Sharing Success

The Doctor as Patient: A LASIK Surgeon's Experience as a LASIK Patient

My name is Mark Speaker, and I am an Ophthalmologist specializing in Corneal surgery. I was one of the first Ophthalmologists in the New York area to perform corneal laser surgery and LASIK almost 20 years ago. I have seen the life-changing results of LASIK procedures that I performed on my patients first-hand for many years. In fact, I performed LASIK on my wife almost 10 years ago, so I have seen her excitement and the benefits of LASIK in a very personal way over the years. My wife is in fact a LASIK surgeon herself. I have always told my patients that I think LASIK surgery is as safe or safer than wearing contact lenses. I have also told them that I had performed the procedure on numerous family members and that I would have it done myself if I needed to wear glasses or contact lenses.

In my own case, I had never worn or needed contact lenses or glasses. I only started wearing glasses in the last few years when some farsightedness and astigmatism developed. This caused me to start wearing glasses to drive and to read. In people over 40 years old, it is very common to develop a first-time need for glasses. On December 23, 2008, after finishing surgery and patients and in preparation for the holidays, I had LASIK performed on both of my eyes by wife, Jodi Abramson, MD. She is the Medical Director at TLC White Plains and one of the most experienced LASIK surgeons in the country. As I mentioned above, she is a LASIK patient herself, having had LASIK surgery by me ten years ago! We both thought that improving my vision with LASIK would make a great holiday gift from her to me and allow her to return the favor. I was excited about being able to give up my glasses and experience LASIK first-hand.

I approached the experience with great anticipation and curiosity. I had vicariously “experienced” the LASIK procedure through my patients for years and knew that it wouldn’t be painful. But I certainly understood as I lay down underneath the microscope to begin the procedure how intimidating it might seem, and how important it was to have confidence in my doctor. I was lucky because in my case my doctor was my wife. But for my patients at the time of their surgery, I could now better understand how the rapport from our preoperative meeting and my experience and reputation would be so important. I was excited to find out how the surgical maneuvers that I routinely performed “looked” from the other side. It was unquestionably different than I expected in the sense that I was not able to see things that I thought I would see. In fact, I was surprised that I could see very little other than the blinking fixation light in the microscope that all patients are directed to look at during the procedure. The procedure seemed much faster than the 20 minutes that it actually took, but most patients have that same impression. I repeated several times during the procedure “this is so amazing” because it was, as I had been told, a quick, painless, and totally unique visual experience that I knew would almost immediately improve the quality of my life.

When I sat up, I was elated. My vision was a little blurry, but I could see. My eyes felt watery, but otherwise fine. I had finally undergone LASIK, a procedure I had myself performed thousands of times, to discover that the patient experience was far better than even I had expected. I rested at home that night and drove my wife to the office the next morning so that she could do my postop exam. Now one week later I am operating and enjoying better vision without astigmatism in the operating microscope, driving without glasses, and using my reading glasses less frequently. Everyday I tell my wife “great job!” It is true that LASIK is a miraculous procedure and that sometimes one good deed begets another.

Mark Speaker, M.D.

My whole career has been dependant on seeing a 90 mile per hour fastball or catching a deep hit fly ball. Wearing glasses became such an inconvenience. When my professional baseball career ended, I thought wearing glasses would not problem anymore. That was until I became an airplane pilot. The frustration continued.

I decided to look into laser vision correction. Initially, I did not go to TLC for a consultation. I went to a place I heard advertised on the radio. While I was there I just did not get a comfortable feeling. It did not feel right. A co-pilot of mine recommended I go to TLC laser Eye Centers and see Dr. Jodi Abramson. She had her procedure with Dr. Abramson earlier in the year and was very happy. I took her recommendation and went for a consultation. I felt very comfortable with the staff and the surgeon from the very beginning. Dr. Abramson and Dr. Fikaris spent a lot of time with me going over the procedure and what to expect. The technicians Gina, Ann and Ilona spent a lot of time doing testing on my eyes and going over information thoroughly. The center manager Cecilia even took time out of her busy day to take part in my experience. I knew TLC was the choice for me. They have top of line technology and the personal care was extraordinary.

Today, I am another satisfied patient. My vision is 20/20 and I am seeing great on the field and in the air. I would recommend the TLC experience to everyone.

Bobby Bonilla
Former Professional Baseball Player and Pilot

I was born with "bad" eyes. At the age of eight, I got my first glasses. By the age of 15, I learned about contact lenses and worked for a summer to earn enough money to buy my first pair of "hard" contact lenses. Free of glasses for the first time, I was very happy. As the years rolled by, I graduated to the "gas permeable" and then "soft" contact lenses. All was fine until I reached my forties and found that I no longer was able to read with the contact lenses. As I work in an office, eventually, I had to abandon the contacts altogether and once again was wearing the dreaded glasses.

Last summer, a friend told me about LASIK and I did research to learn more about it. Perhaps I could be free of glasses afterall! I went to TLC in White Plains and found the staff to be friendly and professional.

After testing to ensure that the LASIK procedure was right for me, I made an appointment. Two weeks later, I walked into the TLC Eye Center wearing glasses and after painless surgery, walked out with "new eyes". Now that I have 20/20 vision, I can see both near and far without any difficulty. I gladly gave my glasses away to a local charity and now the only glasses I own are non-prescription sun glasses.

Ms. L.M.

I had TLC Laser correction surgery in July 2004 and it was the best decision I ever made. I have worn glasses and contacts since I was fifteen years old, I am now 40. I liked to wear contacts when I went out but I was finding them more and more uncomfortable. I couldn''t wait to get home and take the contacts out. But then I felt I couldn''t see as well in my glasses and just didn''t feel good looking at myself with them on. My uncorrected vision was very poor, I had about 800/20 in one eye and 1200/20 in the other. I could not see without contacts or glasses at all. Because of the laser surgery I am now seeing 20/25 in both eyes. It is truly a miracle to me waking up and being able to see, being able to see in shower, and just plain being comfortable. I still have a hard time believing I can really see without glases or contacts. It was just a wonderful life change for me and I thank the people at TLC Laser Eye Center in White Plains, NY.

Jennifer Risco

I feel like I'm seeing things for the first time! It's amazing! Everyone at TLC is very, very nice and caring and now my twin sister is going to fly into NY so that she can have Dr. Abramson do her eyes too! I recommend TLC to anyone considering LASIK surgery. It's the best thing I ever did for myself.

Diane Buschel
School Secretary

I had a wonderful experience at TLC. And even if my Dad wasn't the Clinical Director I would have chosen Dr. Abramson and TLC White Plains. I saw the way they treated every patient like they were a member of their family. I am so happy and I can see great now 20/20, in fact.

Andy Silver
Finance Professional

I couldn't be happier with my result. The whole staff of TLC White Plains made what could have been a difficult day, pleasurable. I commend Dr. Abramson and the whole staff for their care. Now I know why my optometrist, Dr. Ken Landesman recommended TLC.

Barbara Pessina
Former minus six

As a doctor, I know how hard the decision to have LASIK eye surgery can be. After careful consideration of all the doctors in the area, I chose to have my procedure done by Dr. Jodi Abramson of TLC White Plains. Her calm manner and sterling credentials combined with the skilled expertise of the entire White Plains staff set me at ease. I had a wonderful experience and a great result!

Mary Chappel, M.D.
Internist

After having LASIK eye surgery at TLC, I was seeing perfectly the very next day! My husband was so excited, he booked his surgery for exactly one week later. We couldn't be more pleased with the courteousness and professionalism of the entire staff of TLC White Plains!

Bettie Ann and Kevin Green

There are no words that I could depict to express my complete and utter appreciation for your giving me the ability to see without contacts. I am so grateful I selected you (Dr. Jodi Abramson) out of the countless other surgeons I met with to perform my surgery. I can only imagine the remarkable and rewarding feeling you must have at the end of the day knowing that you have made a positive difference in peoples lives.

"I serve on the board of a global organization for customer service, and can confidently say that the level of service and patient care that the staff at TLC provides is second to none. I personally would like to commend each and every one of them"

Rich Palombo
Consumer Affairs, Starwood Hotels and Resorts

Professional, Dedicated and Caring epitomizes how I would describe TLC. I made an online booking through the website, promptly got a confirmation follow up call and email, received a thorough consultation and eye exam, qualified for Lasik and underwent extremely successful and painless laser treatment all within 1 week.

That very night as I was putting drops in my eyes I turned to our baby monitor and was able for the first time to see my seven month old daughter sleeping WITHOUT having my glasses on!!! My wife, Anne Marie, was filled with tears of joy as I lay there with a smile.

The next morning when I turned on the TV, I was able to read the scrolling print on the bottom of CNN and every sports score on ESPN. What a feeling of freedom!!!!

Thank you TLC for providing me the utmost in care and service. Your staff and doctors at the White Plains facility should be commended for their knowledge shared with me and the kindness displayed to my entire family!!!

Anyone thinking about Laser eye surgery should hesitate? and not make a decision UNTIL YOU VISIT TLC!!!

James Stropoli
Club Fit General Manager

I cannot believe my results! I still just sit and look around the room and stare at the clock in amazement that I can actually see it without my contact lenses or glasses. I never expected that my vision would be this sharp. All of my expectations wre exceeded. I am just sorry that I did not have this procedure done years ago. My heartfelt thanks to you and your entire staff for the best Christmas Gift I could have ever received!

Carol Marinaccio
Insurance Collections

When I woke up the next morning only 12 hours after the operation, I was amazed at how well I could see. My clarity was stunning. I haven't had this type of vision since I was 20. "I can see clearly now" - Hey, that sounds like a good name for a song!

May experience was great. The folks at TLC are as professional as they come

Peter M. Ward
Chemical Engineer

The people at TLC were great and helped me to relax before the procedure. The procedure itself was much easier than I suspected. After about 20 minutes it was all over and I could already see a difference! Dr. Abramson had me sleep when I got home and when I woke up later that evening I could already see quite clearly; it had only been six hours, amazing! My vision improved everyday for the next few weeks and now I am just about perfect. Before having the surgery I was concerned because I had a pretty strong astigmatism and wasn't sure if it could be completely corrected, however Dr. Abramson did a great job. Everyone was fantastic!

Poul Hornsleth

I've worn glasses since I was eight years old. When I first learned about laser surgery to correct my vision and free me of contact lenses since I was 22, I knew I wanted to have the procedure I. I researched a variety of centers, met different doctors and decided upon TLC.

After being treated royally by the staff and conferring with Dr. Abramson, I am thrilled with the results! I am a quilter and was sewing at the machine the day after the procedure. To awake each morning and clearly see the trees outside my window, the clock across the room and myself in the mirror clearly is amazing. It is truly a miracle!

Elizabeth Stern
Homemaker and quilter