Promises Kept
After being touted as revolutionary, Intralase SBK meets expectations.

Two full years since its integration as a Standard of Care at Focus, Intralase SBK is delivering on its promises. Outcomes routinely achieved by the first week with Intralase SBK match those results achieved with PRK at the three to six month mark; reduced healing time; and a level of visual acuity that normally exceeds what patients ever had with glasses or contacts, with many seeing better than 20/20 post-surgery.

In Canada, Focus has been one of the leading LVC centres offering SBK,” says Dr. Angela Malik, an OD at Focus Eye Centre with over 15 years experience working in the field of LVC. “Ten years ago, laser eye surgery was synonymous with PRK and Lasik, but at present Intralase SBK is becoming the procedure of choice.” Read more...

The Candy Man & the Cop
A tale of two professionals and a chance encounter that resulted in a decade’s-long friendship — and better vision.

They met almost 30 years ago
under sweet, if somewhat unusual circumstances. Lyle was a vendor, selling fudge at the Ottawa SuperEx and Marie was a young girl attending the fair with her father... That chance encounter was the start of a working friendship that has endured for decades... Along the way — 19 years ago, to be precise — Marie started full-time work as a Special Constable with the Ottawa Police, The pressures of her work, combined with a slew of other factors gave Marie pause to consider Laser Vision Correction. Read more...

Choosing a Refractive Surgeon:
Do Your Research
The key to safe, successful surgery in any field of medicine is an informed patient with realistic expectations and a skilled, experienced surgeon. This goes double for your eyes. Take the time to research not only the procedure, but also the surgeon and the laser centre you are considering. Ask questions. Do your research. And don’t let cost be your deciding factor — we’re talking about your eyes.

How to find a surgeon
Word-of-mouth is a good indicator. Begin with the people you know — family, friends and associates, an optometrist or ophthalmologist you trust.

Look for a refractive surgeon you feel has your best interests at heart. Physician Search Directories on the Internet may be helpful, but are limited to those who chose to participate. Checking the surgeon’s credentials is your job. Many surgeons have their own website detailing their practice along with qualifications and experience. Ask for the surgeon’s web address.

Laser Vision Correction is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. These days many surgeons and laser centers advertise. Beware of the hard sell and discounters! Discount surgery is as good as a discount parachute. Go for a well-qualified surgeon and pay what it costs. Read more...

Intralase SBK:
Same Safety, Faster Results

Laser Vision Correction with recovery in HOURS, not days!
Patients and staff members alike love the new procedure at Focus....” Read David Harrison's complete article in InFocus

What Intralase SBK Patients Say:
"The morning after surgery I went out for breakfast and did some shopping"
"The next morning, after Wavefront SBK, I was able to read my morning newspaper"
"Within 24 hours I was absolutely fully functional."

Wavefront Technology
Wavefront is a diagnostic technique that produces a computer-generated three-dimensional image — a Wavefront map
— of the eye, to ensure a customized, personalized treatment for each patient.This results in even better outcomes than before produce outstanding results for LVC patients. Read more...

Making the Cost of Laser Eye Surgery
Work for You
Laser eye surgery cost varies from clinic to clinic and country to country with the one constant being that patients are generally quoted per eye. If you have been tempted to “take the plunge” but are not sure of the cost involved, then it’s advisable to get a wide cross-section of quotes from different providers.

Average Eye Surgery Costs
Laser eye surgery cost has risen steadily during the past four years. From an average cost of $1500 in 2002, prices now hover around the $2000 mark and beyond. If you have noticed cheaper quotes, under $1000, then it would be wise to check the fine print before you sign on the dotted line. Only a small percentage of providers are offering these low cost prices and in most cases, there are hidden costs or factors involved.

Costs for some of the common eye surgery procedures have risen considerably in the last few years. Common procedures such as corneal inserts and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) will set you back as much
as $4000 and $2000 respectively depending on the circumstances. Read more...