LASIK is a quick outpatient procedure that can significantly lessen dependence on contact lenses or
eyeglasses. Over the years, Dr. Farooq Ashraf has performed more than 40,000 LASIK procedures at his practices in Dubai and Atlanta. After a LASIK procedure is finished, Dr. Ashraf and his staff like to talk with the patients, to hear their perspectives about the LASIK experience.
Here are the transcripts from interviews with two of our recent patients.
Interview with Sam
Samantha (or “Sam” for short) is one of Dr. Ashraf’s patients at the Atlanta Vision Institute (AVI) in Atlanta, Georgia. She is thrilled with her results—so much so that she’s been recommending LASIK to her family and friends. Read on to find out what Sam told us during her post-procedure interview with us.
AVI: What motivated you to get LASIK?
Sam: I hated wearing my glasses, and I would always lose them. My contact lenses have always bothered me, and I’ve never been able to wear them for longer than two or three hours at a time. I recently developed to an allergic reaction to them. So I was definitely ready to get LASIK and befree from glasses and contacts for good!
AVI: How were you feeling right before you underwent LASIK?
Sam: Overall I felt really safe. I was a little nervous at the beginning because the experience was all so new to me, but Dr. Ashraf talked me through the whole thing. He walked me through the entire procedure from beginning to end and made sure to answer all of my questions so that I felt really comfortable going into surgery. He made me feel very relaxed about everything.
AVI: What were you feeling right after the LASIK procedure?
Sam: I felt great. My mom drove me home and I went straight to take a nap because Dr. Ashraf said that I needed to rest my eyes for a little while. My eyes didn’t hurt or itch or anything like that. As soon as I woke up from my nap I could see clearly!
AVI: What do you like most about having undergone LASIK?
Sam: I love getting up in the morning because I can see everything clearly instead of having to reach for my glasses or put my contacts in. The whole experience is so cool and I love that all I have to do now is put on clothes and go!
AVI: What advice would you have for someone who is thinking about getting LASIK?
Sam: I say do it. You will not regret it and you are in good hands with Dr. Ashraf. His knowledge, experience and credentials are what made me confident in him as my LASIK surgeon. The fact that he is so calming and reassuring made me feel comfortable and relaxed about the whole procedure. Don’t wait another day to see clearly!
Interview with Dubai Blogger, Sally Gray
Sally Gray is one of Dr. Ashraf’s patients at the Atlanta Vision Clinic (AVC) in Dubai. Before undergoing LASIK, Sally required a very severe, high-powered prescription to see clearly. She writes a beauty blog, so having crystal-clear vision has always been a necessity. LASIK was just the solution she was looking for. Like the vast majority of LASIK patients, Sally is very happy with her results, and recommends the procedure to others. We caught up with Sally following hersurgery to learn more about why she chose LASIK surgery and Dr. Ashraf.
AVC: Why did you choose to have LASIK?
Sally: I was tired of waking up every morning and not being able to see, but the main reason was because I wanted to be able to see once I started a family. I had horrible vision prior to the surgery and there was no way I could wake up daily without putting my contacts in. I was not a glasses person!
AVC: How long were you wearing contacts or glasses before having LASIK?
Sally: Since the third grade—basically my whole life! I’d say about 20 years.
AVC: Why did you choose Dr. Ashraf? Did you meet with any other surgeons before choosing the Atlanta Vision Clinic?
Sally: I did not meet with any other surgeons. Seeing Dr. Ashraf’s credentials in the United States, with doing over 40,000 plus surgeries, I knew I was in good hands.
AVC: How long was your recovery time?
Sally: One day! The second day [after my surgery] I was free and could see! I unfortunately am a sucker for pain so I was bedridden for the rest of the first night.
AVC: How exactly has LASIK improved your life?
Sally: I don’t have to worry about my vision anymore. It’s like I am free of a burden and a huge weight has lifted off my shoulders. I still cannot believe that I will never have to wear contacts again. That and the HUGE money saving factor!
AVC: How satisfied are you with the results?
Sally: 100 percent. I do not have a problem with my vision at all. If I had to be more specific, I do see halos but it’s very minor and not noticeable at all until I focus in on them. Plus, I am still in my healing stage. I just can’t even begin to explain how happy I am. I can wake up and see!
AVC: Do you have anything you’d like to share with Dr. Ashraf?
Sally: I cannot thank Dr. Ashraf enough for giving me the gift of sight. It definitely was the best thing that has ever happened in my life. You can experience new things as you journey through life, but your vision is for life.
Are you a candidate for LASIK?
Just as LASIK has changed Sam’s and Sally’s lives for the better, it may be just the solution you’ve been looking for too. To schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Ashraf and find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK, please call the Atlanta Vision Clinic at +971-4348-6233. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you achieve everything you’ve envisioned.