I started wearing glasses at seven years old and contacts at eleven years old because of sports. I thought about getting laser vision correction for a number of years. My mom had monovision performed at a clinic in Calgary and wasn’t very happy with the service or outcome, she just felt like a number.
I finally decided to go forward with the surgery because putting in contacts had become so painful. Sometimes I would have to drive over to the side of the road, stop and take them out. If I went out and forgot my glasses it was a disaster, more than a few times I had to put my contacts into cups of water at restaurants. I travel a lot and I was really worried about tearing a contact or forgetting something.
Over the years my prescription had gotten better but my astigmatism had gotten worse. When I had surgery my prescription was around -5.00 and I had really bad astigmatism.
I had surgery the week after my 30th Birthday so it had been twenty three years of needing corrective wear. On surgery day my mom really noticed all the personal attention and involvement of the staff.
The greatest change for me is the freedom from contacts. I don’t have to spend so much time putting them in or looking for glasses. I had to get used to waking up and NOT looking for my glasses!!
I really appreciate all the wonderful care and I’m really thrilled with my results.
Malindi Elmore
Olympic 1500 meter runner
2009 Canadian 10 K Champion
2010 Vancouver Sun Run Women’s Division Winner
2010 Canadian Track and Field 1500 Meter Champion
My decision to have laser vision correction was an easy one. I was competing at the National boxing championships in the bronze medal match and my contact came out so I couldn’t see. At that point it was clear to me that I had to have laser vision correction.
My coach talked to the specialists around B.C. and decided he definitely wanted to go with the medical team at Kelowna Laser Vision. The staff was very warm and friendly, I wasn’t nervous at all. The staff helped my family to feel very comfortable while I was having surgery. Plus I got a DVD of my surgery to take home and show my mom.
After surgery, every day got better and better and now it’s 20/20, the best it’s ever been in my life. Now I don’t have to spend money on contacts or put them in every morning. Plus, I feel more confident.
Jag Seehra
Prince George, B.C.
Provincial Lightweight Boxing Champion
Winner Freddy Fuller Award 2010
I was 36 years old when I decided to get laser surgery, and had been wearing glasses for the past 21 years. I was frustrated with not being able to see properly. I was near sighted with -4.25 in each eye, did not like the time and hassle of contacts, and never seemed to find the “right” pair of glasses for my face.
My surgery occurred late last summer and since then I have never looked back. Colours are vibrant and everything is so much clearer. Little details that I did not know existed I can see. I have even taken up photography as everything looks so good. I don’t have to deal with the glare from the sun onto my glasses when I drive, and I can wear sunglasses. I don’t have to worry about not being able to see when I come in from the cold. When I wake up, I don’t have to put glasses on to see why I am waking up in the middle of night and disturb my sleep. This past summer even my golf game improved. Not because I took lessons, or got new clubs, but because I could see where the ball needed to go before hitting it. It may seem miniscule to some, but I sure liked taking that restriction 21 off of my drivers license as well as it has always been there.
Overall the experience was sensational. All of the staff at KLV made me feel very comfortable from the moment I arrived to moment I left. Dr. Chambers is a very good surgeon and was excellent at explaining the procedure and the process before during and after the surgery.
Dan Gagne
Facilities Project Coordinator
Interior Health, Kelowna, BC
I have worn glasses since my teen years, I’ve always needed them to see anything at a distance. Although my glasses weren’t the “coke bottle” variety, they were necessary for me to obtain a driver’s license and to get into the R.C.M.P. I fully realize that any sight at all is a gift, and being able to have it corrected with lenses is also a perk but, now that I’ve had had the laser surgery it is truly amazing! Although I am now a retired Member and a retired fishing guide, I still remain extremely active in just about any and all outdoor activities. From fishing to hunting, quading and mountain sledding, I participate in activities that all require extremely good eyesight. With glasses it was always a chore when they would fog up (and sometimes dangerous!) or get knocked off but now, I am free of them and it has made my life totally different! I did some research about laser eye surgery on the internet and it was testimonials from others that have been to Kelowna Laser Vision and my own optometrist that made the decision very easy as to who to go to.
The staff and Drs. at Kelowna Laser Vision were unbelievable in the manner in which they handled my surgery, right from the first email to them to the visit right after the surgery. I can’t say enough about how professional and fun they all were! The staff’s excellent attitude and great sense of humor made the procedure all that much easier to go through, although I was very surprised at how quick and nonpainful it really was. My vision now is 20-15 with both eyes, the best I’ve had in my entire life! The only drawback to not wearing glasses now is that my grandkids don’t have to clean them for me anymore! Thank you Kelowna Laser Vision for a new look at life!
Sheldon Sherman
Sicamous, BC
“Basically, it’s not just more convenient, it has greatly IMPROVED my quality of LIFE, I am a HAPPIERperson because of my PRK surgery.”
I’ve worn contacts and glasses for about 21 years and have been checking laser vision correction out for about 10. I decided to go ahead because I had heard so many success stories from people who have had it done. Even years after they had laser eye surgery they were still extremely happy, and they didn’t have any complications.
EVERYTHING has changed since the procedure! My baby can look into my eyes, not through my glasses, and she can’t pull them off. I can buy any sunglasses I want. I don’t have to worry about falling asleep with contacts in.When I go swimming, I don’t have to worry about losing a contact, water on my glasses or having to go blind.I can see better than wearing contacts or glasses; I NEVER HAVE TO PUT IN CONTACTS AGAIN!!!!
Amanda Henri
Vernon, B.C.