The majority of patients are found to be suitable for Laser vision correction. However, there are a small percentage of people who are unsuitable candidates due to various reasons such as their prescription falling outside the recommended parameters or their corneas being too thin. Fortunately, with implantable contact lenses, there is a non- Laser alternative available at Advanced Vision Care.

Rather than changing the shape of the cornea implantable contact lenses (ICL) are permanent miniature contact lenses that are implanted into the eye to enhance the natural focussing ability of the eye. This provides excellent quality of vision for a wide range of prescriptions. These lenses are widely used in Europe and USA and AVC uses the latest lens models which are highly safe and effective.

Advanced VisionCare are proud to say they are the leaders in the field of implantable contact lenses and were the first in the UK to perform this procedure for a patient ( a Doctor ) who was hyperopic and had astigmatism; an extremely difficult combination! (see Daily Mail article link.Prescription range)

The Implantable Contact Lenses can be used to correct a wide prescription range from -25.00 (short-sighted) to +12.00(long--sighted). In addition to this, specialist lenses are available to correct astigmatism of up to 5.00D (toric ICLs)

The treatment takes 30 minutes per eye and if both eyes are being treated they will be done so with a 1-2 day or 1-2week interval between each eye . A local anaesthetic (in the form of eye drops) is used to numb the eye and antibiotic eye drops are also administered to prevent any infection during the surgery. There is very little discomfort associated with the procedure and patients are able to leave the clinic the same day. You are required to return to Harley Street the following day for your one-day post operative check up. The surgeon will also conduct two week, 3 month, and 12 month aftercare appointments. It is recommended you return on an annual basis for a comprehensive check up.

The ICL is made of Collamer which is accepted by the eyes and therefore the body's immune system does not react or reject it as a foreign body. As the ICL is so tiny, soft and flexible it can be folded up and injected into the eye in seconds through a tiny self-sealing opening. Once it has been injected it unfolds into its correct shape in the liquid inside the eye. There are no stitches in the eye and as the lens is behind the iris (Coloured part of the eye), unlike other lenses, it is not visible to the naked eye.

The surgical team in AVC consists of internationally reputed surgeons who are not only experts in this field but also international trainers for other surgeons in Europe and other parts of the world.

Quality of vision - The Visian ICL not only results in improved visual acuity but also superior high definition visual quality thus patients experiencing an immediate 'wow' factor after the procedure.

Bio-compatibility - Collamer, the 100 percent pure collagen copolymer lens material of the Visian ICL, is not viewed as a foreign object by the body's immune system and therefore is not rejected.

Versatility - The Visian ICL offers a wider treatment range for myopia than LASIK or LASEK procedures. Simplicity - Unlike traditional contact lenses, once the Visian ICL is implanted in the eye, there is no additional maintenance needed.

Safety - To date approximately 500,000 ICL implants have been performed worldwide, demonstrating an established track record of safety. Hence US Military have approved these lenses for their personnel.

Undetectable - The placement of the Visian ICL makes the lens invisible to the patient and any observer.

Removable - The Visian Implantable Contact Lenses are designed to be permanently placed in the eye. However, the lenses can be removed if a patient's vision changes or if they otherwise need to be removed or replaced. This means that if there is a prescription change with time it can be corrected and superior vision maintained.

Treatment: ICL Toric

Date: 11/11/2010

To say the least you could say my eyesight was dire with a prescription of -18 in my right eye and -12.75 in my left. I never thought surgery would be available for someone of my prescription and had long accepted a lifetime of glasses, contact lenses and contact lens solution.

This was until I met a former patient by chance who told me of AVC and the service they could provide. I have to when first hearing of such a treatment I was a bit sceptical the phrase “to good to be true” came to mind. However I decided to take a chance and exchange details with this former AVC patient.

I phoned the AVC clinic and booked a “FREE” consultation trying my best not to build my hopes up. When I first visited AVC I was firstly struck by the level of hospitality I received being nothing short of first class. I wasn’t just treated like a mere patient/customer; I was treated like a human being.

Both eyes were checked thoroughly before and treatment was recommended and it was clear that each member of staff knew what they were doing. In the end it was deemed possible for me to receive ICL surgery. The surgery itself was top class with the procedure being surprisingly quick. All throughout the surgery I was welcomed to a warm and caring atmosphere and I was left feeling utterly spoilt and satisfied with the service.

Finally I can say that I no longer have to depend on glasses or contact lenses with me currently having no prescription in my left eye and my right being significantly improved.

The service AVC has provided me has been nothing short of a miracle and I will be forever thankful for what they given me. I recommend that anyone not sure on whether to go through with eye surgery with AVC to do it, you won’t regret

Treatment: ICL

Date: 27/11/2010

I had worn glasses for 25+ years, my initial consultation took place on the 27th Oct 09 (which was very thorough) by 4th Dec 09 both eyes were treated. I knew that Laser surgery was not an option as I was very short sighted, I had implantable contact lenses done and am thrilled with the results. My vision is now clearer that it was with contact lenses/glasses. I would highly recommend this treatment to family and friends

Treatment: ICL

Date: 05/07/2010

I decided to go for treatment as I had been wearing glasses since childhood. I had been thinking of having treatment for the last 10 years. I knew I was not suitable for Laser so my experience with Advanced Vision Care was excellent. The care provided was very good from the very start. I was very impressed with the thorough consultation and the treatment itself was painless and very quick.

Having the treatment has changed everything. I can now do a lot more sports. I can enjoy my life a lot better I am very happy.

For people with high refractive errors and astigmatism plus amblyopia there is a hope now. Implantable contact lenses are an option which is safer and reversible. I highly recommend it to everyone with this problem it will change your life.

Treatment: ICL

Date: 16/02/2010

I found out about Advance Visioncare through my girlfriend’s colleague (who was very impressed by the service she received). From the first contact I was very impressed with the level of service I received and every query/question I had was answered and explained (making me feel more comfortable).

I was initially worried about having ICL (implantable contact lenses), but the level of professionalism I received from all the staff I dealt with, helped to relax me.

The procedure was a lot less painful than I had imagined (more of a discomfort feeling) and seemed to be very quick. The aftercare I have received is extremely good.

I now have 20/20 sight (from approx. -8.00) and am extremely happy.

A big thank you to everyone at Advance Visioncare.