Brochure - London Eye Centre

There is no better time to
begin living your life
free of glasses
and contact lenses
A centre of innovation
B
ack 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.
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.
L
ater, 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.
F
or 30 years, we have advanced
the science of laser vision correction. The centre has performed over
100,000 procedures on patients from
L
ondon Eye Centre offers online
video 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.
Who qualifies
M
ost 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.
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.
‘No Touch’ PRK procedure
I
t is essential for anyone interested
in laser vision correction to have
an in-depth consultation to determine
if they are a suitable candidate.
A
t 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.
T
he ‘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.
O
n 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.
Intralase SBK procedure
L
ondon 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.
STEP 1
T
he 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
24-48 hours.
STEP 2
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.
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 IntraLase method gives your surgeon the
ability to tailor the dimensions of the
individualized corneal flap based on
what is best for your eye.
Our technology
L
ondon 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
nearly 30 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.
T
he 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.
T
he WaveScan Wavefront system
provides a new level of diagnostic information previously unavailable.
It reveals the way your entire optical
system processes light. WaveScan-
based 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.
V
ariable 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.
W
ithout 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.
T
he 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.
Risks and rewards
L
aser 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What about long-term results?
aser vision correction has a track
record of nearly 30 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.
L
Does it matter which clinic
does my procedure?
xperience 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.
E
Why do prices vary?
n 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.
I
Can you guarantee the result?
lthough 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 if I need a re-treatment?
hile the likelihood is low, all patients undergoing laser vision
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.
W
A
For a more comprehensive list of
FAQs, go to www.lasereye.com.
Testimonials
S
ince 1985, tens of thousands of
patients have told us, “this is
the best gift I’ve ever given myself.”
Here’s more feedback:
B
efore 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.
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.
F
abulous! 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.
I
simply cannot think of enough adjectives to describe my new vision:
clear, perfect, wonderful, unbelievable.
Rick T. – Orange County, CA
A
bunch of people have asked in
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.
You have no reason to wait
W
ho 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 30 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 over
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 can’t afford it right now.”
London Eye Centre offers a no interest payment plan. Ask us about it.
“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.
C
all London Eye Centre now and
book your initial consultation.
You’ve waited long enough – begin
living your life free of glasses and
contact lenses.
How to find us
918 - 12th Street
New Westminster, BC V3M 6B1
604.526.2020
#306 - 126 15th Street East
North Vancouver, BC V7L 2P9
604.985.2011
Find out if laser vision correction with London Eye Centre
is right for you.
Call us to book an initial consultation.
604.526.2020
918 - 12th Street
New Westminster, BC, Canada V3M 6B1
604.985.2011
#306 - 126 15th Street East
North Vancouver, BC, Canada V7L 2P9
Toll free: 1.800.395.7483
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lasereye.com
Follow us on Twitter!
@LondonEyeCentre
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more details
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 30 years.
A lot has changed since 1985. 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
London Eye Centre has a distinguished
history of advancing the science of
laser vision correction.
1985
• First clinic in British Columbia to correct
nearsightedness using Radial Keratotomy (RK);
over 6,500 RK procedures performed from 1985
to 1992
1990
• 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.
2015
• London Eye Centre, BC’s longest-serving
vision correction provider, celebrates their
30th anniversary
D
r. 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.
Procedure Fees
Procedure
Fee
Prescription
Ranges
Custom
Wavefront
(if needed)
Post-ops
at LEC
Post-ops for
Out-of-Town
Post-op Kit
(supplies)
Re-treatment
(if needed)
‘No Touch’
PRK
$1,500
per eye
All
prescriptions
√
√
√
√
√
Intralase
SBK
$1,900
per eye
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.
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 1974. 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. Suren Sanmugasunderam, FRCS (C)
Dr. Sanmugasunderam (also referred to as Dr. Shan) obtained
his medical degree from the University of Ottawa and completed his post-graduate studies in ophthalmology at UBC. Dr.
Shan has been a cataract and refractive surgeon since 1995.
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
is currently 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.
Dr. Naveen Mysore, FRCS (C)
Dr. Mysore obtained his medical degree from McGill University, where he went on to complete his residency and obtain the
Royal College Certification in ophthalmology. He completed
a cornea, external disease and refractive surgery fellowship at
the internationally recognized Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland,
Ohio. He is currently working as a Cornea and External Eye
Disease specialist at the Surrey Eye Care Centre and Surrey
Memorial Hospital.