Nick's Comments:

"I can see clearly now, the rain is gone."

I came to LA Sight after many years of waiting and research. I was not a candidate for Lasik since my corneas are too thin for my prescription. I had to wait for new technology and I heard about implant surgery a couple years ago, but I was hesitant (scared) to go through with it. I wore contacts for about 18 years. I had many infections, discomfort and just plain felt handicapped at night. I figured it was time to get serious and take the leap of faith.

I felt confident that Dr. Wallace was the guy for me after my first visit. Dr. Wallace's credentials speak for themselves, but I like the family-like atmosphere he presents to his clients. We discussed every possibility and I felt comfortable and educated on my chosen procedures (Visian ICL for my nearsightedness and LASIK for the astigmatism).

The unimaginable has happened and I now have confidence where it lacked before. I look forward to a new chapter in my athletic career and in life. Thank you very much to Dr. Wallace and the crew at LA Sight.

"It's gonna be a bright, bright, sun shiney day!"

Sincerely,

Nick

...and then a follow-up letter, about 6 months after his surgery:

Hey Doc,

I would like to give you an update on my progress since surgery. I think my eyes are fully adjusted now. Ever since the day of my final procedure I could feel my eyes trying to settle in with my new vision. I tested myself all the time, closing one eye and focusing on something in the distance. Now, I feel amazed with the detail I notice from day to day. Trees and mountains appear to be more vivid and I can see the clock across the room at night. In general I go through my daily routine as though no miraculous transformation had ever occurred. It's like you said most patients say after, "no big deal". I try not to take things for granted, so remembering the nightmares I used to have with poor vision and contacts will always humble me.

I am excited about the progress of my training. This year there is a World Championship for track and field in Osaka, Japan and I will attempt to make the team in June. There is also a Pan American Games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. I really notice a difference with my eyes when I am straining during whatever training I may be doing; throwing, lifting, running or plyometrics. It used to take my eyes a minute to refocus with contacts. Now I see clearly during and after physical activity. When throwing discus you must have all your senses working. Having good vision while performing the spin technique definitely helps your balance through the ring. I feel as though my handicap is gone and I am more confident, especially during the night. I am ready for a great season in preparation for the Olympic year.

I appreciate all you have done for me and making me feel at home. Thank you for your interest, support and help with my Olympic quest.  Please let me know if you have any questions for me. Dr. Wallace, you are a good man.

Nick 

 

Dr. Wallace's Comments:
Nick is an imposing presence, standing about 6'8" tall, with a track athlete's build. He's a professional discus thrower. He had a fairly challenging optical situation, being very significantly nearsighted, with higher-range astigmatism, and relatively thin corneas. His corneal thickness did not allow correction by laser treatment alone, as this would have sculpted too much tissue. We originally saw him in about August '05 and advised him to wait for about 8 months for the new Visian ICL (implantable collamer lens) to become FDA-approved. Nick was very anxious to proceed, but decided to take our advice and be patient.

In mid '06 we performed ICL implnatation to correct his profound nearsightedness in both eyes, then corrected his astigmatism with our Wavelight Allegretto laser. To put it mildly, he was blown away with the clarity of his vision after treatment. His comments reflect his kindness and gratitude.

Hopefully Nick will be selected to join the US Olympic team in his event for the 2008 Summer Games. We are pulling for him!

Dr. Wallace