There is no better time to begin living your life free of glasses and contact lenses

Transcription

1 There is no better time to begin living your life free of glasses and contact lenses

2 A centre of innovation Back in 1985, London Place Eye Centre (as we were then known) became the first clinic in Canada dedicated to corrective eye surgery. We continued to pioneer the science of vision correction, and were the first in British Columbia to use a laser to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. patients from over 30 countries. We can correct most vision conditions, even strong prescriptions, simply, safely, with precision and excellent long-term results. Our surgical team is among the most experienced in the world. Ophthalmologists from near and far come to us for training and, in many cases, have had their own vision corrected at our clinic. London Eye Centre continues to be recognized internationally as a research centre for new developments in laser vision correction. Later, we introduced the No Touch PRK procedure, a noninvasive bladeless surgery that uses a cool beam of laser light to reshape the surface of the cornea. Unlike traditional LASIK, there is no cutting of the eye needed to create a flap. No Touch also preserves more corneal tissue. No Touch is now practiced at leading clinics around the world. For over 25 years, we have advanced the science of laser vision correction. The centre has performed nearly 100,000 procedures on London Eye Centre offers information seminars where all the options, benefits and risks of laser vision correction are openly discussed. Once you ve talked to London Eye Centre, you ll see there is no better time to begin a new life free of glasses and contact lenses.

3 Most vision problems involve refraction issues the way light is focused by your eye. It depends on three elements: the curvature of the cornea, the power of the lens, and the length of the eye. If these elements are structured correctly, then light will focus on the retina properly. However, it is common for one or more of these to be structured imperfectly. This irregularity results in a refractive problem. Who qualifies up close, but with aging, it can progress to intermediate and distance vision problems. London Eye Centre has corrected up to +6 diopters of hyperopia. Astigmatism Myopia (nearsightedness) Length of Normal Eye When an eye is myopic, it has too much focusing power. This extra focusing ability is the result of any eyeball that is too long or a cornea that has excessive curvature, creating a steep surface. Those with myopia see distance objects blurred. Near objects, however, can be focused clearly since they usually require additional focusing power to produce a clear image. London Eye Centre has corrected up to -14 diopters of myopia. Hyperopia (farsightedness) Length of Normal Eye A hyperopic eye does not have enough focusing power. The lack of focusing ability is the result of an eyeball that is too short or a cornea that does not have enough curve. This creates a flat surface. Those with hyperopia initially have blurry vision When an eye is astigmatic, it lacks a uniform surface which results in the inability to have one focal point. This asymmetry is due to the cornea being curved on one place more so than on the other. It is easier to understand this concept if you consider a normal eye to be the shape of a tennis ball (spherical) and an astigmatic eye the shape of a football (toric). Usually astigmatism is the combination of both myopia and hyperopia and, therefore, both distance and near objects are blurry. Presbyopia (monovision) Presbyopia is an aging condition that contributes to the need for reading glasses. Not to be confused with hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia occurs because the lens inside the eye has become rigid with age (usually around 45 years old). A common solution for those with distance problems and presbyopia is either bifocal or progressive glasses. With contact lenses, one lens can be adjusted to intentionally leave you slightly nearsighted. The difference is enough to aid your vision and brain to accommodate and lessens the need for reading glasses. This is known as monovision. This concept is also popular with laser vision correction patients over 40, particularly those who work with computers.

4 No Touch PRK procedure It is essential for anyone interested in laser vision correction to have an in-depth consultation to determine if they are a suitable candidate. At present, patients with virtually any degree of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness, up to +6), or astigmatism can be treated. Modifying the curvature or shape of the cornea is accomplished by vapourizing a small amount of tissue using the Excimer laser. The laser allows molecular quantities of corneal tissue to be removed with extreme precision; the amount removed is less than half the thickness of a human hair. The No Touch procedure, which we developed, is a very advanced version of the PRK surface procedure. No cutting is required; in fact, no mechanical instruments touch the eye. This is in contrast to conventional LASIK (Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis), a multi-stage procedure that consists of cutting a flap using a motorized blade, then using a laser under the flap for vision correction. On the day of your procedure, you will be at the clinic for about 90 minutes. After a second thorough measuring of your eyes and consultation with your surgeon, your eyes will be numbed using only drops, and every step of the procedure will be explained in detail, so you ll know exactly what to expect. Once you re in the treatment room, you re fitted with a small device to keep you from blinking. No other instruments are needed. Surface skin cells on the cornea, called epithelium, are removed and the laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue, creating a new curvature. Procedure time is usually less than two minutes per eye. T he epithelium usually takes three to five days to heal. Although blurriness is expected during initial healing, you ll notice some improvements in focusing almost immediately.

5 Intralase SBK procedure London Eye Centre offers patients two vision correction options. IntraLase SBK is an all-laser procedure eliminating the blade and cutting from the LASIK process. It offers comparable safety to the No Touch PRK procedure as well as the shorter recovery associated with LASIK. Clinical studies involving one million cases have proven IntraLase SBK to be safer and more effective compared to the conventional LASIK process. Combining the advantages of PRK and LASIK LASIK In the past, many people chose the LASIK method because of relatively shorter recovery and sometimes lower costs. Despite its popularity, there are potential concerns associated with conventional LASIK. Most of the LASIK safety issues are related to the cutting of the flap with the microkeratome blade. STEP 1 The IntraLase femtosecond laser uses an infrared beam of light to precisely separate tissue using focused laser pulses which divide material at the molecular level. This process allows the surgeon to produce an ultra-thin flap of corneal tissue without the use of a blade (as in conventional LASIK). This flap is gently lifted to expose the underlying tissue and the surgeon reshapes the cornea with a second laser. It is a painless procedure that normally takes less than five minutes per eye. Patients who undergo the IntraLase procedure experience little to no discomfort following their surgery and are normally seeing very well within hours. STEP 2 PRK Photorefractive Keratectomy is a surface procedure which removes the epithelium skin cells rather than cutting a flap. The No Touch PRK method is considered to be the most advanced version of surface treatment. Although recovery time is relatively longer than LASIK, No Touch PRK is popular with patients who take a conservative, safetyfirst approach. The No Touch PRK procedure can also treat many patients with high corrections and thin corneas who are not eligible for LASIK. IntraLase SBK IntraLase SBK (Sub-Bowman s Keratomileusis) is a hybrid procedure which combines the safety of PRK and the quicker recovery of LASIK. The IntraLase SBK employs an infrared beam to make an ultra-thin, tailor-made flap superior in structure to a conventional LASIK flap. The computer-controlled laser creates and replaces the thinner flap with greater accuracy and precision. The Intra- Lase method gives your surgeon the ability to tailor the dimensions of the individualized corneal flap based on what is best for your eye.

6 Our surgeons Dr. Perry H. Maerov, FRCS (C) Dr. Maerov serves as the Medical Director and Chief Surgeon at both of our New Westminster and North Vancouver clinics. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Alberta and completed his post-graduate training in Ophthalmology at Queens University in He has been a cataract and refractive surgeon for over 30 years. Dr. Maerov is also on the teaching staff in the Department of Ophthalmology at UBC. Dr. Sanmugasunderam, FRCS (C) Dr. Suren Sanmugasunderam (also referred to as Dr. Shan) obtained his medical degree from the University of Ottawa and completed his postgraduate studies in ophthalmology at UBC. Dr. Shan has been a cataract and refractive surgeon since He is on the teaching faculty at UBC, is a former president of the BC Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and is a section editor for the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology. Dr. Jesse Chew, FRCS (C) Dr. Chew obtained his medical degree and Royal College of Canada Certification in Ophthalmology from UBC. Dr. Chew gained expertise in ocular biodevices and therapeutics during his fellowship at the Moran Eye Center, University of Utah. He currently is a Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC and the University of Utah. Dr. Chew has performed thousands of ocular surgeries with a focus on cataract and refractive laser surgery.

7 Our technology London Eye Centre uses the AMO (VISX) Star S4 IR Excimer laser system, the most advanced technology available. VISX invented the technology for laser vision correction over 20 years ago and continues to be the most trusted laser among surgeons. Recently, over 70% of surgeons surveyed said they would select AMO (VISX) if they could choose one laser to use on their patients. We have been a training site and clinical trial facility for AMO (VISX) since 1990 and many VISX employees had their own laser vision correction performed at London Eye Centre. The latest AMO (VISX) laser, the Star S4 IR, has a number of new breakthroughs that have been improving the excellent results we ve already been achieving. The WaveScan Wavefront system provides a new level of diagnostic information previously unavailable. It reveals the way your entire optical system processes light. WaveScanbased digital technology identifies and measures imperfections in your eyes 25 times more precisely than standard methods. The powerful WaveScan software can translate this information into a customized treatment. Variable Spot Scanning (VSS ) is an exclusive AMO (VISX) laser technology that allows for a larger treatment area. This has minimized earlier night vision issues where pupil size was a consideration. Without a tracking device, laser vision correction will require patients to hold their eyes as still as possible during the procedure. The 3D ActiveTrak follows any tiny movements of your eye instantaneously and automatically, in all three dimensions, repositioning the laser to ensure accuracy. Therefore, you can relax knowing that you re obtaining a correction that is precisely centered on your eye. The AMO (VISX) laser also preserves more corneal tissue. Combined with the No Touch PRK method or the IntraLase SBK method, this provides the best options for patients with thin corneas who may not be eligible for LASIK or procedures that remove more tissue.

8 Risks and rewards Laser vision correction is one of the most commonly performed elective procedures in North America. As with any surgery, a careful review of the risks and the rewards should be made. No Touch PRK and IntraLase SBK are exceptionally safe and effective procedures. Due to the precision of the laser and the fact that no blades touch the eye, we feel they are the safest procedures available. Some side effects can occur during healing, including infection, under or over correction, corneal haze and dry eyes. Incidence of complications is low. While the laser is precise, human tissue can vary in healing capabilities. All risks will be discussed in a private consultation. Overcorrection Initial overcorrection is usually planned as the cornea heals. The eye generally stabilizes to near-predicted results within one to three months; however, in rare cases, it may remain overcorrected. An overcorrection is more noticeable to older patients and is treatable with both the Holmium or Excimer laser. Undercorrection Undercorrection is more common than overcorrection. Small amounts of undercorrection do not seriously affect the resulting vision. Large amounts, however, may need a retreatment (or corrective lenses full or part time) for clear vision. Light Sensitivity Most eyes are sensitive to light post operatively. This is usually short lasting less than one to two weeks. Sunglasses should be worn in bright sunlight for a few months following surgery to avoid excessive UV radiation. Benefits There are numerous life benefits laser vision correction can provide, including freedom from lenses for sports, recreation, driving, or work. There are a number of occupations, such as pilots, firefighters, and police officers, that require a high standard of visual acuity without visual aids. Corneal Haze The term haze is used when the healing response results in new tissue growth on the treated surface sufficient enough for a loss of transparency visible with the examination microscope. Haze is treatable and generally dissipates over time.

9 Frequently asked questions up with less correction than you hope for, chances are that your eye can be retreated simply and effectively to take it the rest of the way. Does it matter which clinic does my procedure? Experience is always crucial when selecting a clinic or doctor for any surgery. Equipment, technique, and dedication to patient safety are also important factors to consider. At London Eye Centre, our surgeons have extensive experience and use the same equipment, technique and highly trained support staff to ensure our high standards are met. You should select a facility that has the track record and reputation you require. It is your vision and it is an optional procedure. Why do prices vary? In addition to experience, technology and reputation, price is a factor. Most clinics that have attempted discount prices for vision correction have not remained in business. Be careful to ensure there are no hidden or additional charges and that you are confident the clinic you choose will be in business long term. Can you guarantee the result? Although the predictability of results is very high and incidence of complications is low, the answer is no. Different eyes heal at different rates and in different ways. If you end What about long-term results? Laser vision correction has a track record of over 25 years of excellent results and safety. Conservative patients who have been waiting for the procedure to be proven long term can now proceed with confidence. What if I need a re-treatment? hile the likelihood is low, all patients undergoing laser vision W correction must accept that a re-treatment may be required in the future. At London Eye Centre, re-treatments are included in your surgical fee. Patients choosing London Eye Centre value our track record as B.C. s longest serving vision correction provider. Over the years, many different laser vision correction companies have come and gone. Be sure to choose a facility that you are confident will be around to take care of you in the future if needed. For a more comprehensive list of FAQs, go to

10 Since 1985, tens of thousands of patients have told us, this is the best gift I ve ever given myself. Here s more feedback: Before my surgery, the staff at London Eye Centre answered all my questions. My eyes were remeasured and a final consultation was completed with the surgeon. We then moved onto the surgery, the whole procedure took only minutes. The staff was fabulous, the after care is excellent, they go to great lengths to make their patients comfortable. Thank you, London Eye Centre. I have perfect vision without glasses and contacts. Why did I wait so long? Zack Spencer Vancouver, B.C. Testimonials I m 100% satisfied. No more contacts... don t need to put on my reading glasses for every little thing... Hilton P. Coquitlam, B.C. Fabulous! No longer have to wear glasses for driving, TV or distance. Love the results! Recommend the procedure to anyone and everyone who has to rely on glasses. Gail W. Langley, B.C. simply cannot think of enough adjectives to describe my new vision: I clear, perfect, wonderful, unbelievable. Rick T. Orange County, CA bunch of people have asked in A my blog why I chose No Touch PRK rather than LASIK. I think the first and most important reason that I did so was that I had this crazy idea of fighting competitively, and PRK is much better for contact sports. With No Touch PRK from London Eye Centre, I will be able to take punches in the face again in sparring without worry that my eye could be seriously injured. Even pro-lasik websites state that people participating in boxing, kickboxing or MMA should not get regular LASIK. Terrence Chan Vancouver, B.C. I can play again like a child; my vision allows me to do skiing, snowboarding, roller-blading, water sports and lead an active life without glasses. Thanks! David T. Abbotsford, B.C.

11 You have no reason to wait Who trusts their eyes to London Eye Centre? People applying for jobs that require excellent vision without glasses or contacts: police officers, pilots, the armed forces and firefighters. If many of these professionals have had their vision corrected by us. Why haven t you? I m waiting for proof that the procedure is effective in the long term. In the early years, many patients had taken a wait-and-see approach. London Eye Centre has been performing vision correction for over 25 years and is, without a doubt, B.C. s most experienced laser eye centre. Patients can expect excellent long-term results. I m waiting for the technology to get better. Laser vision correction is proven science. The centre has performed nearly 100,000 successful procedures and our all-laser procedure can correct most vision conditions with exceptional accuracy. The latest generation of lasers provides better results than ever. I m concerned about the safety of laser vision correction. London Eye Centre only performs all-laser vision correction. Our procedure is precise, safe and no surgical blade ever touches your eye, unlike LASIK. I can t afford it right now. London Eye Centre offers a no interest payment plan. Ask us about it. Call London Eye Centre now and book your initial consultation. You ve waited long enough begin living your life free of glasses and contact lenses.

12 Find out if laser vision correction with London Eye Centre is right for you. Call us to book an initial consultation th Street, New Westminster, B.C., Canada V3M 6B # th Street East, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada V7L 2P9 Toll free: Website: Follow us on Scan code for more details

13 Canadians are renowned for medical innovations such as the invention of insulin, the electron microscope and the pacemaker. Many scientific advances using lasers to correct vision were pioneered here, in British Columbia. In 1985, London Place Eye Centre (as we were then known) opened its doors for the first time. As one of the first private medical clinics in British Columbia, London Eye Centre originally offered cataract, refractive and cosmetic surgery to its patients. We were the first eye clinic in BC to be accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons: this is no small recognition; it means we have been consistently found, through regular audits, to be adhering to a strict set of standards designed to ensure that patients are receiving the best medical care. These rigorous standards have been maintained for nearly 30 years. A lot has changed since The clinic has expanded three times, increased the complement of staff and technicians, introduced many new surgical procedures to British Columbia and aided tens of thousands of people with their vision. Today, London Eye Centre focuses solely on laser vision correction. The team of surgeons and technicians are dedicated to helping patients who seek the best care and technology to correct their vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. London Eye Centre now has clinics in New Westminster and North Vancouver. We have treated patients from all around the world, including all Canadian provinces and territories, 47 different US states and more than 30 countries overseas. London Eye Centre s renowned surgical team, in conjunction with our Research Department, has been dedicated to improving and perfecting the techniques of laser vision correction. The predictability, safety and computer control of the Excimer laser has already proven its reliability. Worldwide, well over 10 million procedures have been performed, and this number is compounding exponentially by thousands each day.. While advancing the science of laser vision correction, London Eye Centre has been able to speed up healing and visual recovery, minimize discomfort and improve predictability for patients with more challenging corrections. Our all-laser procedures have improved vision correction surgery to a level of safety and appeal that is highly attractive to the more cautious patient. London Eye Centre is B.C. s original and longest serving vision correction provider. As a locally based company, we are dedicated to providing the best care and technology possible for our patients. London Eye Centre Medical Team

14 London Eye Centre has a distinguished history of advancing the science of laser vision correction First clinic in British Columbia to correct nearsightedness using Radial Keratotomy (RK); over 6,500 RK procedures performed from 1985 to First clinic in British Columbia to use a surgical laser to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism with a procedure called Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Dr. Johnson becomes the first Canadian investigator for the VISX Excimer laser 1991 First centre in Canada to correct astigmatism using Excimer laser 1993 First clinic in British Columbia to develop regional system of patient care over 1,600 eyecare professionals provide quality pre and postoperative care for the Centre s patients; patients can have treatment at London Eye Centre, return home and have their follow-up care with their doctor knowing the progress will be closely monitored by the clinic s highly trained staff First clinic in Canada to correct farsightedness with the Holmium laser 1994 First clinic in Canada to correct farsightedness with the Excimer laser 1995 London Eye Centre plays host to hundreds in the refractive surgery industry from around the world at the first in a series of annual conferences held each year at Whistler, BC; the Pacific Coast Refractive Symposium featured the pre-eminent names in refractive surgery 1996 The Centre now has dedicated Education and Research personnel providing comprehensive patient and professional education to patients and doctors worldwide 1997 Dr. Johnson receives a US patent and trademark for his invention and use of the No Touch surgical technique 1998 Over 60 eye physicians have chosen London Eye Centre for their own treatments 2001 The Centre enters new era in Excimer laser technology by acquiring first laser in Western Canada featuring 3D eye tracking 2002 Clinic launches Wavescan Technology (fingerprintlike scans able to analyze total optical system) First facility in Canada to perform investigative laser procedure for reversal of presbyopia (aging condition causing the need for reading glasses) 2003 Centre opens satellite facility in Kamloops, BC, for easier access to top technology for all BC residents 2005 Successfully performed clinical trial of multifocal treatment for far-sighted patients with presbyopia 2006 London Eye Centre wins Consumer Choice Gold Award as top laser eye correction centre in Vancouver for the 7th consecutive year 2008 London Eye Centre offers the revolutionary Intralase SBK. With Intralase, patients enjoy the safety and results of No Touch PRK, along with rapid vision recovery and less discomfort all without the cutting/blades associated with LASIK 2011 London Eye Centre opens a new facility in North Vancouver 2012 London Eye Centre approaches 100,000 procedures completed in B.C London Eye Centre, BC s longest-serving vision correction provider, celebrates their 30 th anniversary Dr. Donald Johnson, London Eye Centre s founder, dedicated his professional life to advances in ophthalmic surgery, particularly the development of laser vision correction. Dr. Johnson is considered to be the first surgeon in North America to dedicate his entire practice solely to refractive surgery. Dr. Johnson is recognized as a pioneer and one of the true grandfathers of laser vision correction.

15 Procedure Fees Procedure No Touch PRK Intralase SBK Fee $1,500 per eye $1,900 per eye Prescription Ranges Custom Wavefront (if needed) Post-ops at LEC Post-ops for Out-of-Town Post-op Kit (supplies) Re-treatment (if needed) All prescriptions All prescriptions All Inclusive Fees Laser Vision Correction pricing can be confusing for the patient. Many facilities create this confusion: tiered fees based on prescription strength, add-ons and extras for custom software, follow-up care, and re-treatments (if needed). London Eye Centre fees are simple to understand with no surprises, add-ons or hidden charges. Taxes The fee is exempt from all taxes. The procedure fee is eligible as a medical expense income tax credit. Financing London Eye Centre has convenient, low-interest and no-interest financing available. Call our education department for more information. An Investment The decision to proceed with laser vision correction with London Eye Centre should be looked upon as an investment. The cost of glasses, contact lenses and solutions adds up quickly. Simple math shows that the fee for laser vision correction is recovered in a few short years for most patients. You don t need a calculator to appreciate that laser vision correction with London Eye Centre pays for itself in no time. See other side for map

16 How to find us th Street, New Westminster, B.C., Canada V3M 6B # th Street East, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada V7L 2P Call toll free: