Fatherhood or Football? The Many Reasons to Consider Laser Eye Surgery

When working at one of the most renowned Laser Eye Surgery clinics in the world, it only makes sense to undergo treatment yourself if you would benefit, right? Indeed, many of our clinic staff have opted to have Laser Eye Surgery at our Harley Street clinic – the place they work every day!

But at London Vision Clinic, things can really turn into a family affair, as our colleagues’ family members also want in on the action.

In fact, a huge number of relatives of our London Vision Clinic employees are now experiencing the thrilling results of Laser Eye Surgery.

The list includes our founder, Professor Dan Reinstein’s wife, Ursula, our expert surgeon, Mr Glenn Carp’s mother, Shelly, as well as the sisters, brothers, parents, uncles, aunts, and everything in between of many of our other colleagues. So, let’s take a closer look at one of these relative stories.

Cassie and Jonathon: A Hesitant Decision…

Back in 2010, our patient care coordinator, Cassie Crowther, welcomed her own brother to her place of work – our Harley Street Clinic. The event was a long time in the making. In fact, it took five years of gentle persuasion on Cassie’s side before Jonathon finally decided to go ahead with Laser Eye Surgery.

Finally, Jonathan picked up the phone and asked his sister to help arrange his Laser Eye Surgery consultation at London Vision Clinic. And having finally made his decision, he wanted it done as soon as possible.

So, what was the final straw that finally pushed Jonathon to visit us?

Since childhood, Jonathan had had a passion for sports. Cassie recalled her brother rarely returning home before dusk, and then clasping either a football, a cricket bat, or his running shoes.

But as he got older, Jonathon found that his ever-worsening vision was making his favourite sports less enjoyable and more of a struggle. However, while there are many people who opt for Laser Eye Surgery to enhance their sports performance or enjoyment, it was another factor that ultimately convinced Jonathan: fatherhood.

Strengthening a Bond

Johnathon was already a father to little Jasmine, who, at the time, was approaching her third birthday and wanted her Daddy to teach her to swim. Of course, this was easier said than done, as, when he took off his glasses to get in the pool, Jonathon could barely see more than a blurred shape bobbing around in the water.

With the imminent arrival of his second child (son, Jonty), it was finally time to ditch the specs:

“With a prescription of -7.5, I really couldn’t see anything clearly without glasses.

“I am a sports nut and the opportunity to play football and to take my young family swimming unaided was the key driver for me.”

So, how did his treatment at London Vision, under the watchful eye of his sister, Cassie, go?

A Long-Anticipated Treatment

“The operation was completely painless”, Jonathan recalls.

“Dr. Dan and the team were totally professional whilst ensuring that I was relaxed at all times – I am absolutely delighted!”

And how was the experience for his little sister?

“My approach with family was exactly the same as with any London Vision Clinic patient”, Cassie explains.

“I feel you need to hear the information from someone trained and experienced in a specific role, and a third party.

“Jonathan went through the whole experience with me sitting patiently and quietly by his side and I felt that that worked best.”

Of course, it wasn’t the first time Cassie had held a relative’s hand at the clinic. More than two years previously, her mother-in-law was treated with the innovative presbyopia treatment: PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision.

“Obviously, I know everyone at the London Vision Clinic”, said Cassie, “and felt 100% confident all the way through.”

Jonathan was also impressed. After his treatment, Jonathon could read two lines below the 20/20 marker on the traditional Snellen eye test.

“I found all the staff to be warm, professional and polite – a lovely atmosphere -thank you all again.

“But, if I may”, he continued, “I would like to finish by thanking my little sister, Cassie, who made it all happen, looked after me both before and after the surgery and – in my opinion (although biased, I admit) is a real credit to the London Vision Clinic.”

If, like Jonathon, you’ve been on the fence about Laser Eye Surgery for a while, maybe it’s time to consider your options. Find our more about our treatments – get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today.