PEOPle'S Stories
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY ABOUT THEIR LENS AND LASER EYE SURGERY EXPERIENCES
Amreeta | Radiographer
In September 2018, our patient Amreeta's journey from debilitating short sightedness to freedom from glasses was broadcast on the BBC1 program "One day that changed my life". She wanted to spend a few months exploring Asia & Australia but was worried about travelling to remote places with poor vision & dependant on her glasses and contact lenses. So we implanted tiny ICL lenses in her eyes and she went off on her adventure, feeding elephants in Thailand and skydiving in Australia.
Read more about ICL lenses: https://bit.ly/2Rofdh3
Atilla | Fitness Fanatic
Attila is fit, trains hard and looks good with a great six pack. But he can't compete in body building competitions in glasses. He also loves his retro, steel fixie (fixed wheel) bicycle, but glasses and fixies weren't a good mix either. He wanted to look good AND to see well.
After LASIK he says his vision is "fantastic", he's safer on his bike and he's got his mojo back.
Click to see the video and hear about Attila's mojo and the difference LASIK has made.
Heather | Mum & Open Water Swimmer
Well done Heather!!! This girl can! Heather's a mum and charity worker who fulfilled a childhood dream of swimming 13 miles from Inishowen, County Donegal to Portstewart, County Londonderry. Heather wrote: "... I stepped into the cold, 15 degree Atlantic Ocean at Stroove Beach, with the vast Foyle River to my right, the Innishowen headline to my left and in front, pretty much just horizon as far as the eye could see, other than a slim line where I knew Port Stewart was roughly straight ahead ..." She made it and raised nearly £4000 for Outdoor Recreation NI & The Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI).
Gary | Harley Owner & Engineer
Glasses were too much of a hassle for Gary at work and especially when touring on his Harley. Working with safety glasses over his glasses at work was difficult. And the final straw was when he went touring on his bike in Europe. If he got a text he says it was "helmet off, gloves off, reading glasses on, read the text on his phone, glasses off, gloves on, helmet on, then repeat when the reply text came through!" The treatment was painless and its been "absolutely fabulous" since then.
Titus | Farmer, Lebombo Mountains, Swaziland
Titus and his wife were blinded by cataracts. His daughter runs a small shop so she couldn't care for him all day. His grandson herded Titus' goats but his schooling was being affected. When Titus’ vision deteriorated further he couldn’t plant his crops and was facing a hungry winter. A hospital vision assessment team came to his village and a few days later he had sight saving cataract surgery. His wife has had surgery too and now they plant crops, herd goats and feed their chickens. His daughter is able to focus on her business and his grandson is getting on with his studies. Titus' life has been changed from dependency to dignity and the family's quality of life has improved.
Johnny | Creative Consultant, Ski Guide
Where are those specs Jonny?" Jonny wrote in his blog, and went on to say "I know, I know, they made me look intelligent and handsome - but for the sports I enjoy they were a bit of a handicap (golf when it rains and skiing, all the time). So, in October 2014 I decided to have lens replacement. After extensive research and several visits to different surgeons I selected Mr Mark Wevill. I am pleased to say that all went really well. I now read without specs and can also do all my sports now without any extra help. Fantastic.
Read Jonny's blog at: http://blog.pecreative.co.uk/2015/02/where-are-those-specs-jonny.html
Fay | Gravity Enduro Champion
RAF Flight Lieutenant Fay doesn't just ride a mountain bike. She is a sponsored, gravity enduro racer who loves the challenge of guiding her high tech, full suspension bike down rock and root covered single track, fuelled only by adrenalin. Since having her LASIK treatment, she has won UK events & competed on the world series circuit in Europe. LASIK helped get her there but it's mainly thanks to training hard, her sponsors and her greatest supporters: her man and her pup.
Shona | Nurse & Mum
Shona had thick glasses and she was tired of having to buy prescription glasses and sunglasses. She couldn't go swimming with her children and couldn't play sports. She says the surgery "has made such a difference, it's amazing, I can do everything!" Now she is able to do her HGV licence and is starting a new career.
Laura | Bodybuilder
Laura says we've changed her life with laser eye surgery. But she had already lost 6 stone in 2 1/2 years before she had her laser treatment. She says "No, it hasn't been easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is!" Now she's a UK Drug Free Bodybuilding Association competitor who has to look good and see well.
Christy | Award Winning Landscaper
Christy surfs in Bali as much as possible and designs biodiverse, water sensitive, low maintenance landscapes as part of the Design With Nature team. Their inspiring and sustainable designs were awarded a gold medal by the Royal Horticultural Society. How does Christy combine the two? Well, he tries not to get beach sand in his laptop!
Keith | GB Triathlete
A few years ago Keith says he was just a runner doing parkruns, he'd never done a triathlon and couldn’t swim front crawl. In 2016 he represented GB in his age group in the European Triathlon Championships. So, what happened in between? He learned to ride a bike fast, swim doing bilateral breathing, trained hard and in 2013 he had lens replacements. On his Virgin Money Giving page he explains: " ... I had lens replacement eye operations to correct my previously appalling short sight. Result? 20/20 vision. My (triathlon) swim last year was a big problem because I couldn't see properly. This year I will be able to, thanks to the eye ops. I'm lucky enough to have been able to pay to improve my sight, but there are countless people worldwide who can't see & for whom a small donation would make a huge difference."
In 2019 he represented GB and won the bronze medal in his age group in the European Middle Distance Duathlon Championships in Viborg, Denmark (see https://bit.ly/2J65zdt). Congratulations on your achievements, Keith!
Pam | Retired
Pam says that before her lens exchange surgery she had difficulty getting her contact lenses out and they dried out her eyes. She also had difficulty putting on eye make up. When she lifted her glasses to put it on, she couldn't see what she was doing. She couldn't see her phone when it rang. She says "it was frustrating, really frustrating ... your sight goes slowly and your glasses get thicker." Then she had her lenses exchanged.
Simon | Business Developer & Sportsman
If Simon was having a bad day in his contact lenses then he couldn't bat for his Eastern All Stars cricket team. Coaching the GAD Khalsa under 10 football team in his thick glasses was also difficult. Simon writes: “My wife had been pestering me to get my eyes corrected as I was very short sighted. When I met Mark for the first time I knew I would be in safe hands. After going over all my tests he asked me first why I wanted to have the surgery and really understood my point of view. Once I had left I knew instantly there would only be one place I would get my surgery done. I am now one month on from throwing my glasses away. Mark and his entire team have been world class in their care for me and always done with a smile on their faces. I have no hesitation in recommending Mark."
Jake | IT Consultant & Wolf Runner
Jake was struggling with his eyes drying out during long hours at a computer and when running especially in the dark winter months. When he started doing wild running and struggled with his first Wolf run (woods, obstacles, lakes & fields) he decided to have LASIK. Jake writes: "I'm extremely happy with the results of my surgery. I put up with being short sighted for many years, it's a brilliant feeling to be driving without glasses or going for a run and being able to see where I'm going! I'd recommend Mark & his team to anyone thinking of having this surgery. Many Thanks!"
Pauline | Church Fellowship Member
Pauline says everything was a blur. She belongs to a church fellowship with many ladies her age. They've had cataract surgery and said she wouldn't believe the difference the surgery makes. After her cataract surgery, Pauline says her eye is "marvellous, it surprised me, the colours are brighter, I can read, it is unbelievable!" Did she want her other cataract removed? "Yes, please" was her answer.
Dr Mark Wevill's Reviews from Around the Web
Refractive Lens Surgery
I had refractive lens exchange with Mr Wevill on 15th April, before surgery i couldn’t read at all without glasses, now i can read the smallest print and that was just 1 day after surgery. i can honestly say it is one of the best decisions i made and i would highly recommend both Mr… Wevill and procedure. Read more “Refractive Lens Surgery”
Laser Eye Surgery
Excellent in all ways. From the moment I first met him he put me at ease about the surgery and clearly explained the whole process. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call from him in the evening following surgery checking how I was and that I was starting to recover. Thank you Mark.
Cataract Surgery
Oh what can I say. I was very scared prior to my operation. All sorts of stuff was going through my head. I was amazed the way the entire process went through. I did not feel a thing, and it was all over in a very short time. I have fully recovered and my vision… is restored. I highly recommend Mr Wevill my eye surgeon who carried out the operation. God bless him. Read more “Cataract Surgery”
Laser Eye Surgery
Dr Mark Wevill is a highly qualified, experienced and personable eye surgeon. The consultation was thorough and prepared me well for the day of surgery. Mark and his team made me feel comfortable and safe throughout the entire journey and everything was well explained. The procedure was quick and virtually painless. I’m so impressed with… the professionalism and the surgery itself went smoothly. Thank you so much Dr Mark Wevill, I’m thrilled by the incredible, life changing results! Read more “Laser Eye Surgery”
Laser Eye Surgery
Mark on our first appointment gave me a very thorough insight of the procedures. Come the scheduled procedure he made sure I was ok and his staff are all wonderful. What surprised me the most is his care for his patients because he called me an hour after the procedure explaining to me what I’m… experiencing and that it’s normal. The first night after the LASIK was hard but tolerable. The next day I can see everything already and a week after my vision was perfect! Would highly recommend him and his staff. Read more “Laser Eye Surgery”
Tirnan Healy
I’m typically very nervous and resistant to any sort of contact with my eyes (Specsavers couldn’t even get one contact lense in because my eyes are so reactive.) But Mark and his team showed a lot of patience and determination to get the procedure done despite this. I now how very clear vision and I… believe this was one of the best investments I’ve made as my quality of life has immediately improved! I was made to feel very welcome and at ease the entire time also, can’t recommend this service enough. Read more “Tirnan Healy”
Emily Stanley
I would 100% recommend Mark to anyone looking into getting laser eye surgery. He is extremely experienced, thorough, professional and friendly. Throughout the consultation process he went to every effort to explain the options in an easy-to-understand manner. During surgery he was very reassuring and made sure that I felt comfortable and knew what was… happening at every stage. He then called personally that evening to see how I was feeling and has subsequently messaged numerous times to check in on my progress. Thank you Mark! Read more “Emily Stanley”
Joe Willden
I enjoyed a really smooth process throughout from initial consultation, all the way through to aftercare following surgery. I couldn’t recommend Optegra more. All the staff were very friendly and the highly experienced surgeon, Dr Mark Wevill and his team did an excellent job of explaining the process and carrying out the surgery. It is… truly life changing. If you are unsure if laser surgery is for you then go and have a chat with them. They are not pushy at all and will let you know if you are suitable during the initial consultation. Enjoy life without glasses. It’s much better! Read more “Joe Willden”
Sally
When I initially researched eye surgery on line I was impressed with Mark Wevills extensive knowledge and expertise. Once I met him for my first consultation this confirmed for me he was the right surgeon to perform my operation. He performed a cataract removal and replaced my original lens with an artificial one know in… the trade as refractive lens surgery. Beforehand he fully explained the procedure to me. On the day I was anxious but truthfully it was pain free, and went smoothly. The following morning I was able to read text messages with ease, it was marvellous. I have no hesitation in recommending Mark Wevill. Read more “Sally”
Laser Eye Surgery
I am delighted with the care and follow up Dr Wevill has provided for my laser eye surgery. Excellent communication, explained everything clearly, and follow-up check after my procedure. I have already recommended him to several of my friends and colleagues.
Refractive Lens Surgery
I had refractive lens exchange with Dr Wevill on 15th April, before surgery i couldn’t read at all without glasses, now i can read the smallest print and that was just 1 day after surgery. i can honestly say it is one of the best decisions i made and i would highly recommend both Dr… Wevill and procedure. Read more “Refractive Lens Surgery”
Lens Replacement Surgery
My wife and I, had replacement lens surgery Jan 2020 and were so pleased with the results after wearing contact lens for about 30 years. I could not believe how smooth it all went, early cataracts done at the same time. Brilliant man. I can’t recommend Mark highly enough, he is a very pleasant man,… thorough with explanations and I trust implicitly. Thank you once again Mark, John & Sue Sharpe Read more “Lens Replacement Surgery”
LASIK Surgery
From initial consultation through to LASIK Surgery, Mark was very thorough and knowledgeable. The LASIK surgery itself was very quick and virtually painless and Mark was very supportive throughout. The results of surgery even after just one day are brilliant and I am very grateful for Mark and his work. Would highly recommend.
LASIK Surgery
I had LASIK performed by Mark after carefully reviewing other surgeons & options. The initial consultation was very helpful and at no point did I feel pressured into having the laser eye surgery done. Mark was very knowledgeable and made sure I was completely aware of the risks. When I had the surgery done I… felt like I was in safe hands, and everything went very smoothly with an extremely quick recovery process. Mark called me regularly to check up on how I was doing, which was very much appreciated and made me feel like I wasn’t alone should anything go wrong; he was also very clear that if I had any concerns or problems I can call him at any time. My vision is now excellent and I am really glad I paid a bit extra (compared to say a high street opticians) for the service I received from a highly professional and experienced surgeon. Read more “LASIK Surgery”
Debbie Durneen-burgin
I went to see Mark Wevell eight months ago where I had a lengthy and thorough consultation and decided to go for Refractive Lens Exchange as I just wanted never to wear glasses again, it also had the added bonus of never forming cataracts.
I felt absolutely confident with Mark , he was very… professional, informative, and made me feel confident and relaxed. Looking back now, I was so nervous despite the fact Mark was so lovely, I just kept thinking it’s my eyes and you only get one pair! I have to admit as the day of surgery arrived I was a wreck! Wondering what if?
I was in surgery about twelve minutes and it felt like two minutes and I didn’t feel a thing, it wasn’t even an unpleasant experience there was absolutely nothing at all to worry about. The next day when I woke I could see as clear as I could when I was a teenager. I felt privileged to been a candidate for such a life changing experience.
Some would say it’s expensive but to me you can’t put a price on turning back the clock, If I had to do it again to gain the freedom and no more dry sore eyes from contact lenses I would do it again in a heartbeat, with Mark Wevell of course !! Read more “Debbie Durneen-burgin”
Casey Hopkinson
I had my surgery in November 2019 with Mark and wish I had done it sooner! Changed my life for the better! I do suffer with terrible anxiety and was dreading the procedure but Mark and his team made it so easy! I was supported through everything and was put at ease straight away, I… actually enjoyed it! I couldn’t believe it was over so quickly! The aftercare has been amazing too and I haven’t suffered any side effects! Just perfect vision. To Mark and the team, Thank you so much for everything. Read more “Casey Hopkinson”
Laura Diacu
Super happy with the eye surgery performed by Dr Mark Wevill, the entire team from the receptionists, tea lady and all the consultants and nurses were genuinely kind, happy to help, and happy people who all seemed to live what they were doing.
My personal achievement of being able to read/write/type for hours on… end, without the need of glasses is absolutely priceless. I’d wholeheartedly recommend Dr Wevill and his entire team to anyone who’s considering laser eye surgery.
Best thing ever , 100% happy.
Thank you , thank you, thank you !!! Read more “Laura Diacu”
Emma O’Hanlon
I had LASIK surgery in August performed by Mark Wevill. This is something I wanted to do for a long time but have put it off. I was extremely nervous on the day of surgery but all of the staff and Mark made me so comfortable and at ease. I can’t recommend LASIK and Mark… enough. The staff before and after surgery were very professional and always went out of their way to help. Thank you all so so much. Read more “Emma O’Hanlon”