OUR PATIENTS SPEAK...

“Dear Dr. O. Sebrow,

Thank you so much for performing my LTK (Laser Thermal Keratoplasty) surgery. I want to tell you that the surgery was a painless and a tremendous success. I could not be more pleased with the results. After only two weeks I find myself able to read without the use of glasses, better than I can ever remember. I am truly grateful.”

Warmest regards,

Adelaido Collazo

“Having Lasik Surgery has been a life altering decision. After years of poor vision, I am now able to see without contact lenses or glasses. Having the procedure done was one of the simplest things I have ever done. I spent about one hour from beginning to end, most of the time was spent preparing for the surgery and afterwards receiving care instructions. I felt no pain or discomfort during the procedure or since then. Choosing Lasik surgery has changed my life. I no longer feel restricted by my vision. I am grateful to the staff for providing me with the quality of service that I received. The experience I had was enhanced by the presence of Dr. Sebrow and the other staff members at Cornell. I am pleased with my decision to have Lasik surgery and only regret waiting as long as I did to have it. Furthermore, I could not have chosen a better surgeon and staff to work with.”

~ Minerva Vidal

“The worst thing that could be said to a teenager girl is that they are legally blind. But that is exactly what happened to me in high school. It was bad enough that I had been subject to wearing everything from cat-eye frames to coke-bottle glasses, now this! It was at that point that I knew that I would one day submit to some sort of corrective surgery. I had had enough of being ridiculed, and having people, especially boys, say things like, you would be cute without those glasses or having people constantly ask me to take them off only to hear them say what a shame that my beautiful eyes were being hidden and couldn’t I do without them? I set to task and began researching each and every theory, i.e. the Bates method and any procedure that purported to change the way that I saw the world.

Fifteen years later, I was ready. I knew that surgery would not give me 20/20 vision, a fact confirmed by Dr. Sebrow, but this is something that I wanted to do for me. The procedure itself was exactly as Dr. Sebrow explained. Though he had gone through the procedure step-by-step with me earlier, he did so once more prior to surgery. Then the moment of truth arrived. I was excited and could barely wait to get started. Then the moment of truth arrived. Once the speculum has been inserted, I was overcome by a sudden and unexplained fear. I could feel the pressure of the speculum and tensed. Then Dr. Sebrow’s calming voice assured me that I was doing just fine. He went through each part of the procedure explaining what he was doing and continually reassuring me.

It was amazing. I had watched so many of these procedures being performed live on public television. This time I was watching it from the inside out. It was like being on the inside of a microscope, or looking up from a Petrie dish. Before I knew it, it was over.

My vision today though not 20/20 is the best I have ever had in my entire life. I won’t go so far as to say that is has given me a new lease on life, but it has affected me in very important ways. I still can’t read from far away, but I can now read a book or work on my computer without the use of glasses. It’s all new and I still find myself wanting to push up my glasses, or feeling the urge to check for my lenses, but I suspect that with time, being able to see without glasses will no longer be a novelty. Now when people look at me that’s exactly what they will see, me! I won’t have to remove my glasses before a photo is taken, because I won’t be wearing any. When I put on makeup, glasses won’t overshadow my artistry. I find that I am a bit more sensitive to bright light and at times, I do see the disparity in vision between both eyes, but hey Rome wasn’t built in a day.

While this essay is to describe the procedure and how it has affected me, I must point out that had it not been for Dr. Sebrow’s exemplary “bedside manner” and honesty, I would most likely be on my way to yet another seminar. He and the entire staff were wonderfully warm individuals who made every aspect of my experience as easy as possible. Any decision to undergo surgery is a personal one and I am not one to push into doing something. I was asked if I had to do it again, would I, in a heartbeat.”

~Juliette M. Roque

“I wore soft contact lenses faithfully for the past 12 years. I got fitted for my first pair of contact lenses at the age of 15 and wore them every day until I had to be out of them for the exam with Dr. Sebrow. January 10, 2001, I had corrective laser surgery. I was interested in the surgery for a few years now, but I had reservations. As expected, there is a certain level of fear attached to having surgery done on your eyes to prevent the need for corrective lenses, of any sort. After my dad (who has worn glasses for about 30 years or more) expressed how happy he was about his new found vision, I was convinced. I called immediately for a consultation.

I had to get a pair of glasses because I had to be out of my lenses for a week before the consultation. Everything went well with my consultation and it was just a matter of time. Finally, the day came. I went to work and afterwards was off and on my way for surgery. I arranged for my sister to pick me up afterwards.

I was a bit nervous and cold throughout the surgery, but was in no pain. Dr. Sebrow talked to me throughout, and explained what was being done every step of the way. It’s much easier to handle the changes in your sight during the surgery when you you’re told exactly what you can expect next.

After the surgery was completed, I was given drops to cool down my eyes and given specific instructions on how to care for my eyes for the next two weeks. I followed the instructions on how to care for my eyes for the next two weeks. I followed the instructions just as they were given to me and I had no problems at all. The following day, I went to see Dr. Sebrow. No one accompanied me. Dr. Sebrow was pleased, as was I. He told me that my eyes were fine and that my vision was 20/20.

I continued to use the antibiotic drops and I slept with the protective lenses for a week. I was very careful showering and washing my face. I purchased artificial tears to keep my eyes moist while they were still healing. I have no regrets.

It’s now six months later and I love waking up in the morning, opening my eyes and seeing 20/20. Going to bed at night and not having to remember to remove my lenses. Everything is clear and I’m not wearing lenses anymore. I’m going to Bermuda next month and I can’t wait to go swimming and not to worry about removing my lenses and then not being able to see well.

I recommended the surgery to several people. My girlfriend went to Dr. Sebrow and she called me very grateful for recommending him. She wore glasses and couldn’t see to drive without them. She’s very happy. I also recommended two co-workers. They are happy as well.

Laser surgery is definitely one of the best investments I’ve ever made. I’m overjoyed with my new vision and strongly recommend it to any and everyone.”

~Audrey Mangaroo

“One of the things I enjoy most is waking up and being able to see the clock without first reaching for my glasses. I see the world in a new light. I didn’t realize how much of an inconvenience glasses and contacts were. I constantly tell people how pleased I am with the outcome of the surgery and how well I can see. This summer I plan to take swimming lessons for the first time.”

~Sevanesa Porter

“The second day after my surgery I went to the Hallmark store and read a lot of cards. I remember I was just smiling, not because of the funny cards I found, but because I could simply read them. I spent my whole lunch in there and did not buy one single card, just read them. I don’t really have the exact words to express my gratitude to Dr. Sebrow for giving me the satisfaction of seeing things I had to use glasses for previously. It feels like I got a huge part of my like back and I will cherish every minute of it.”

~Ivette Escobar