Exelent

Buckle in, because this is gonna be a little long! My cataract surgery with Light Adjustable Lenses (LALs) at Boston Vision was a pretty incredible experience from start to finish. I am in my early 40s and was blindsided (no pun intended) by cataracts in both eyes that developed very rapidly over the past year. I first noticed halos around lights, a weird haziness to my vision when being in a bright place with overhead lighting (like a big box store or a grocery store) and then began to experience double vision that progressed to triple/multiple vision quite quickly. It was horrible and frightening and dramatically affected my quality of life in a short period of time. From a very young age, I have been extremely nearsighted with astigmatism and later developed keratoconus. My prescription pre-cataracts was -14 in my right eye and -16 in my left, just to give you a sense of what we're working with here. I had created a massive cloud of anxiety around eye doctors and anything at all eye related, so even a routine eye exam was really difficult for me. You can imagine how I felt when faced with, "You have cataracts, and you'll need surgery." First of all, I'd never had any kind of surgery before - but my EYES? No amount of anecdotes, anyone telling me how quick, easy, simple, routine the procedure was was going to put a dent in my paralyzing fear. Ever try to put a cat in a cat carrier when they really don't want to go to the vet? That was me ... times a thousand. In fact, I waited so long to book the surgery, I could no longer drive or read a computer screen comfortably at work, so my hand was basically forced. I had heard about Boston Vision on NPR, and then a coworker of mine mentioned she got corrective lenses implanted by Dr. Melki a few years ago, so I figured, why complicate this waking nightmare further? So I booked a cataract consult with Dr. Melki. My first impression of Boston Vision was (and this is a silly thing) - I appreciated that they kept the lights dim in the waiting room. As a cataract sufferer, it's the little things! Dr. Melki and his whole team were kind, patient, and took plenty time to answer all my questions. Of course, I went in convinced Dr. Melki would not be able to help me, but it turns out he had good news - we can fix your vision AND we have LAL lenses in your high power. Wow. I remember being a bit shocked leaving the appointment. Next up was Dr. Gendelman, the retina specialist, to make sure my retinas were healthy enough for surgery. Great, something new to death spiral with anxiety about. Surely my retinas will not be able to withstand this. Guess what? They were healthy and I was okay to have surgery. And Dr. Gendelman was just as wonderful and kind as Dr. Melki. He even drew me a little diagram when explaining some of the questions I had. I was really starting to feel like I hit some weird jackpot of really nice eye surgeons and specialists. What was going on? My surgery was booked for just a few weeks later, left eye first and then the right eye a week later. Again, let's picture the cat carrier. I'm not even sure how I made it to the surgery center, but I did, and was instantly relieved seeing 20 other people in the waiting room, all queued up for cataract surgery like me. Before I knew it, I was being prepped for the procedure, and it couldn't have been a half hour before I was standing out in the lobby again smiling like an idiot at my husband (the twilight sedation is pretty great). I had minimal to no discomfort in that eye even that evening, and in the days following. My vision was UNBELIEVABLY sharp even on the ride home. If you're reading this and are someone who has been extremely nearsighted your whole life, it's kinda like when regular TVs switched over to HDTV. Like, am I meant to see this much detail? Is this what everyone sees? I had been living my life in soft focus, apparently. I am a designer / freelance illustrator so I didn't believe folks when they told me colors might look different but I could tell by the contrast between the operated eye and the unoperated eye that it was a pretty stark contrast for me. The operated eye was much more saturated and vibrant. I experienced little to no discomfort in that eye as it healed, maybe just the occasional feeling of an eyelash in my eye. My second eye surgery got delayed by a few days because the light adjustable lens they ordered for me did not arrive at the surgery center in time. I have a super high power prescription, so it wasn't something they had on hand and needed to be special ordered. It wasn't the best news, but Dr. Melki called me personally to let me know and my surgery was rescheduled for just a few days later when the lens arrived. My second eye was just as quick a procedure as the first, but I did experience a little bit more discomfort and inflammation / redness with that eye as it recovered, as well as blurred vision for several days, which was different than the first eye but cleared up over time. After a week, I was feeling significantly better. I was on a more involved eye drop regimen than the standard keterolac drops most patients get - due to a medication allergy, I needed to take a different type of steroid drop separately, as well as drops to reduce eye pressure as my pressure became elevated slightly while my eyes healed. My eye pressure normalized as soon as I stopped the steroid drops. Aside from a thousand other worries, some concerns I had ahead of surgery were: how close are the LALs going to be prescription-wise when I could barely read an eye chart during my consult? Turns out, as Dr. Melki predicted, pretty darn close. I was worried I wasn't going to be able to resume working on a computer until my lens adjustments were done, but I was back to work and driving (wearing the UV protective glasses, of course!) just a few days after my second surgery. Second slightly more ridiculous concern, but just how goofy am I going to look in the UV blocking glasses I need to wear for a month or more? Turns out, SURPRISINGLY stylish. They kinda look like safety glasses. I am wearing them in my profile picture for reference! The sunglasses version look cool as heck and I'm definitely wearing them after my adjustments are done. I like to say they were "free with purchase" ... (for those of you who don't know, the LALs are pretty expensive, but in my experience well worth it.) Dr. Vitale was who I saw for my lens adjustments. She is just the best. I had my final lock-in with her today and I feel equally like I am going to explode with joy, and a bit bittersweet that I won't be seeing her every Thursday at 8am anymore. During our appointments, she took plenty of time to answer all my questions and worked with me patiently to fine tune my prescription. I ended up going through two adjustments in my left eye, and three adjustments in my right. I opted for monovision, so my left eye is my closeup eye and my right eye is my distance eye. I have what I call "hawk vision" in my right eye (I can read the 20/15 line on the eye chart) which is actually comical based on how bad my vision was when I went in for my initial consult. My left eye is set for a reading distance of about arms length, so I can read my Apple watch when looking down at it, read my phone or a book on my lap, and read the dashboard of my car or my phone GPS very clearly. Anything closer, I opted to wear readers for. My distance vision in that "closeup" eye is 20/20, and I can see the 20/15 line if I squint. I did try a contact lens trial to see what it'd be like to get even closer reading distance in that eye, but I didn't like the loss of distance vision I experienced - that degree of monovision contrast just felt too great for me. I do a lot of fine detail work so I already anticipated wearing readers for longer working sessions either way. Might as well get max distance vision out of the situation. As for the lens adjustments themselves - they were really easy. The worst part is waiting ages for your pupils to dilate. The adjustment itself takes just a few minutes and when you're sitting there staring into the machine I imagine it's what it'd be like to travel through a wormhole, like in that movie Contact. The goop the put in your eye is also kinda gross but it just adds to the flavor of the whole journey / experience. Due to my keratoconus, post final lock-in I am still experiencing faint ghosting on some text and digital lights in both eyes that could not be fixed by the lens adjustments. It got dialed down a LOT during my lens adjustments, but didn't disappear completely. This was something Dr. Melki discussed with me at my consult due to the shape of my cornea, so I was prepared for it and actually expected it to be much worse / troublesome than it is. I find it doesn't interfere with the clarity of my vision too much or my ability to read an eye chart. If you made it this far - first of all, congratulations. Second of all, book the consult, go for it. I can't say this was an easy journey, because a lot of it was really really hard for me mentally. But as soon as I went for my consultation, a path was cleared for me and a trajectory was set, and I realized I was no longer alone, I was in the hands of very experienced professionals. That in itself was incredibly relieving. And now I'm on the other side. I kicked, I screamed, but I'm on the other side. To say Dr. Melki changed my life would be an understatement. I'm DRIVING without wearing glasses or contacts. I'm WRITING this not wearing glasses or contacts! I really couldn't have imagined this outcome for myself. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dr. Melki, Dr. Vitale, whoever invented LALs and decided to make them in my crazy high prescription power, and the whole team at Boston Vision (and shoutout to my favorite technician Jaylene). THANK YOU!

Dr. John Lee performed my cataract surgery at the Andover Boston Vision last year. It was very easy to discuss my concerns and he was extremely patient in explaining the various options along with the procedure itself. I elected to have laser surgery at the Andover Center and the procedure went flawlessly. I had worn gas permeable contact lenses for over 50 years (including multi-focal lenses a number of years prior to surgery) and have found that my concern about the quality of my vision after cataract surgery has been unfounded. The multi-focal lenses I opted to have implanted, have given me the vision I need for distance and reading without the need for glasses! I couldn't be happier and truly appreciate the skill and professionalism Dr. Lee continues to provide!

I have worn glasses or contact lenses for 40+ years. After having my cataract surgery, (LAL) I no longer need any corrective lenses, including readers! (My RX was pretty strong; -10 for glasses/ -8.50 contacts). I am still amazed by my clear vision. The procedure was easy, fast and painless and the follow up light treatments were quick and easy too. I can't thank Dr. Brenner and Dr. Lee enough for giving me back my sight. I highly recommend them and the staff at Boston Vision. They are miracle workers!

I had cataract surgery on both eyes over a month ago and opted to go with the more expensive Light Adjustable Lenses. Dr Lee performed the surgery and he and his team could not have been better to work with. I opted to go for mono vision and my intermediate range of vision is great (close up ain't too bad either) and I'm seeing my dashboard and computer screen clearer than ever. I've had 1 light adjustment in my intermediate eye (painless but a little messy because of the goop that goes on the eye) and 2 on my far eye. My far vision isn't where I'd expect it to be at this point but Dr Dunker is working with me to resolve my problems. She and her team are also top notch and great to work with. I'm quite pleased I was referred to Boston Eye for my cataract surgery and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to others.

I had cataract surgery and light adjusted lenses (LAL) done Dr. Melki in January and February 2026. I was scheduled in early January for trifocal lens replacement with a different ophthalmologist when a friend of mine in California told me of the amazing results he had with cataract/LAL 6 months ago. My original ophthalmologist doesn't offer LAL so I did some searching and found Dr. Melki. After a consult with Dr. Melki I switched to him for my surgery/LAL. What a life-changing experience! My vision was -8.0 in both eyes with dry eyes that limited how much I could wear contact lenses. The progressive lenses in my glasses were thick with no peripheral vision and I needed a second pair to work on a computer. LAL changed all of that -- I can function completely without glasses (although will use readers when reading in bed at night). My dominant eye is 20/20 and non-dominant eye focused for up close/cell phone, etc. Getting LAL is a procedure though -- the cataract surgery was fast and easy but the "adjustment" part of light adjustment lenses requires additional office visits and once the prescription is finalized there are two additional visits to lock in the prescription. In total the process took 2 months. The people in Boston Vision Brookline office are wonderful and very attentive, especially Dr. Deborah Lee. I couldn't be happier with the results.

From my office visit assessment, through continual and clear communications with the Surgical Coordinator contact, to the day of surgery on-site team, and especially the specialist optometrist care in final adjustments, my experience was stellar!!! Everyone took personal care to ensure I was comfortable, satisfied and comprehending the information being shared, and prepared emotionally and physically at each step. I highly recommend the Team at Boston Vision for your once in a life decision for Light Adjustable Lense cataract replacement surgery!!!

I had cataract surgery with LAL in November 2025. I had worn corrective lenses since I was 10 yrs old, and RGP contact lenses since I was 18 yrs old. I didn't know what "normal" vision was like until after my procedures. I had monovision contacts, so monovision LALs have worked great for me. The procedures were relatively quick & pain free. My follow-up visits for the lens adjustments with Dr. Lee were relatively quick & easy. I'm so happy that I chose to do this. I love being able to see without any corrective lenses at all!

I had LAL cataract surgery about 5 months ago. Overall I am happy with the results. I had my left eye 20/20 distance and mini mono vision for the right eye about 20/25 as I did not like full mono vision when I tried it out. It was too difficult for me to get used to. Surprisingly I am able to read the computer screen without glasses and my phone messages. The main issue I am still dealing with is dryness which has caused alot of blurred vision for me and floaters. I have back up glasses for distance driving if I want or in stores if blurry. There are alot of post op visits with this procedure but not painful. to go through.

The cataract surgery for my left eye was done with the LAL lens which was appropriately prescribed to what my eye needed for strength. The right eye however used a lens power that was not close to the needed prescription and resulted in a very blurry experience. The right eye LAL was adjusted for adequate vision, but the halos that never went away will require me to have the lens removed and another surgery to correct the halo problem. The surgeon was very good and the follow-up nurse who did the adjustments was wonderful. Just be aware of the problem with persistent halos as this is a product defect

My experience with LAL for cataract replacement lenses was excellent. The doctors were thorough and professional. Beause of my preparation I had utmost confidence in the procedure before having it. I experienced very little discomfort and my vision was immediately markedly improved.. I did have a bit of dry eye which was treated and corrected. I continue to be very pleased now that it's several years later. I highly recommend these doctors and this LAL technology.

Dr. Gregoire performed my cataract surgery in the summer of 2025. Everything went perfectly. I had good vision out of both eyes within a few hours after the surgery, which improved to amazing after the lenses were adjusted (I selected the light adjustable lenses). Having to wear the UV-blocking glasses for about six weeks after the surgery until all of the adjustments were done was somewhat annoying, but the results were worth it. I have significantly better than "normal" distance vision, and my close-up vision is good enough that I only have to wear glasses for extreme close work like building models. Highly recommend Boston Vision and Drs. Gregoire and Lee (who handled the lens adjustments).

I have had a positive experience in dealing with Boston Vision through both Lasik monovision surgery many years ago and now with Cataract initiated Light adjustable lens replacement procedures. The process was efficient, and seamless. Complications sometimes occur and in my case, developed however that is the nature of medicine and the human condition. Things happen. But its how they are dealt with that is within our control and the control of the providers we choose. This team has always made me feel strongly that they cared and would provide me with the support, compassionate concern and professional expertise needed to address my individual needs. My recovery took longer than expected but I never felt alone during the process. The team at Boston Vision always left me with the feeling that I was being cared for and cared about. I highly recommend them all - from the front desk, to the medical professionals. I believe that they know they are dealing with precious parts of patients lives and they show the respect and care for the individual that demonstrates that throughout the process.

Both eyes had Cataracts removed. I chose Vivity as I had stigmatism in right eye. The experience was fantastic! No pain, no drops for weeks and I now do not need to wear glasses! Thanks Dr Uman !

After suddenly being unable to read text messages or emails on a laptop, I consulted my optometrist. Once she told me that cataracts were causing this issue in both eyes and preventing me from completing my work activities with ease, I knew that I needed to go back to Boston Vision. Given how well my prior laser treatment for a torn retina had gone, I felt confident in returning to the practice. That's when I met Dr. Melki. He answered all of my many questions and put me at ease. I chose to have the LAL option, so that my vision could be fine-tuned after surgery. My cataract surgery went smoothly in June 2025. After following the protocol and getting my vision fine-tuned, I am happy to say that I am glasses free!

Medical staff deserve a 5* rating for my 1st eye procedure to remove dense cataract and replace with Toric lens and to help remedy eye astigmatism. Thanks.

I had serious claustrophobia during the first eye surgery. The staff in the OR were wonderful! They held my hands and helped me through it. They also adjusted the next surgery to accommodate my claustrophobia, and it was so much better!I am doing the final adjustments to my LALs now and the ability to be able to work on my hobbies without any glasses, do my car repairs without any glasses or contacts and see perfectly at work for the first time since 7th grade is truly amazing. Definitely money well spent!

I have always had an astigmatism and been somewhat nearsighted, and have only needed glasses to drive or for seeing farther away. But I woke up one morning in April 2024 and could not even see across the room, later learning I had a fast-growing cataract. I met with 2 optometrists and 3 ophthalmologists over the next few months, but the options I was offered were depressing and would greatly impact my active, busy life: wear glasses for anything further or closer than arm’s length. I was becoming hopeless….until I met Dr. Brenner! Because LAL can be adjusted post-surgery, you can fine tune the sight that works for your life. I actually now have a “nearsighted” eye and a “farsighted” eye…and am glasses-free!

I had cataract surgery with LAL in summer 2025 with Dr. Gregoire. I had a sudden onset of cataracts in one eye and experienced an extreme decline in my vision. After LAL, I now can see better than I ever could, even prior to the cataract. I am exceptionally happy with my results and I am grateful for the care I received at Boston Vision.

I’I couldn’t be happier with the process and the outcome . Only thing I can offer by way of improvement I wish I had been told that e cost of he procedure did no include the services of the anesthesiologist. That was a surprise.

Dr. Lee did my cataract surgery, He is very professional. Inca see it is amazing, he-made me feel very at ease.

Having Cataract Surgery at Boston Vision with the Light Adjustable Lens option was a quick and painless surgery. I am thrilled to have thrown away my reading glasses forever!

The first procedure went very well but I had minimal ability to follow what was happening minute by minute. During the second procedure I was able to follow exactly what was being done for me from dressing the area around the eye to the removal of the damaged lens and the insertion of the new LAL. The follow up appts involved looking into a machine with a very bright blue light for up to two minutes to make the lens adjustment. All the subsequent adjustments were shorter until the lock in procedure which was very long. My left eye was done first. It was nearly blind with 20:800 acuity, but one day after the cataract surgery it was 20:20. I chose to have long vision in my left eye and near vision in my right eye. This has worked out for me and I no longer wear glasses but I do not have binocular vision. Others may want to have both eyes have distant vision and wear reading glasses. Overall it was a very positive experience.

I had a great experience getting cataract surgery with Boston Vision. Everything went as expected and I felt well cared for. The is result excellent vision in both eyes, with one for distance and one close up. I had been wearing glasses since sophomore year in high school. No more!

I had cataracts corrected 12/2025. I also had the multi focal lenses put in. It was very quick. No pain. Eye drop regiment needed afterwards. They provided follow up visits and treated my left eye which was a little swollen from the surgery-not that you can see-but that makes the lense in that one eye not lay quite as it should. This should go away after time though. No pain though at all. Do it.

I had my Light Adjustable Lens surgery in June 2024. I had a very good experience with Dr. Melki and the staff. My surgery went well and I no longer wear glasses. I am having some issues though. I see a lot of light halos driving at night which is problematic. I wasn’t aware this could happen. I actually thought the surgery would stop me seeing halos at night. I also have a lot more floaters since the surgery, especially in my left eye which is my close up vision.

In June of 2025 I had cataract surgery on both of my eyes. I chose light adjustable lenses (LALs) with one eye set for distance and one for close up. Bother surgeries were very easy and went well. Most of the time for the appointment was spent waiting for my eyes to dilate. The aftercare with the LALs was straightforward and tuned in my lenses nicely. Everyone involved was professional, friendly and very helpful. Thank you

I had the cataract surgery with the light adjustment procedure two years ago and I could not be happier. I had worn classes for over 40 years and now I ican see wonderfully with no glasses at all! Vision is amazing, sharp, and clear. I am amazed at what they can do with this procedure now. Highly recommend Boston Vision and Dr. Brenner.o

At 64 it was time for cataract surgery. After discussion with Dr Dunker I chose monovision with lal. It was so easy. I had it done over the holidays. I was able to drive the next day. No pain or discomfort. After a week I developed a sensitivity to the drops. Dr Lee allowed me to stop them. The programming appointments were easy. I hope to schedule my other eye cataract surgery in April

I ended up needing Cataract surgery and chose LAL’s. I had one eye set for reading and one eye set for distance. (Mono-vision) It look my mind a little bit to adjust. But now that it has, I am very happy with the results.

I had been wanting cataract surgery for a while, since my vision had gotten to the point that it was uncorrectable with glasses. The process was actually really smooth. PREP: It was a pain to go a month without my contacts (as I couldn't see 20/20), but necessary to be sure the measurements were precise. SURGERY: On the day of, they walked me through every step of the surgery (I had both eyes done a week apart.) My husband drove me and each time I was in and out within 2 hours. RECOVERY: My first eye had some itching for more than 2 weeks. (I did not have that with my second eye.) I was nervous that I would always feel like I had an eyelash in my eye. But the doctors assured me that this sometimes happens and indeed after 3 weeks, both eyes felt completely normal. I used the eye shield for a week to protect my eye while I slept. And I couldn't exercise - and especially swim - for 2 weeks. THE GLASSES: The UV Blocking glasses were not uncomfortable and once the sun went down I didn't need them. It meant I couldn't swim with my head underwater until nightfall, but other than that they did not hinder any of my activities (I ran and played tennis wearing them). THE LIGHT ADJUSTMENTS: These felt a bit weird, as you have to keep your eye open while bright light is shown - for up to 2 minutes. For me the toughest part was waiting to have my eyes dilate. Despite my blue sensitive eyes, each office visit I needed lots of drops and over 90 minutes to dilate. Once my eyes were ready, the adjustments were so quick! Be sure to have someone drive you home (I took the T and with the dark glasses it was ok. And once or twice the tech gave me some anti dilate drops. (Not sure if those are always available. Ask though!) CURRENT: It has been over 6 months and I still cannot believe I can see the clock in the middle of the night. My eyes feel perfectly normal. Occasionally after a long day my eyes get tired and dry similar to when I was wearing contacts. But then it was every day. Now it is just occasionally. And seasonal allergies no longer affect my eyes as much.

I'm pleased to be back to wearing my regular sunglasses following post-operative eyewear. Thank you, Dr. Gregoire, for performing the surgery, and Dr. Yao for the treatment, as well as the Boston Vision Team for their support throughout my LAL journey. I don’t need the reading glasses anymore since my vision improved a lot. Forever grateful 🙏

After getting new glasses that failed to meet expectations, I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Melki to see if I was a candidate for cataract surgery. Dr. Melki determined I was and explained my options. I chose Light Adjustable Lens technology, which required the most commitment but that I believed offered the optimal outcome. It has been four months since I concluded the treatments. I have not needed glasses, though I know some people do. I'm thrilled with the results and so happy I chose LAL. Dr. Melki performed my surgery in Waltham, and Dr. Nangle provided the follow-up treatments in Andover. I have nothing but positive things to say about both doctors and the staffs at both facilities. It was a commitment, but I would make the same choice in an instant.

I had the Light Adjustable Lens Clear Lens Exchange procedure at Boston Vision in the fall of 2024, choosing monovision. What first inspired me to explore it was my mother’s experience with cataract surgery — essentially the same lens replacement concept. She has wonderful vision now, and I remember thinking, why wait until I have cataracts? Because of my schedule, I had each eye done about three days apart. I also had several light adjustments before my final lock-in. I was extremely nervous before the procedure and remained anxious through the adjustment period until my vision was officially locked in. That part of the process requires patience and communication. It’s normal to feel apprehensive when you’re making a change to your eyes. What made all the difference was the team. Dr. Melki, my surgeon, along with Nune and Dr. Debra Lee, who handled my adjustments and final lock-in, were incredible. The entire staff was responsive, reassuring, and always available for questions before and after the procedure. I never felt dismissed or rushed. They understood my nerves and guided me through every step. One practical note: wearing the protective sunglasses after the procedure is a bit of a pain — but it’s absolutely necessary. You have to be diligent about protecting your eyes from UV light until the final lock-in is complete. It’s temporary, and it’s part of what makes the customization possible, but it does require commitment. After every adjustment — and again after the final lock-in — it took a few days for my eyes and brain to acclimate. During those periods, I sometimes felt anxious, wondering if the adjustment was “right.” That’s just part of the process. The team worked closely with me, listened carefully to my feedback, and fine-tuned everything until we got it exactly where it needed to be. I couldn’t be happier with where we landed. The results have been life-changing. My vision is incredible. I can drive at night, read, use my phone and laptop, golf, and even thread a needle — all without glasses. My dependence on glasses is completely gone. Waking up in the morning and being able to see clearly is honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. If you’re considering this procedure and feeling nervous, that’s completely normal. But in my experience, with the right team and patience through the adjustment process, the outcome can be truly remarkable. I’m beyond grateful I did it.

I elected to have LAL surgery at Boston Vision about 25 years after having LASIK done at Boston Vision to correct my near- sightedness. I had gotten so used to no longer having to rely on contacts or glasses. As I’ve aged, I needed b my vision corrected for reading and distances. The consult was easy and using the convenience of the Wellesley office. They explained the surgery and costs well and was able to schedule the surgery at a convenient time. The surgery was quick and painless. I definitely underestimated that the process was more involved to adjust my vision and I experienced some retinal swelling that delayed my lock in longer than normal. I I did not experience any pain or dry eye, so it was just a matter of being patient and trusting the process. Being on the other side, I can say it well worth the wait and so nice to no longer be searching for readers and to be able to sit on the beach and read but also be able to my kids out a distance in the ocean. I also had monovision done where one eye is adjusted for distance and one for reading-overall I feel like I have a brand new set of eye! My experience with Boston Vision was great and my best advice know it isn’t an immediate fix and a process of weeks- but you won’t regret it!

I had cataract with LAL implant done in my left eye and LAL implant done in my right eye at Boston Vision roughly a year apart. The first experience which was just LAL and an awesome experience. The cataract - LAL was not as smooth - the day of care for the second felt rushed and unorganized - sedative given moments before being brought into the procedure room - to the point I remember a good majority of the procedure ( first lens being placed in my eye was defective and couldn't be used ) - the after procedure the Dr. came in went over everything - we waited for a bit and then assumed we were GTG - so we left - on the highway we got a called had to turn around and go back - I went back in - nope they didn't want me they wanted my husband to sign a piece of paper - later that day at home discovered there was a pill in my recovery bag - thankfully with instructions - missed the 'take at .... time " took immediately. Went back for several adjustments - the day after the last adjustment I finally knew why they kept asking if i saw any floaters - went back in apparently very common - "your brain usually adjusts to them" had an appointment with one of the specialists to eventually have one removed - months out from onset of the floaters - was notified by a recording that my appointment was cancelled - billing went through my insurance (for the cataract removal - LAL not covered) several charges went through my insurance - the remainder was out of pocket -

In May 2025, I had my annual eye exam with Dr. Macie Finkelstein. I was aware that a cataract was forming in my left eye; however, she informed me that I now had it in both eyes. I needed to proceed with scheduling surgery. I met with Dr. Jason Brenner to discuss surgery and lens options the following week. Our conversation was very informative, and I had confidence that choosing the light-adjustable lens was the best option for me. I am retired from working at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and now enjoying spending time with my photography including exhibiting my work. Dr. Brenner told me that once the cataract is removed, its hazy yellowish film will be gone, so colors, especially blue will be true and more vibrant for me. On two successive Mondays in July, I had the cataract surgery performed on my respective eyes. I went for the surgery at the SurgiCenter in Waltham. It was a comfortable facility for me and for my wife, who waited to drive me home after the surgery. Right on time, I was escorted into the preop area where I was made comfortable to receive a series of eye drops. That series was repeated a few times. The anesthesiologist visited with me to discuss what I will receive to numb my eye. Of the many surgeries one could have during your life, having eye surgery instilled some fear in me. Once ready, I was moved to the operating room. Again, I was made comfortable and appropriately draped to maintain the sterile setting for the surgery. Dr. Brenner spoke with me giving me confidence that I chose wisely. His professional skill was apparent. The time in the OR was about 15-minutes. Dr. Brenner informed me that that procedure went perfectly and that I would recover well. I met with his assistant who gave me a selection of protective eyewear including very dark sunglasses. The key to selecting the light-adjustable lens was to avoid direct UV sunlight. The reason for this in when I do the follow up sessions, UV light is used to fine tune my distance vision to get it to ‘20’ on the eye charts. I faithfully wore the sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat when outside in the daylight for the entire period until my respective lenses were ‘locked.’ After three weeks, I went for my first of four light therapy sessions with Dr Vivian Yao. The first two fine-tuned my vision, and the second two were to lock my lens to the best focus for me. The sessions consisted in staring into a scope that had a very bright light that I looked at for a period of time ranging upward to 120 seconds. An external lens was place over my eye that was being treated, and a cover was placed over the other eye. Both eyes are open, but the covered eye was meant to be relaxed and not distracted during the procedure. The difference between adjusting the focus and ‘locking’ the lens was the brightness of the light and the time staring at it. To be honest, the last session for the locking was less comfortable because of the length of time and the extreme brightness of the light, but all was successful. After each session, I was reminded that I would see colors tinting my vision for about 24-hours. I was pleased for the warning. When I arrived home, my living room had an orange cast, and the family room was pink. Think of looking through a colored filter. This is the sensation you will have as your eyes adjust back to normal. Not a problem, but a unique visual experience. Bottom-line: am I happy with the result and would I do it again if needed. A resounding ‘yes’ to both questions. I know that the choice of the light-adjustable lens is permanent, so no future surgery is anticipated. If there is any clouding of my eye due to age, a 15-minute laser treatment will clear that up. The biggest thing that I have had to get used to is not wearing eyeglasses for distance vision. I have worn eyeglasses since I was in the 5th grade, so it feels strange moving around without eyeglasses. The other adjustment is using reading glasses now. The adjustment is having them at the ready to use; therefore, carrying the eyeglasses and not wearing them all the time. This is a small adjustment that is worth it for now seeing the eye chart at ’20.’ Even more rewarding is seeing my grandchildren and taking photos with ease. I highly recommend Boston Vision, and specifically Drs. Finkelstein, Brenner, Yao, and their terrific staff who helped me through this entire process. They are all outstanding.

I chose LAL lenses for my cataract surgery because I was drawn to the idea of a "99% likelihood of getting the vision I wanted." (as per Dr. Melki!) I didn't need glasses until my mid-forties when I wore reading glasses, and in the last 10 years I used bifocals due to astigmatism (and probably developing cataracts.) When it came time to choose the kind of vision I wanted I picked farsightedness, because I didn't mind — and even kind of liked — wearing glasses. Dr. Melki suggested I try Monovision, where one eye is set for farsightedness and the other for nearsightedness, and, as he explained it, the brain would adapt to both ways of seeing. I didn't like the idea of my brain having to adapt to anything, so I stuck with my initial decision to set my vision for distance. A week before the surgery, I was encouraged again to utilize the full value of my having chosen adjustable lenses. Because I'd have the option to try Monovision with the LAL's, but if I decided it wasn't for me I could have the lenses adjusted back to farsightedness, he thought it was a mistake not to try. I was still apprehensive, but that made sense, so I opted for Monovision. I am so glad Dr. Melki persisted! The first light adjustment corrected my astigmatism, and I could immediately see better. The second light adjustment improved my near vision. And Dr. Yao suggested a third tweak that enabled me to clearly see the smallest line on the reading card. And that's along with having achieved 20/15 for distance. So apparently, my brain has easily adapted! The concerns I had about feeling discomfort, getting headaches, depth perception issues, etc. were completely unfounded. I'm seeing as well as I did when I was in my twenties. It's really nice to be going back in time (for once) when I didn't need glasses at all, and if I miss wearing glasses too much, I can get tinted clear lenses to wear :) LAL lenses are remarkable in their ability to allow you to adjust your vision a few times post surgery. Dr. Melki did a fantastic job in figuring out what prescription lens to implant and doing a very quick, painless, surgery (7 minutes!). Dr. Yao worked with me to tweak my vision, literally to perfection. I was apprehensive about Monovision at first, but my vision now is unbelievably good. Overall I'd have to say what I most appreciate was Dr. Melki's encouraging me to try Monovision in the first place, given that I'd chosen LAL's. (And I think Light Adjustable Lenses are just amazing!)