Russell Ambrose's Biography
Optimax's 1st Laser Eye Surgery Patient & Founder
Back in 1991 laser eye surgery was still in its infancy.
Understandably, there was much scepticism and many had reservations
about it.
Our founder, Russell Ambrose, decided to ‘put his money where
his eyes are’ and become his own patient. As Optimax’s
first patient Russell hasn’t worn glasses or
contact lenses since.
Listen to Russell Ambrose being interviewed about
Laser Eye Surgery:
His insistence on the highest standards when selecting medical
staff and technology, while making treatment affordable has
made Optimax the natural choice for
Laser Eye Surgery in the UK.
Russell's Story
I wore glasses from the age of nine and hated them. At 19
I tried contact lenses but was never comfortable with them either
so, when disposable lenses were introduced, I found them much
better. However, they were expensive and I often got sore
eyes and were a big nuisance. I investigated the Russian ship
style operation but having knives cutting into my eye did not
appeal.
Then in September 1989 I heard about laser eye surgery and my ears pricked up. My
investigations led me to believe it was a great procedure but
unfortunately it was not available commercially. When I did find
someone who could perform the procedure, the cost was £2,500 per
eye and was located 200 miles away from where I lived.
I immediately thought that if the operation was made affordable
and in the South of England it would be a commercial success.
Within a few weeks I had formulated my plans and ordered a
laser!
It was only a matter of weeks after coming up with the idea that
I opened my first clinic, with myself as the first patient! I
have not worn glasses since 1991 and during this time Optimax has
performed over 350,000
treatments. There are now
27 specialist laser eye
clinics nationwide and Optimax has established itself as the market
leader in the field of corrective eye surgery.
Russell's wife had treatment in 1993 and his son Simon Ambrose (Winner of BBC's The
Apprentice) had LASEK treatment in April 2002, which coincided
with our 100,000th treatment performed!
If you have any questions or would like more information about
Laser Eye Surgery please call now on 0800 093
1110.