The Live Wire



Press Release

Eyes opened to risks of laser surgery

24 March 2009

Some high street clinics are giving unsatisfactory advice about the risks of laser eye surgery, and pressuring customers into treatment options that cost hundreds of pounds more than the advertised price, reveals an undercover investigation by Which?

More than half the clinics visited by Which? researchers gave unsatisfactory advice, and none of the consultations were rated as ‘good' by Which?'s panel of laser eye experts.

Clinics played down the level and possible duration of risks and complications, which can include permanently poor night vision or some loss of sight in extreme cases.

Almost half of Which?'s researchers weren't told that even if they had laser eye surgery, they would probably need glasses when they are older. Existing dry eye problems weren't take into account in half the cases, and a branch of each of the major high street chains failed to ask the right questions to spot binocular vision.

Optimax and Optical Express both advertise surgery from £790 for both eyes, but the lowest price offered to Which? was £1,090. One Optical Express worker said: "We keep the lower prices for advertising, really".

Premium treatments were heavily promoted and discounts of up to £200 were offered for reasons including quick booking, including one case where a 19 year-old was repeatedly asked to contact her parents to get a deposit.

Martyn Hocking, Editor, Which? magazine, says:

"Laser eye surgery can be an attractive option for people who want to be free from glasses or lenses, and in most cases it gives good results with few side effects. But people need to be aware of the potentially serious and long-term risks, so that they have realistic expectations and commit to the procedure with their eyes open.

Clinics must give accurate information and ensure customers are fully aware of the risks, the benefits and the likely price tag."



Press releases, papers and documents published on this page are the intellectual property of an organisation unrelated to Central Lobby. We promote their parliamentary and political campaigning activities as they are subscribers to the Central Lobby service.

As such, Central Lobby does not edit, endorse, or attempt to balance the opinions expressed on this page. The content of press releases and other such types of content are the responsibility of the originating organisation.

Which?

Which?

More from Dods

© Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd