Optical Express performs laser eye surgery on Olympic champion

22 Sep 2009

Optical Express, the number one provider of laser eye surgery in the world, has revealed it has performed LASIK surgery on Olympic champion rower Pete Reed, as he looks to improve his chances of competing at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Surgeon Rodney Blumenfield performed the LASIK surgery using Wavefront and Intralase technologies. Mr Blumenfield is an experienced ophthalmologist who has performed more than 22,000 procedures.

Reed expressed enthusiasm about the results of his procedure. The Olympic champion said: "I am absolutely delighted with my new and perfect vision from Optical Express. It's not just the brand new feeling of being able to see better than 20/20, but the convenience of not having to use contacts or glasses for my training and racing."

Beyond mere results, however, Reed was impressed with the quality of care and customer service offered by Optical Express, as well as, "the swift procedure, the short recovery time and the aftercare. In fact, every step from booking to clarity of vision has been a breeze.”

As an athlete who relies on his sight for his performance, Reed is eager to encourage others not to hesitate in moving forward with laser eye surgery. He said: "I wish I'd had it done sooner. Don't be worried - just go for it.”

Pete Reed, a two-time world champion in the men's coxless fours and gold medallist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is also a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy and in 2005 was the navy's Sportsman of the Year. In 2009, Reed was appointed Member of the British Empire. He returned to his naval duties following his time in Beijing, but continues to train for the 2012 Summer Olympics which will be held in London.

About Optical Express
The Optical Express Group was founded in 1991 and is now a global leader of selected healthcare services, specialising in opticians services. The group covers optical stores, refractive laser eye surgery, spectacles, contact lenses, dental clinics, state-of-the-art medical hospitals and cosmetic treatment centres.

Optical express provides trained specialists to help patients determine which laser eye surgery treatment is best suited to their unique needs and will explain the most advanced eye surgery treatments such as Advanced CustomVue Wavefront and Intralase as well as LASIK.

Optical Express optometrists are members of the General Optical Council; therefore patients can be assured that only quality lenses from Europe's top suppliers are sold through the group, and experience the convenience of being able to shop online with local aftercare and advice available through the Optical Express network of UK stores.