Sarah's Diary

I saw a link on the internet to apply for Gift of Sight. I've always wanted to have LASIK, but financially, being a single parent, that's nothing I would ever be able to afford. So I decided I would apply for the Gift of Sight.

The day I was notified that my essay had been chosen as one of the 25 people to be evaluated to see if I would be a candidate for LASIK, I was very excited. But I didn't want to get too excited just in case I wasn't a good candidate. I passed the initial LASIK evaluation and was called later that day and told that I had been chosen as one of the 10 finalists. I couldn't believe it. I was so ecstatic and called everyone I knew to tell them the great news. Then the next step was trying to figure out ways I could campaign to get the word out so people would go online to read my story and cast their vote. Voting lasted for 2 weeks. That was a very long 2 weeks, always wondering how many votes I had so far and if I would have enough votes to be one of the three lucky winners. 

I'll never forget the day I was notified that I was one of the finalists who would receive free LASIK. I was at work, so I had to somewhat contain my excitement. I just couldn't believe I was soon going to have the surgery that I had long awaited, that would change my life forever. I was on cloud nine the rest of the day. 

Surgery day was soon approaching and I couldn't wait. On the morning of December 2, I just flew out of bed. I couldn't believe this day had come and that I was in the last couple of hours of having to wear glasses.

When I arrived that afternoon at Sutton, Linder & Sutton everyone was congratulating me and giving me hugs. I was very excited. A nurse sat down with me and gave me very detailed information about the procedure and the eye drops that I would begin using later that day.

It was then my turn to have my procedure done. I arrived in the procedure room where there were nurses who were wonderful at making me feel relaxed and at ease. The procedure was very painless. There was just a little pressure, but it was very tolerable.  The nurses and Dr. Vince Sutton were all wonderful during the procedure. They always told me what they were doing and what I would see that was totally normal. The procedure was soon over and I remember sitting at the end of the table and being able to read the clock on the wall. It was amazing because prior to the procedure, I wouldn't have been able to tell you what time it was. I soon went home and had to keep my eyes shut for 4 hours. After the 4 hours were over, I opened my eyes and couldn't believe how clear everything was. 

The day after my procedure I had 20/15 vision. To me that was unbelievable since prior to surgery I had 20/150 vision. I was able to drive and go to work the next day without any problems. I had no complications and still have 20/15 vision.

I would highly recommend this procedure to everyone. I can honestly say having LASIK has changed my life. I feel like a new woman. I feel more confident about myself whether it be in my everyday life or having my picture taken. Before having LASIK, I would always take off my glasses for photos. Now, I no longer have to do that. I can't wait to purchase my first pair of sunglasses and take my daughter to the pool. It will be awesome to be able to enjoy time with her instead of having to squint because I could never afford prescription sunglasses. 

I want to thank Sutton, Linder & Sutton for providing me with this wonderful surgery.  Words can't express how thankful I am. I couldn't be happier. I also want to thank everyone who voted for me. It has and will change my life forever.