Lauren, a nurse at Preston Royal Hospital, battled with a lifetime of poor eyesight, until receiving free laser eye surgery from Optical Express.
Lauren, who resides in Leyland, has relied on -2.5 prescription glasses since her early teens, struggling primarily with short distance vision. Her career as an adult critical care nurse saw her battling through 12-hour long shifts with the inconvenience of wearing glasses.
When working through the night, Lauren’s eyes would become sore, exhausted and induce headaches. In addition to caring for patients in the intensive care unit and taking blood samples, Lauren regularly reads observations on computer screens, causing even further damage to her eyesight.
Wearing glasses from a young age took a toll on Lauren’s confidence because she was made to feel less comfortable in her own skin.
After a life-long struggle with her sight, Lauren applied for the Optical Express Thanks a Million campaign which seeks to reward NHS and emergency service workers in the UK.
Following her successful application, Lauren is no longer dependent on strong glasses to see. Commenting on her new 20:20 vision, Lauren said: “I’m so grateful for the gift of perfect vision because I never thought I’d be able to receive it. My glasses would get in the way of wearing surgical masks and the constant concern over my vision would stop me from working to the best of my ability. I couldn’t recommend LASEK surgery enough.
“I also got myself a new hairdo so within the space of a month I had a total self-transformation.”
Following a survey of members of the British public, the Thanks a Million campaign rewarded free laser eye surgery to deserving members of the NHS and emergency service workers because the results showed that they are the most deserving of thanks.
Since having the surgery, Lauren has also taken up her old passion for swimming. She felt unable to carry out the sport for over 5 years due to wearing glasses.
LASEK surgery has massively improved Lauren’s finances because she no longer needs to pay a premium for the renewal of glasses year on year, costing up to £400 per pair.
David Moulsdale, Optical Express, Chairman and CEO said: “Our Thanks a Million campaign is our way of giving back to the hardworking people of our NHS and emergency services. It’s great to see the difference that perfect vision has made on Lauren’s life, both socially and professionally.”