Jamie Byrne, marine police officer and lifeboat worker from Glasgow, can now respond faster to emergency calls following receiving free laser eye surgery as part of our ‘Thanks a Million’ campaign.
Having struggled with astigmatism in his eyes, Jamie would switch between contact lenses and glasses to help with his close vision. Working 12-hour shifts out at sea, often in total darkness, Jamie battled with extremely dry eyes from harsh winds. Jamie would be forced to use his phone as a mirror to change lenses, which was especially tricky on the rocky sea.
What’s more, the bi-weekly contact lens maintenance set Jamie back around £400 per year for the fluid and lenses.
Upon receiving an emergency lifeboat call, Jamie would need to rush to the bathroom to remove his contact lenses, meaning that his entry to the boat could be either delayed or missed.
After struggling with his eye-sight at work, Jamie signed up for our ‘Thanks a Million’ campaign and was given LASEK eye surgery in both eyes. Commenting on his new 20/20 vision, Jamie said: “I couldn’t believe it was happening, the surgery has not only transformed my day to day life but may save the lives of others, the difference of 2 minutes is life-changing!”
Jamie’s wife has also undergone laser eye surgery after her own eyesight problems. The pair are new parents, who are now able to enjoy their child’s first Christmas with perfect vision.
The surgery was gifted to the dedicated officer as part of our ‘Thanks a Million’ campaign, which rewards NHS and emergency service workers with free laser eye surgery.
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 survey found that they are the most deserving of thanks.
David Moulsdale, Chairman and CEO said: “We are very pleased to know that we have helped to improve Jamie’s daily life and the efficiency of the lifeboat service.”
“Our campaign’s aim is to pay our respects to the most heroic members of our society through the gift of sight.
“Not only will Jamie be able to enjoy visual freedom without the use of his glasses and contact lenses, he has also done his part to help the environment. Contact lenses are also considered single use plastics which are having a huge, but often overlooked impact on the environment. New figures from Optical Express, suggest that over 750 million plastic lenses are being flushed down the drain or put in landfill every year.
“These lenses form microplastics, pollute the oceans and endanger marine life. Laser eye surgery is an alternative option to vastly reduce waste caused by these single-use plastics.”
If you are interested in seeing how laser eye surgery can transform your life, book a free consultation at your nearest Optical Express.
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