Your London Vision Clinic Team: passionately committed

back to listDan — Founder and Medical Director

I founded London Vision Clinic in August 2002 with three staff including myself. Today, I'm very proud of the team members who have chosen to make London Vision Clinic their "home away from home".

Alongside my medical career which you can read about elsewhere on this website, I've been playing the saxophone for over 25 years, including two years of study on a performance scholarship at the Berklee College of Music, in Boston. Despite my busy medical career, I continue to play jazz on a regular basis at the 606 Club in Chelsea, London — a very popular event for many of my patients. I'm married with three children and live in central London.

Very impressed with Dan, staff, treatment and aftercare. I would highly recommend the clinic to anybody with eye sight problems. — Matthew C., Airline Manager, from North Wembley, Middlesex

back to listGlenn — Surgeon

My name is Glenn Carp and I am from Johannesburg, South Africa.

From a work perspective the thing I most enjoy is the patient interaction. Offering a medical service to patients is the fundamental part of what we do as doctors, what really gets me going is the time spent creating a connection and the interaction that follows that builds, forms, cements the doctor/patient relationship.

I had surgery with Professor Reinstein in March 2006, and I will not lie and say I wasn't nervous. But I had watched over 500 procedures and was confident having seen the results. The surgery was over and done with before I knew it and the recovery was very quick. I was back at work the next day and operating on day 3 post surgery. I can now see 20/12.

When I'm not working, I'm passionate about fly-fishing, scuba diving, photography and traveling with my wife, Dierdre.

back to listRaechelle — Clinic Manager

I have overall responsibility for ensuring excellent customer service, operational management, human resources, facility management, marketing, and sales. I also ensure that Healthcare Commission Standards are met.

I was born in Trinidad, and have been living in London for 17 years. I have spent 9 years in private health care, with 5 years in laser eye surgery clinics.

I am a Registered Nurse, have my BA (hons) in Business Studies and a post graduate diploma in human resource management. My hobbies include culture, reading, salsa and cycling.

The care and attention that I have received from Dan and his team and London Vision Clinic cannot be improved upon. What can you say but the most heartfelt thank you to a team that have performed a miracle. — Shaena W., Hotel Reservations Manager, from Oxford

back to listDarren — Director of Optometry

My name is Darren Couch and I am from Melbourne Australia. I am the director of optometry at London Vision Clinic. My duties include co-managing patients pre and post surgery with Professor Reinstein and Mr. Carp to ensure that they receive the best possible outcome and care available. I also co-ordinate an external co-management program with optometrists in private practice including running regular training courses.

I was shortsighted with astigmatism. My prescription was -5.00 sphere, -2.00 x 180 cylinder in the right and -5.00 sphere in the left. Professor Reinstein corrected my vision by performing a custom programmed LASIK procedure in June 2004. I can now see better than I ever could with glasses and am still astounded with how well I can see.

Like most Australians, I love my sport and the great outdoors and early in 2006 undertook the trip of a lifetime to Antarctica, which I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone with an interest in nature. A few of my other interests apart from travel include: photography, trekking, cycling, golf, scuba diving and Australian Rules Football.

(Professor Reinstein) and the staff were really helpful and caring, answered all my questions and doubts and gave me real confidence. — Adele N., Fitness Trainer, from London

back to listEmma — Optometrist

As an optometrist for London Vision Clinic, I clinically assess patients' suitability for laser eye surgery, and personally advise them on the best decision for them. I also assess and monitor patients after laser eye surgery, providing clinical advice and support.

I am the most recent member of the clinic team to undergo surgery with Professor Reinstein, and have found it a life changing experience, having had a lot of myopia and astigmatism beforehand.

My LASIK surgery with Professor Reinstein was on 08-08-06 (I wont forget that date!) My pre-operative prescription was OD - 6.00/-3.00 X 10; OS - 6.50/ -3.00 X 180. This means that I was approx -9D overall.

I'm a native Londoner, and when I'm not working I love to climb mountains, (or the local climbing wall when in town!) amongst other outdoor pursuits such as skiing. Having my eyes treated has completely revolutionised this for me.

After years of dithering I came to see Professor Dan. I have never regretted it. His professional approach and that of his staff gave me the confidence to have the surgery. — Daniel H., Royal Mail — Processing, from Peterborough

back to listBrendan — Optometrist

I am a native of Melbourne, Australia, but have worked in London as an optometrist for over 14 years. I am a big cricket fan and glad to see us win the Ashes back this year. My hobbies include photography and travel. My most recent holiday was to Ethiopia and my next major trip is to Antarctica in 2008.

Dan and his team are truly experts in their field and I cannot conceive why anyone would go elsewhere for laser surgery. — Tony M., Director, from Wotton Under Edge, Gloucestershire

back to listEmma — Clinic Supervisor

I have been working at London Vision Clinic since November 2004 as the Clinical Supervisor. I have been working in the same field for 5 years but only had my eyes lasered recently. I was originally very shortsighted (-11 in both eyes) and had a 2-stage PRK treatment and can now see even better than I could with my contact lenses before any treatment. It has been a year since completing my treatment and I still can not get over the amazing feeling of being able to see without glasses or contact lenses. My night vision is excellent with no halos or starbursts despite my very high prescription before surgery.

I was born in Sweden and spent my first 21 years there. I moved to London with the intention to stay for 6 months to improve my English. Not sure what happened, but I'm still here nearly 10 years later!

I like to spend my free time socializing, going to the gym and reading. I love travelling and I try to go to a new place whenever I get the chance. I cannot wait to go scuba diving again now that I have had my eyes done!

After the procedure the peace of mind that you have from knowing that Dan is at the end of the phone 24 hours a day is invaluable. After-care is second to none. The only reason I would give you for not having this procedure is if you were thinking of going anywhere else but the London Vision Clinic. — Simon M., Director of a property investment company, from Marlow, Bucks

back to listZuzanna — Staff Nurse

In my role, I provide physical, technical and emotional support for patients, and also assist in surgeries. I spend a great deal of time answering questions, giving advice and providing information to patients about treatment and aftercare.

I had my own LASIK treatment with Professor Reinstein in February 2006. I was treated for myopia (-6.00 dioptres) and I have to say, that it was the best thing I have done in my life because I am very much enjoying my spectacle-free life!

I am from Slovakia. My hobbies are travelling, reading, skiing and playing tennis.

Wow, wow wow! Unbelievable how good my vision is the day after surgery. The care is excellent. Everyone is friendly, informative, helpful and professional. Dr. Dan is the best; I am amazed by the results and can't stop smiling! — Sharon G., Civil Servant, from St Leonards-On-Sea, East Sussex

back to listEva — Clinical Assistant

I am the latest member of the clinic, having joined in October last year.

I have been working as a nurse for 12 years, but it's my first experience in refractive eye surgery. My duties are testing, preparing and explaining medication to patients and helping during surgery.

I enjoy working with professionals in a friendly environment, and seeing the results and positive reactions from patient is very satisfying. I'm from Slovakia, and I like reading, swimming and traveling, which brought me back to London again after 10 years.

back to listTim — Research Manager

My role is focused on researching, analysing, and publishing Dan's pioneering work in refractive surgery. I am also the computer programmer for clinic patient data analysis and IT systems. I have a BA in mathematics from Oxford and a MA in computer science from Cambridge, and joined London Vision Clinic in 2003.

Dan performed my LASIK in December 2004 at midday (OD -1.75 -1.00 x 93; OS -1.25 -1.75 x 86), and I was back at my desk working 45 minutes later and attended a Christmas party that evening. I'm now seeing 20/12.5. Both of my parents have had laser eye surgery here.

I was born & bred in the Bucks/Oxfordshire area. Outside of work, my hobbies include golf, tennis & football, eating chicken and steak, playing around with formulas and macros in Excel and generally getting sunburnt (even when it's cloudy and in England).

Professor Reinstein's treatment is nothing short of miraculous, and immediate, my life has changed! My compliments go to his staff who are wonderful. — John M., Guitarist/Composer, from Monte Carlo, Monaco

back to listMarine — Research Optometrist

I am from France and I have been in the UK for the past 6 years. I came after having graduated in optometry from Orsay University in 1999. I initially moved to the UK to work in research and I have now completed a PhD in vision research. Over the past 5 years, I have also worked as a research optometrist in the contact lens area, and as a private optometrist in independent practices.

back to listAbby — Patient Education Consultant

I've been working with London Vision Clinic for almost a year now and was lucky enough to have my eyes corrected by them. Before the LASIK treatment I wasn't even at driving standard! I was shortsighted, with astigmatism, nystagmus, as well as amblyopia in both eyes. In fact my prescription was Sph -2.25 Cyl -3.00 x 10 on the right, and Sph -4.25 Cyl -2.75 x 170 on the left. Now I am saving to buy my first car!!

Although I am still amblyopic, my eyesight is better than it ever was with specs or contact lenses and the nystagmus is less apparent. I even enjoy my hobbies more, travelling is a lot more convenient and I don't have to worry about my specs flying off when I belly dance!

back to listCassie — Patient Education Consultant

I joined London Vision Clinic in January 2006, having worked in the laser refractive industry since 1998. Being probably the only member of staff who has not had laser eye treatment! I have however witnessed several thousand happy people enjoying the new freedom of lifestyle successful treatment can bring.

There have been many changes over the last couple of years and one observation I have made speaking to people recently, is just how difficult it is to decide where to have treatment with a market a flood with companies.

The principle I have always adopted is that safety and experience should be the foremost considerations when deciding on this once in a lifetime decision. This principle is what brought me to work with Professor Reinstein. London Vision Clinic is focused on excellence, researched-based with a formally trained surgeon. This combination allows me to say 'yes' to people who have previously been refused. This answer can bring about the biggest smiles, which make up the perks of my job! Hence, I'm still enjoying it after 8 years!

On a personal note, travelling is one of my spare time interests. Originally from Manchester I set off on a round world trip in 2003 ending up living and working for a year in New Zealand. This year saw me celebrate the big 30 in 'Las Vegas' or should I rename that Lost Wages? Getting to see the Grand Canyon was an unforgettable experience.

Football also has to appear being from Manchester and yes, I am a Red which doesn't go down to well working in a London based practice!

back to listGina — Patient Education Consultant

I am originally from Colombia, where the basic principles of refractive surgery where pioneered. I have lived in the UK for seven years. Currently, I am in my final year of university studying Politics, Philosophy & History. I enjoy university except for the reading and studying that absorbs most of my nights and weekends. I also love music and going to concerts and I try to find time to go dancing as often as possible.

As a Patient Education Consultant I hear stories every day of how people's lives are affected by the quality of their vision. It's a pleasure to help these people enhance their quality of life through improved vision.

back to listCindy — Administrative Assistant

I am a part time employee and work in the back office looking after the clinic's facilities; payment of invoices; and assisting Raechelle, the clinic manager, in her duties.

When I am not at London Vision Clinic, I am the school counsellor at a boys' grammar school as well as teaching counselling skills to adults at the local college. In my "spare time" I look after my 6 children, 4 of which are still living at home.

I had LASIK by Professor Reinstein 2 years ago — and have been able to throw away the reading glasses, which had become a part of my life in recent years as well as being able to throw away my contact lenses after 30 years!