Meet the Kyriacou family: Father, daughter and son have laser eye surgery
Left: Andy on stage / Right: Natalie and Stephan before surgery
A family affair
Every now and then, we have multiple members of the same family come through the Optimax clinic. It’s always rewarding to know that a patient is so delighted with their results that they recommend us to friends and family. And what could possibly inspire more confidence in our treatments than hearing that Andy, an Optimax patient nearly 20 years ago, put both of his children forward for LASIK this year?
Andy, frontman of pop salsa band, Modern Romance is has been performing on stages around the country since 1980. For the last few years, his daughter Natalie has been performing with the band too, and both found that glasses were a bit of a hindrance when it came to their profession. While not on stage with them, Andy’s son Stephan relied heavily on glasses for his digital marketing job which typically involved many hours a day in front of screens.
We spoke to Andy, Natalie and Stephan about their Optimax experiences and how laser eye surgery changed their lives.
Andy’s LASIK story – 2004
I had been wearing contact lenses since the age of 17 and at the ripe old age of 45 I decided that perhaps laser eye surgery was something I should look into. After the initial consultation, the surgeon who would be performing the procedure, turned to me and said “I have worked on Elkie Brooks, Eddie the Eagle, and Steve ‘Sparticus’ Smith, a boxer who couldn’t get his licence until he’d had the procedure – and then won the world title. I’d love to be able to say I did the guy from Modern Romance too, so I am happy to do yours, for free.” I couldn’t believe how privileged I was. Of course, I accepted.
I attended the surgery a couple of weeks later, quietly confident, yet still a little apprehensive. After an eyelid holder was used to ensure my eyes were held open, a laser was used to cut a flap in the cornea of each eye. This flap was lifted and a different laser fired into the cornea to reshape it, after which the cornea was put back in place. It was that simple. This procedure took 30 or 40 seconds for each eye, however, the importance of those few seconds cannot be overstated. I now had 20/20 vision. What an amazing change!
I walked along Finchley Road to catch the tube home and was looking around at absolutely everything, alternately closing then opening each eye. I wanted to compare the vision to before, when I was wearing lenses, but I succeeded also in making myself look like someone who has just arrived on earth and seeing it all for the first time. My behaviour definitely raised a few eyebrows!
I was now able to get rid of the lenses and all the different cleaning and soaking solutions. The glasses I wore when I was relaxing at home were disposed of in a charity bin at the clinic.
In 2022, I made an appointment at Optimax for a routine check-up. No particular reason, I was just curious. Once in the seat, lights were aimed at me whilst the optometrist looked keenly into my eyes and almost into the back of my head. (Nothing to see here!)
I was asked to read the chart with the letters on it, so I obliged, reading even the smallest print. She changed the letters when testing the other eye. Same result – I could see ALL the letters. At this point she looked at me and exclaimed, “You can read that?!”
“Yes, I can” I replied.
“Well, I wish I had your eyesight. It’s almost 20 years after your procedure, yet you’ve still got 20/20 vision!”
On that same day as I made my way home, it dawned on me that both of my children, Steph aged 28, and Nats aged 24, were still wearing glasses. All attempts at wearing contact lenses had failed for both of them, so I made the decision on that journey home that I would get them both a consultation and, if they were suitable, laser surgery – a present from their dad. They both had treatment within two months and they both have 20/20 vision now. One of the best decisions I have made!
Natalie’s LASIK journey – 2022
I have worn glasses since I was in year 4 and, whilst I thought it was cool at the time, the novelty soon wore off. They became more of a hindrance than anything else. Fast forward many years later, and my primary job became performing on stage, always in a full face of makeup, with glasses on. On the odd occasion that I didn’t wear my glasses so that my makeup could be seen properly, it meant that I couldn’t see the audience at all and there was a loss of connection between us.
Since having LASIK surgery, I’ve been able to perform without glasses and see so many faces so clearly – it’s been wonderful and transformative! I was also able to wear sunglasses on my recent holiday which was a first for me and meant that I didn't have to choose between being blinded by the sun, or things being blurry. I now have 20/20 vision. Thank you, Optimax!
Stephan’s LASIK procedure – 2022
Laser eye surgery has undoubtedly changed my life! I relied so heavily on my glasses before, I’d be constantly anxious about them breaking while I was out. I also interact with screens a lot for work, so not dealing with screen glares and reflections is a very welcome change. Having the freedom now to simply wake up and start my day with clear vision is something I will never take for granted, and I’m so pleased with my results!
Thanks so much to the Kyriacou family for sharing their Optimax journeys with us! We’re absolutely delighted that all three of them are enjoying life with their new vision.
If you would like to start your journey to clear, natural vision, visit us for a free consultation to discover which treatment you’re suitable for. Book online or give us a call on 0800 093 1110.
