Dozens of clinics perform laser eye surgery.

Here are some quick tips for choosing the right clinic for you:

• Visit 2 clinics
• On 2 different days
• 2 of you: go with your partner or friend

Why 2 clinics ?

Choose 2 clinics that are near to where you live - run by 2 different companies.
Ideally one clinic run by a national chain (Optical Express, Ultralase, Optimax) and the other will be an independent clinic - or linked to an eye hospital.

One of the clinics will feel better for you than the other.

Remember that you will be visiting your clinic at least 4 times.

Why 2 different days ?

They need to put drops in your eyes, which will affect your eyes for the next 24 hours.

Also there is a lot of information to take in - its a good idea to take the whole day off work.

Why 2 people ?

You are thinking about a big operation on your eyes. There's a lot to take in, and your own emotions and feelings will take over. On your own you will forget to ask some important questions - or forget the answers. You will get home and it's all jumbled up in your mind.

If you go with your partner or a good friend then he or she can be more objective and help you to remember the important bits.

If your partner is not 100% committed to the idea of laser eye surgery, then you need to convince him/her before you go - or forget the idea.