Patient Stories

My vision was bad enough that my driver's license was restricted. I couldn't see to watch TV, read, or use the computer at work. I play two sports: softball and roller derby. With softball I had issues with glare off my glasses during night games. Roller derby is a full contact sport and I probably would not play it with the risk of having an elbow coming at my face while wearing glasses. So now I actually get to do something I wasn't able to do before.

When I made the decision to have LASIK I did a lot of research. I didn't want to go to Denver because of the follow up care. Dr. Buckley had the most experience, and his equipment is top-notch. He trains other surgeons to do the surgery so that tells me he knows what he's doing. I felt very comfortable from the moment I walked in the door. The risk in coming to a facility such as this is so small that the benefits far outweighed any kind of minuscule risk that was there. I didn't even think twice about it once I made the decision. I knew I was coming to the right place.

I know from the kind of facility Dr. Buckley has that he must be a good person. The staff is phenomenal, and I felt very comfortable with him. Everybody is on time and very professional. Any questions and fears I had were immediately taken care of. They take good care of you.

Julia Vandeland

I'd been wearing glasses since I was 8 years old. When I was 12 they told me I was legally blind. I always wanted to be a pilot but I was at the point where I couldn't see anything two feet in front of my face. I played soccer and wrestled in high school. Wrestling with glasses was basically impossible. Playing soccer was a lot easier when I wore contacts but even then I was always worried about having a contact fall out, so I couldn't be as aggressive as I wanted to be.

I started thinking about LASIK as soon as it came out. The biggest fear I had was that it wouldn't improve my eyesight or that something would happen to make my eyes worse. But, when you watch the video you realize the risks are really slim to none if you go to the right doctor. The staff and Dr. Buckley really put my mind at ease. I had some questions and fears and they explained everything thoroughly to make sure they weren't fears anymore.

The surgery was great! Dr. Buckley talked me through everything and let me know everything was going great. As soon as the surgery was done, they asked me what time it was, and I could actually look at the clock and see what time it was!

I went home and fell asleep, and immediately when I woke up two hours later I could tell the difference. I felt like I had fallen asleep with my contacts or glasses on, and I kept trying to remove my glasses. I could see perfectly. I'd never been able to see leaves flicker in the sunshine and the wind, and this was the first time that I could. My vision is great: It's 20/15 down from 2400. It's a great feeling.

Pete Sparks

I'd worn glasses since elementary school and I don't remember ever being able to see clearly. Over the years I tried several different brands of contacts and could never find anything that felt comfortable. I would've had LASIK done years ago but because of my large pupils, I wasn't a candidate. When we moved here, we heard about Dr. Buckley and the new personalized LASIK. I came in for a consultation, expressed my concerns, and learned that now the treatment zone was large enough to accommodate my large pupils. In fact, Dr. Buckley told me that my night vision would probably be better after having LASIK-and he was right. My night vision is better now, and better than I ever had with glasses

My husband and I both have had LASIK with Dr. Buckley and it has given us so much freedom. No contact solutions for him, no glasses for me, and no prescription sunglasses. We bike, we hike, and we're in the Air Force, so we're looking forward to our next move-maybe to the beach where we can go outside in the sun and water glasses and contact free.

Kathy Dooley

Prior to LASIK I always had to wear glasses or contacts. Contacts worked but once I got to Colorado Springs and heard quite a lot about the reputation of Dr. Buckley, I contemplated getting my eyes corrected.

Initially my thought was, if I'm going, let's face it - there are other facilities out there that can correct your eyes at a lower cost. But with vision being an important sense for all mankind, I had no problem coming to Dr. Buckley because of his reputation, and the money didn't matter in terms of going to a quality institution.

The surgery was a lot quicker and easier than I'd anticipated. It was kind of a weird moment because I knew I did not have glasses or contacts on but instantaneously, the vision was there. I do quite a bit of business travel, and just packing up the bathroom utensils, my bags are a lot smaller. I don't have to worry about taking contact lens containers or solution. In terms of activities with the kids - if we go swimming, I don't have to worry about the contacts. And waking up every morning, it's nice to be able to wake up and see the alarm clock without having to put in contacts.

Dr. Buckley is definitely top-notch. He's very knowledgeable, he knows his stuff and tells it like it is and straight to the point. I highly recommend him due to the positive experience I've had and the extremely positive outcome of the surgery. I did not need any enhancements or anything. It's been a one-stop-shop and a great experience ever since. For my family, if the day comes that they need corrective surgery I will have it done here for them.

Jay Kvale

I'm a programmer and database analyst, so I stare at the screen a lot. My vision before LASIK was really horrible. My left eye was almost legally blind. I was into sports a lot in school and it was a pain with glasses or contacts. Also, I didn't like waking up at night and having to throw on a pair of glasses to look at the alarm clock.

I plainly had some fear about getting surgery on my eyes but the staff here at Dr. Buckley's office educated me on the technical aspects of how it is done. I also learned that hundreds of thousands of patients have gone through the procedure and the percentage of complications is extremely low, so they really set my mind at ease.

The day of my surgery I was a little nervous but Dr. Buckley's staff was very courteous and able to help me to relax. The procedure took about 5 or 10 minutes and I was out. It was a lot quicker than I thought it was going to be.

By that night I was able to see sharp and clear - it was amazing. In fact, immediately after I sat up I could see almost 20/20, literally minutes after the surgery.

I searched around a lot and talked to several doctors that do LASIK surgery. Dr. Buckley was one that actually came in and sat down and talked with me. He was very personable and answered all my questions. After the surgery he didn't leave me behind, he actually sent me mail, and called me personally to make sure I was alright. I highly recommend him to anyone thinking about having LASIK surgery. I'm very happy with my results. It's been over six months now and it seems like my vision is just getting better.

Jason Smith

The freedom from wearing contacts or glasses made me decide to get LASIK. After 28 years, contacts were getting a little old. I needed to replace one and was having a hard time finding a good fit. There are two doctors in town that advertise this type of surgery and I did visit both of them. Thanks to Dr. Buckley's staff, I ended up coming here. The day of the procedure I was nervous like any patient would be. Then I met Dr. Buckley and he answered any questions I had. The procedure itself was fast and virtually painless. It was a good experience.

They told me that I would be able to see the clock that was hanging on the wall in the room after, and I asked if they were going to put a bigger clock up. They said no, and sure enough, when I sat up I could see the clock and see the time.

LASIK has made a huge improvement. I can see the bottles of shampoo in the shower, and don't have to stand with my nose in the mirror in the morning to get ready. I'm a motorcycle enthusiast and I like to have the freedom to not wear glasses or contacts under my helmet. I was worried about losing my near vision but I still have that too. I don't have to wear reading glasses! It's been wonderful.

Dr. Buckley is very knowledgeable about what he does and that's very important to a patient. He was very calming and reassured me throughout the procedure. My hat is off to Dr. Buckley's staff. He has an excellent staff that keeps patients coming back.

Diane DeMasters

As principal of a successful information communications firm, I've conducted extensive research. When I first considered lasik surgery, I was determined to find the best doctor with the best diagnostic equipment, the best laser and the best staff with the best follow-up care - after all, these are my eyes

My research was not limited to the Denver area or the Internet and in fact, involved lengthy conversations on an international basis with manufacturers, doctors -including corneal transplant specialists, clinics, associations and patients. I was willing to travel anywhere to receive the best vision experience.

My search led me to the Buckley Chang Eye Institute and by the time my first consultation was over, I knew I had found the right place. In my book, actions speak louder than words. The fact that Dr. Buckley has invested in the latest world class diagnostic equipment and lasers available, meant that he had the best interests of his patients at heart. His credentials are impeccable. His staff is top notch. They set straight erroneous information I had received from other clinics.

I've since had the surgery and can't be happier with the results. My vision is even better than I had thought possible! It's given me a new lease on life and freedom I haven't experienced with a lifetime of wearing glasses.

If you're considering surgery, please give me a call or email and I'll gladly share my research findings with you or answer any questions about my experience.

Susan Wehner
Owner
Millennium III Partnership LLC

The personalized care I received at The Buckley Chang Eye Institute was second to none. Each step of the process, including pre and post-op, was tailored to me to ensure the best outcome possible.

It's been one year since my lasik surgery and I still get the best attention and service each time I go in. Everyone I've dealt with at The Buckley Chang Eye Institute has been great!

Lasik surgery has made waking up in the morning so much easier. It's amazing. I've been wearing glasses or contacts since kindergarten. To have 20/20 vision is something I thought I'd never experience.

Even though the post-op issue I had was no one's fault but my own, Dr. Buckley worked to fix the problem at no additional cost. It's an all-inclusive service for sure.

Lonny Wriedt
Operations Manager
Peak Broadband, Inc.

Dear Dr. Buckley:

I am writing to convey my sincere appreciate for the care both Steve and I received at BVI before, during and after our recent LASIK procedures.

Both of us were apprehensive about the procedure itself as well as possible follow-up symptoms and complications - as are most patients, I'm sure. The staff was caring and thorough in answering our questions and allaying our fears. In addition, some patients who had gone to another clinic felt as though they'd been treated like numbers, not people. Well nothing could have been farther from the experiences we had at BVI. The preoperative consultations and exams were thorough and not at all rushed. The staff members were warm, caring and supportive on the day of surgery and during follow-up visits.

Among the staff we've met, I'd particularly like to mention Sherry and Grace for their patience, warmth, and obvious technical knowledge; Maggie for always taking the time to greet us by name; and Michelle for patiently answering my pre-op questions and handling the financing arrangements. We are also grateful, of course, to Dr. Buckley himself for his competence and patience. We appreciated Dr. Buckley's post-op telephone calls.

I managed surgical practices for over 20 years, so I know from experience that the minimum any patient should expect is the best possible surgical outcome. Unfortunately, some surgeons think that's where their responsibilities end. Patients at BVI also receive warmth and individualized attention - the sign of a truly excellent clinic. I extend our heartfelt gratitude and will recommend BVI to anyone who asks my opinion in the future.

Sincerely,
Sarah Roach

After wearing glasses, I tried contacts, but the dry air made them impossible to deal with.

Dr. Buckley and his staff were very up front about the risks and about my probable outcome. The consultation was very informative. On the Saturday morning following my surgery, Dr. Buckley called me at home to see how I was doing. I really appreciated that!

Buckley Chang Eye Institute had the best technology and the best prices, and I'm ecstatic about my new vision!

Erica Kluck
Acct Svs Rep
T.Rowe Price

My wife and I wore glasses and contacts for years. Since having Lasik it is great to be able to see across the room in the morning without hunting for our glasses. We both had a very positive experience at Buckley Chang Eye Institute. We were treated very well, and the surgery procedure was fast and painless.

Having Lasik was well worth the investment, and we enjoy its benefits every day!

Michael Unger
Managing Director
Sport Development
USA Swimming

It has been three weeks since my LASIK surgery and I'm very happy with my decision. I had researched all options for corrective vision and the physicians in town who offered these procedures very carefully over a two-year period.

Dr. Buckley's office was very welcoming and very open to providing information that helped make my decision. Also I felt that I was really getting the best value in town.

The whole process went very smoothly. The recovery was better than I anticipated. I was able to see the evening of the surgery. I was driving the next day. Dr. Buckley called the morning after the surgery to make sure everything was going okay. At the three-day follow up appointment, my vision was 20/20.

Today, I am still quite pleased. Thanks Dr. Buckley!

Raquel Bonato

"My experience at the Buckley Institute was very friendly and informative from my initial consultation. When it came time for the surgery, I was apprehensive and the staff was in tune and made me feel comfortable. The surgery was very quick, about 10 minutes and painless.

I am in the Real Estate business and it has helped tremendously being able to see street signs crystal clear and I enjoy the outdoors a whole lot more with my family. I would recommend the staff and Dr. Buckley to my friends and family, as a matter of fact, I already have.

Thank you for giving me the freedom of not being tied to wearing glasses. It is a miracle to say the least!"

Sincerely,
Dean Weissman