“I knew LASIK was something I was interested in, but the cost was significant and I was apprehensive about the surgery itself. I had worn hard contacts, then soft for 21 years. I worked as a Wilderness Ranger and would clean my contacts in the backcountry (with my dirty hands) and put them in day in and day out. Wearing contacts had become part of my life style and I barely noticed the effort. However, I knew I would like to find out more about LASIK. I called Dr. Leach’s office and I talked with Rhonda. She answered my initial questions and sent a packet in the mail. I read over everything and decided the time wasn’t right.

Rhonda followed up with me and urged me to come in for that initial appointment. I told her I would, fully thinking I was not going to have the surgery. I remember that first appointment, one of the technicians tested my eyes with my contacts and then I took them out and she told me to cover my right eye and read the smallest line I could. I laughed as she started scrolling the eye chart up and up. I couldn’t even see the Big “E” clearly. She asked, “Do you see a white screen?” Dr. Leach came in that day and talked about the procedure. He was unrushed and answered all my questions. He was kind and thorough and was so positive about the results I could experience. His enthusiasm was contagious. I finally became excited; more excited that nervous, but still very nervous. The next month I called to schedule my LASIK.

The day of surgery (and the few days leading up to) I think I talked with ClearView staff 5 times! Each time they answered my questions, down to, “should I eat lunch before I take my Valium?” Yes, there were running early! – what doctor’s office is ready for you before you are?

I sat down in the surgery room and was offered a teddy bear, which I gripped for dear life in one hand and Tech hand in the other. I felt a little pressure in both eyes and then it was over. I sat up and could see much better than the 15 minutes prior. Dr. Leach was happy though and I was sent on my way with sunglasses and no regular glasses. When I woke up a few hours later, I could see the numbers on the CD player! Throughout the night, my sight got better and better. The next morning I woke up and I could see the individual pine needles on the tree out the window. It was amazing! I got motion sick for the first few times riding in a car because everything was so crisp and clear. I was in sensory overload, but so happy! My distance vision has surprised me the most. There is no haze or fuzziness on the horizon. I can’t wait to get back in the woods now!

If it weren’t for Dr. Leach and his amazing staff, I would not have followed through with this life changing experience. Thanks to the whole staff for giving me back this big beautiful world!”