•  Medical and ophthalmic (eye) history
•  In all cases, personal interview and examination with a consultant eye surgeon who       performs the surgery
•  Refraction
•  Topography and laser interferometry
• Pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement)
•  Explanation of surgery, including likely outcomes and possible complications, and as much time as you require to have all your questions answered.Don't worry about interrupting.Our surgeons don't mind!

There are some general conditions that make you unsuitable for surgery. These are

There are some specific contra-indications, your consultant will check these before going ahead.

• You need to arrive punctually at your appointment to the LCRS. Please notify us of any foreseen delay. Please bear in mind that the LCRS maintains the right to charge for last minute cancellation.

On the day of surgery, your surgeon will check your eyes again and you will have a chance to discuss any further questions. You will have an opportunity to review the informed consent form we ask you to sign. There are specific points that our surgeons must include in a consultation. You can find a list of these by clicking here. Please do not sign the form until you are satisfied on all points.

• To help you relax, and to calm any nerves, you will receive a mild tranquiliser.

• Our operating suite (designed in conjunction with the Healthcare Commission) is right next to the consulting room, so you will walk through when you are ready. For hygiene and safety reasons we ask you to put on a cap, a gown and  shoe covers.

• You will lie down on a comfortable and adjustable couch for your operation. Above your head, you'll see a bright light. With the combination of drops, the bright light and your position, you won't actually see the operation itself. Most people find this knowledge quite comforting.

• Your surgeon will apply the necessary anaesthetic drops, clean the area around the eye and apply the spring to hold your eye open so you need not worry about blinking This stops you from accidentally blinking.

• It is in our interest (and obviously yours too) to make sure you don't experience any pain during the operation. (It would also make the surgeon's work more difficult), so we take every possible step to avoid this and you will be able to tell us if you need more anaesthetic.

• During the operation you'll find that when your eye is touched, your vision becomes blurred, but you may be able to see things coming into focus towards the end. (Not everybody experiences this.)

• The operation itself lasts on average 5-10 mins for diamond microsurgery  and CK, 15-30 mins for Intacs, lens implants and cataracts, 30 mins for cross-linking (C3R/UV-X).

• Your surgeon will pad and dress the eye, in a way that you yourself will be able to remove after a few hours.

• When you return to the waiting room it is important to rest for a few minutes and to wait for the effect of your tranquiliser to wear off. We'll serve tea/coffee and biscuits.

• Your surgeon will tell you how the surgery went and answer any question about the recovery. You will receive post-treatment instructions and set a date for follow-up.

• A friend or family member should come along to help you get home.

• Once at home, we advise that you take it easy for the rest of the day, and you can take your pad off in 4-24 hrs. We will also give you some painkillers and some drops. Your surgeon will explain how to use them.

This guide has been compiled to illustrate the course of a normal procedure. Medical outcomes cannot be guaranteed and therefore this illustration should not be taken as a promise or contract.