an extensive eye examination to measure your refractive error and eye health. 2 scheduling your LASIK procedure: After scheduling your procedure, you will receive instructions for the day of treatment including arrival time, how long to leave your contacts out prior to the procedure and limitations immediately after surgery. 3 arriving for your LASIK procedure: When you arrive for your treatment you will sign a surgery consent form. Before the procedure, you will receive medication to relax you. It is normal to be nervous or have some anxiety. You may have some additional measurements, and your eyes will be cleaned. Once you are comfortable in a reclining chair, Dr. Tayfour will begin your Laser Vision Correction. After the procedure you will remain in the office for approximately 20 minutes. The hinged flap that is created during surgery will heal in about six hours. The entire vision correction process takes about 60 to 90 minutes. 4 the healing process: Prior to your departure, you will be given a post-procedure kit which includes eye drops, medication to help you sleep, goggles for showering, instructions for your post-treatment visits and any additional information you need. After LASIK, you may have some mild discomfort like watery eyes or a scratchy feeling for up to eight hours. Also, you will need to have someone drive you home following treatment. Most patients are able to drive and resume normal activities the day after the procedure. We recommend that you rest and relax the evening following your LASIK treatment. The day following surgery, you will be seen either at The Institute or by your own eye care professional. By this time, you will have recovered most of your best-corrected visual acuity. On average, you can expect 3 or 4 post-treatment visits during a one-year period. A candidate of laser vision correction must: Be at least 18 years of age Have stable vision for at least one year prior to the procedure Not be pregnant or nursing Be free of complicating diseases

7 map & directions LEADING THE WAY Changing lives through better vision 2224 Walker Road, Suite 198, I Windsor, Ontario N8W 3P6 For more information or a complimentary consultation I-SEE (4733) or From the Ambassador Bridge 1. South on Huron Church to the E.C. Row Expressway. 2. East on E.C. Row Expressway to the Walker Road exit. 3. Turn left onto Walker Road. 4. Continue North on Walker Road to 2224 Walker Road - the South Walkerville Medical Centre (on the right). From the Windsor Detroit Tunnel 1. Turn left on Park Street. 2. Turn left onto Ouellette Avenue. 3. Turn left Tecumseh Road. 4. Turn right on Walker Road. 5. Continue south on Walker Road to 2224 Walker Road - the South Walkerville Medical Centre (on the left). From the Take exit 14 (Essex Rd. 46). 2. Turn right on Walker Rd. 3. Continue north on Walker Road to 2224 Walker Road - the South Walkerville Medical Centre (on the right). Ambassador Bridge University of Windsor D E T R O I T R I V E R Riverside Drive Wyandotte St. Tecumseh Rd. W. Huron Church Road Park Street Detroit Windsor Tunnel Ouellette Ave. Goyeau Street. Howard Ave. E.C. Row Expressway Casino Windsor Tecumseh Rd. Walker Road Central Ave. The Windsor Laser Eye Institute

8 frequently asked questions LEADING THE WAY and the answers to help you make a clear choice. Q. I have to change my glasses almost every year. Will I need surgery every year to keep my vision clear? A. No, the majority of people can be corrected once and enjoy good vision for the rest of their life. Fitting someone with glasses is a different process than measuring someone for refractive surgery. With vision correction treatment, the full correction is given and future changes in the eye are often anticipated so the vision remains clear. Q. Are vision correction procedures safe? What are the risks? A. Serious vision-reducing complications with Laser Vision Correction are very rare, occurring in less than 1% of patients. (In contrast, over 10% of contact lens wearers experience sight-threatening infections at some point.) Potential complications include infection and surgeon related complications. Surgeon-related complications are directly proportionate to the experience and skill of the surgeon. In other words, you want to be sure your surgeon has many years of experience and has performed thousands of procedures. Changing lives through better vision Q. What about haloes/night glare? A. Haloes are common immediately after LASIK and can last up to six months. Persistent haloes occur in only 1% of patients after 6 months. Q. What will my recovery be like? A. Most LASIK patients usually see quite well the day following their procedure and may be able to resume most of their normal daily activities, but patients with higher prescriptions may recover more slowly. Although the speed of visual recovery depends on personal healing patterns, most patients notice dramatic visual results within the first few days following their procedure. Q. What medications are required after the procedure? A. You will be given topical drops to prevent infection for approximately one week and artificial tears to enhance healing. You will also receive sleeping medication to help you sleep for 6-8 hours after the procedure. Q. Does insurance cover vision correction? A. In a few cases, insurance covers part or all of the procedure. But for the most part, vision correction is an elective procedure. If you're not sure about potential insurance coverage, feel free to contact our insurance department. They ll be more than happy to find an answer for you. Q. Is this a good time to have vision correction surgery? Will something better come along? A. The decision to have the procedure is highly personal. Some considerations are age, visual needs and personal attitudes. Other considerations are related to the technology involved. The Windsor Laser Eye Institute continues to provide the very latest in laser technology with Visx, Customvue and the Intralase Method. The current situation is this: almost all ranges of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can be effectively corrected with today s techniques. You can wait for new and improved technology in the future, or you can enjoy great vision today.

9 tomorrow s technology today Changing lives through better vision LEADING THE WAY

10 alternative treatments & surgery facts LEADING THE WAY Changing lives through better vision Potential Side Effects: Medical science has been studying corneal healing for more than a century. Since 1987, millions of laser vision procedures have been performed, yet there have been no significant long-term problems. Laser Vision Correction is one of the safest elective procedures in medicine today. Not a single person s vision has been lost due to complications. However, as with any surgery, there may be some side effects associated with Laser Vision Correction. These will be explained in full prior to treatment. Infection: There is a slight risk of infection during the first two to three days post-operatively. As part of your treatment, you will receive antibiotic eye drops after the procedure, to help prevent infection. Although very rare (less than 1% of all cases), corneal scarring can occur from severe eye infection. This side effect can usually be corrected with a follow-up procedure. Night Glare or Haloes: It is common for patients to see haloes, especially around lights at night, for up to six months after surgery. This phenomena improves in almost all patients. In fact, only 1% of all patients will experience some halo and glare effect after a six-month period. Regression/Undercorrection: Over a decade of investigative trials with Laser Vision Correction have demonstrated that vision almost always remains stable. Some individuals may experience a small degree of regression or undercorrection. Both can be corrected with an enhancement procedure. However, the overwhelming majority of people who undergo Laser Vision Correction will not need this enhancement procedure. Reduced Vision in Dim Light: A small group of refractive patients may experience a minimal loss of vision sharpness in dim light. Usually, these are patients with high levels of myopia. Most patients find that problem improves within six months. Alternative Treatments: For most patients, LASIK is the procedure that will provide the best results. But in some cases, you might not be a candidate. The severity of your refractive error and the thickness of your cornea may require other procedures in order to obtain the best results. Dr. Tayfour will thoroughly discuss the procedure best suited to meet your individual vision correction needs. Young adults might consider phakic lenses like the Staar Implantable Contact Lens. This procedure surgically implants a soft lens, very much like a soft contact, over your natural lens. Others who are extremely nearsighted or farsighted and who need reading glasses, may be good candidates for Clear Lens Lensectomy. This procedure replaces your natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens customized for your prescription. Options such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratecomy) or AK (Astigmatic Keratotomy) may also be better suited for you.

11 experience the difference LEADING THE WAY Fouad Tayfour, MD, FRCSC Considered one of the world s most experienced laser vision correction surgeons, Fouad Tayfour, MD, FRCSC, founded The Windsor Laser Eye Institute in 1991 where he serves as Chief Surgeon and Medical Director. He has performed more than 45,000 LASIK procedures, far more than any other eye surgeon in the region. Dr. Tayfour s experience, coupled with his extensive clinical research, has contributed significantly to worldwide improvements in Laser Vision Correction. Dr. Tayfour received his medical degree from Damascus University (Syria) in 1979 and completed his residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Toronto from 1984 through The following year, he completed a Retina and Vitreous Fellowship at the University of Toronto as well. Dr. Tayfour established his private practice in 1988, specializing in retinal and cataract diseases. Within 10 years, his practice became the second largest solo cataract practice in Canada. Changing lives through better vision To his credit, he has been an integral part of clinical studies and research for both Summit and Nidek technologies, helping to develop and refine the Laser Vision Correction concept. With his experience and foresight, it is no coincidence that Dr. Tayfour began offering LASIK long before the technique was available in the United States. He was the first surgeon in North America to perform LASIK in 1993 for the correction of nearsighted vision and two years later, he again was the first to perform LASIK for the correction of farsighted vision. In1998, he was chosen by KeraVision as one of the first surgeons to offer Intacs, a vision correction technique which implants adjustable rings in the cornea to correct low degrees of nearsightedness. As a surgeon committed to new techniques and technology, Dr. Tayfour now combines the Visx CustomVue system and the Intralase Method to provide our LASIK patients with unparalleled accuracy, exceptional personalized treatment and an extraordinary advance in terms of safety and precision. Dr. Tayfour has authored and co-authored numerous articles for such publications as the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, Ocular News, The Journal of Refractive Surgery and Ophthalmic Practice. Dr Tayfour has also lectured at a number of medical conferences and seminars, and has taught other surgeons the science and art of laser vision correction. He is an active member with numerous professional medical societies including the Canadian Ophthalmological Society; the Canadian Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery; the International Society of Refractive Surgery; the Canadian Medical Association and the Michigan Keratorefractive Society. Founded The Windsor Laser Eye Institute in 1991 Performed first LASIK in North America in Introduced concept of both eyes corrected at the same time in 1993 Performed LASIK for farsightedness in Viewed by peers as world-renowned leader in vision correction surgery the first to introduce Custom LASIK, the most advanced technology contributing to enhanced surgery results Awarded the Golden Jubilee Medal by her Majesty the Queen in 2003.

12 Changing lives through better vision Laser Vision Correction has produced spectacular results for millions of people. Eye professionals worldwide have the ultimate confidence in LASIK. It is non-invasive, the integrity of your cornea is preserved and long-term vision stability is virtually certain. Nearly everyone who has had the procedure is delighted to find they can lead lives unencumbered by glasses or contact lenses. No hassles, no expensive designer frames that you somehow break shortly after paying for them, no costly and time-consuming maintenance of contact lenses. For most people, it truly is a new lease on life. A life the way it was intended to be seen, through unaided, natural vision. At The Windsor Laser Eye Institute, we want you to make the choice that s in your best interest. That s why we offer complimentary consultations to help you decide. So if you re ready to talk with us about your future vision, call today. You have nothing to lose but your glasses! 2224 Walker Road, Suite 198, I Windsor, Ontario N8W 3P6 For more information or a complimentary consultation I-SEE (4733) or