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I began wearing glasses at the age of four with an RX of -11.00 to correct my nearsightedness and astigmatism. I was correctable to 20/50. My parents took me to every specialist imaginable to try to get my vision to an improved point, but it was not possible.
At the age of 8, we visited Columbian Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City and was blessed when the Doctor advised that gas permeable contact lenses could help stabilize my vision – which was at that time a -15.00 base. I couldn’t be happier but the lenses were so uncomfortable I couldn’t decide if it was worth the discomfort of my wearing the contact lenses vs. dealing with torment from my peers, “for wearing the abominable coke bottle glasses.” I accepted the discomfort - as one may expect.
At the age of 20, I saw an ophthalmologist who fitted me for soft lenses and was corrected to 20/40. I was so relieved to have the opportunity to wear comfortable lenses. Yet every night I prayed for a “miracle” to cure my severe nearsightedness and have the ability to see clearer.
I believe it was the birth of my son, Jake, in 2009 who put me back on the track to finding a solution for my condition. My son would take my glasses off my face in the AM and toss them aside – you can only imagine my desperation to searching for them and not being able to see if my son was still next to me or in the next room. I was scared of losing a contact lens or waking up not find my glasses on the nightstand in an emergency.
Through the years every different vision specialist I visited said there was no procedure that could help someone with my myopic condition. Up until one year ago, I was wearing a -20.00 base contact lens.
I began seeing a new optometrist who believed I was the prime candidate for ICL lenses. She referred me to Dr. Martin Fox. I can’t describe the joy I felt sitting in Doctor Fox’s chair when he advised that I was a great candidate for ICL – not only would the ICLs improve my correctable vision, but also there was a chance that through a second procedure PRK, I would not need corrected lenses again. I cried in his chair and during the entire car ride home.
In my entire life, I was never treated with more compassion by another Doctor and medical staff than by the team at TLC North Jersey in Elmwood Park, NJ. After my ICL procedures and PRK in both eyes, I now see 20/20 with no lenses.
The team with TLC believed in me and I believe that in their hearts, they wanted to see me walk out the door with 20/20 vision. Each staff member, including Doctor Fox and Doctor Stephenson were available around the clock to answer any questions I had, including taking my phone calls over the weekend when I was experiencing some discomfort.
I would refer the team of TLC North Jersey to anyone looking to have his or her vision corrected, but also to anyone looking for a medical staff that cares.
I would welcome any opportunity to be a spokesperson for TLC based on my experiences and speak to others about the processes, feelings, successes I experienced.
I truly thank you and your team of Doctors and support staff for making my dream come true.
Cordially Yours,
Christine Oliveri
I am completely impressed with my new vision. Less than 24 hours after my surgery, my doctor said I had 20/20 vision. It has only gotten more crisp in the weeks since my surgery. Other than a little irritation in the first few weeks, I have had no problems. I still have to put rewetting drops in regularly, which my doctor says is completely normal for the first 3-6 months. The entire staff at the North Jersey office were extremely reassuring and helpful during my procedure. I would highly reccommend this office for Lasik surgery. Mary Stickel "Since fourth grade, I have been wearing glasses for distance. While in college I was able to afford soft contacts and wore them for almost 20 years. I would always tell my childen that if I ever came into money that the first thing I would do is have laser eye surgery. I am a single mother and work in the child care industry which is emotionally rewarding but not rich in the funds. My oldest son took a job down in Guantanmo Bay ,Cuba for the government and when he came home for Christmas announced to my whole family that he had scheduled an appointment for me for a consultation to have Lasik Eye surgery at TLC in North Jersey. The surgery was scheduled two weeks later and the day of the surgery I was nervous but excited about the freedom from glasses and contacts. Dr. Fox, my surgeon, had a calming voice as he did the procedure and explained every step of the way what was happening. My parents watched the procedure in the other room. As I was leaving with the funky eye wear, I started to cry . For the first time in 35 years, I was able to read a sign by the door without the use of glasses, contacts or squinting to see. This was a new beginning for me and a gift from my son that I will never forget!!" Ms. Diane Wolfe "I am very happy to report that I have had no problems with my vision. I love the fact that I don't have to wear glasses that, no matter how careful I was, were continually getting scratched. I used to have to buy expensive prescription sunglasses and change my glasses as needed. Now I can buy the ones I like at a better price. I''m no longer blinded by the sun. I work at the computer at my job and no longer get headaches from the strain. It's amazing and I would highly recommend the surgery to my friends." Marta Skrutskie, New Jersey "My vision was so bad, I had to put on glasses if I got up in the middle of the night. I was blind without my glasses. I really wasn't considering lasik due to the expense until my brother had it done. He is as frugal as myself, and he could not stop telling me how it had changed his life. Then I met two other friends that had it done. I did shop around for surgeons and chose TLC due their qualifications, professionalism and cost. I can say that every day I wake up, I cannot believe I can see the alarm clock. I have had no problems was so ever. No tearing, no complaints. The whole TLC staff put me totally at ease. I was a nervous wreck the day of the surgery. There was no pain or discomfort. I even drove myself to my own appointment the day after the surgery and had 20/25 vision. I LOVE IT! I am a walking billboard for TLC. I can see while swimming, I can see in the shower (hard to shave your legs when you can''t see), I can see in the middle of the night. I save at least 20 min every morning since I don't fuss with contacts. I may eventually need reading glasses as my eyes were very bad, but that's okay! I can buy them over the counter. I'm a 43 yr old married mother of two. This was something that I did totally for me and that also makes me feel great!!! Thanks TLC!! Christine Sirica "I am very happy with my new vision. I am 34 years old and have been wearing glasses since I was 14 years old. It feels really good not to have to worry about contacts or glasses. I had my surgery on july 30, 2004. I was pleased with the staff and doctors for making me feel at ease. I would definitely recommend the surgery to anyone but I would tell them to have it done at tlc because i felt very comfortable. I would like to thank the doctors and the staff for making me feel calm.again, it is such a great feeling to be able to see without glasses and contacts. Lynn Ann I wanted to take the time to tell you and the unbelievably sweet and professional staff at TLC how please I am with my recent Lasik Surgery. At last eye exam, vision was between 20-15 and 20-10. The inconveniences of working out, playing sports, and riding the motorcycle while wearing glasses are gone. The weekend after the surgery (Easter weekend), I had inadvertently left my prescriptions at home while on travel for the holiday. Your emergency phone service was able to have a prescription filled in Pennsylvania Saturday evening, and all was well. I have recommended your facility and TLC to all my friends and colleagues. The surgery is one of the best things I have done for myself, and I could not be more pleased with the results. Nor, could I have expected a more seamless procedure, a higher level of professionalism, affability and thoroughness that helped me through a moment or two of anxiety. Thanks for everything and good luck to the staff at TLC North Jersey. Best Regards, James R. Folgia, PE  |
I would like to share a short story with you as to how my prayers were answered through the “gift” I received from TLC North Jersey. 
