I had my LASIK surgery performed on both of my eyes six months ago. I had been considering LASIK for over one year, and am so pleased that I finally chose to do it! I had been wearing contact lenses for 15 years, and my husband wore glasses constantly -- even for sports. I convinced him to have his LASIK at the same time [by Dr. Dressler].

I have been confident of Dr. Linda Dressler's skills over the six years that I have referred my patients to her for ophthalmologic care and various surgeries. Both my husband and I received a most thorough consultation prior to our surgery. Dr. Dressler explains everything very clearly and completely. As a physician, I could not even offer a single question after her lengthy, detailed explanations of all aspects of LASIK.

The LASIK surgery itself was less than 10 minutes, and although uncomfortable, was painless. There were no surprises at all -- which was wonderful. My eyes never hurt. The worst discomfort was never as bad as those times when an eyelash would be caught between my eye and my contact lens (I am so thankful that will never happen again!). All the post-operative instructions, eyedrops and materials were provided at The Laser Center.

I worked a half day the following day; I could have worked a full day if I did not have to spend so much time reading, writing and using the computer. However, the feeling of eyestrain resolved quickly over the following few days.

The fact that physicians, Dr. Dressler and her associate ophthalmologists, are performing all the follow-up care is evidently somewhat unique and yet another facet of the excellent medical attention provided by this office.

My life without contact lenses has exceeded my expectations. I see better now than I did with my soft contact lenses. I am conscious of the improved clarity, especially when I am outside. My depth perception is more accurate without my astigmatism. My vacation at the beach was even less complicated and more enjoyable. I really appreciate my perfect vision.

Sincerely, Whitney E. Reese, M.D.

Dear Dr. Dressler:

My eyesight is very important to me. That is why when I first moved to the DC area, I asked my physician friends who they personally used for eye care. They recommended you. I knew that I wanted a Board certified ophthalmologist who had impeccable credentials and was educated at the finest medical training institutions. Your background at Harvard Medical School and the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital told me you had excellent credentials.

I have worn glasses since I was ten years old. My poor eyesight forced me to abandon my efforts to take pilot training with the Air Force although I later became a civilian commercial pilot and flight instructor with a medical waiver for eyesight which was worse than 20/200. For several years I asked you about radial keratotomy because I was interested in getting my vision surgically corrected, if possible. You always took a conservative approach and said you were not entirely satisfied with the results of RK.

Several years ago, when LASIK emerged as a new technology I knew this was a hopeful solution. I wanted to wait just to be sure the results were well tested. Meanwhile you underwent training and when you actually performed my surgery you had done more than 200 successful operations. Now you are one of the leading LASIK ophthalmologists in the metropolitan area.

Twenty minutes after my LASIK operation I could see 20/20 without glasses. Now more than six months later I can list just a few of the many benefits I have received:

* I can read signs at a distance

* I can wake up in the middle of the night and see the alarm clock

* I can SCUBA dive and see the fish clearly

* I can walk in the rain without "windshield wipers" or foggy glasses

* I can fall asleep in front of the TV without rolling over on my glasses

* I can donate my old glasses to a charity

Thank you for your professionalism, your expertise, and your skill. In a day and age of government-run healthcare and large, anonymous corporate managed health care programs, it is delightful to be the patient of a Doctor who is still interested in medical science and in her patients.

Sincerely, Geoffrey W. Peters

(Geoffrey Peters, Attorney)

April 21, 2003

TO: Prospective Laser Eye Surgery Patients

FROM: Successful Laser Eye Surgery Patient of Dr. Dressler, ____ _______ [name omitted here, as patient has left this area, thus preventing us from getting a HIPAA consent to disclose her name]

RE: Strong Recommendation

If you are considering laser eye surgery and searching for the best eye clinic, look no further than Dr. Dressler and her staff.

I did extensive research before choosing Dr. Dressler and know that I chose the best. By selecting an ophthalmologist, I knew Dr. Dressler would take a comprehensive view of my eyes and my health and use her extensive experience to determine if Lasik surgery was the right procedure for me.

Dr. Dressler received outstanding recommendations from her peers and was voted one of the "Top Ophthalmologists in the Washington, D.C. area." She doesn't run her practice like a mass-production factory. You are treated as an individual and she is with you, explaining and performing each step of the procedure, to ensure it is done correctly. In addition to her credentials and success rate, there are so many other aspects of the procedure you don't realize until you are going through it, that further confirmed to me that I made the right choice.

Pre-Op --I researched laser eye surgery extensively and had more than an average amount of questions for Dr. Dressler. Not only did she take the time to answer each and every question in detail but she performed my pre-op measurements. In other clinics an optometrist, who is not performing the surgery, takes the measurements. I just felt better having the same person who took the measurements perform the surgery.

Staff --I was more than nervous for this procedure. I felt better once I learned each patient is given a personal contact at the office to ensure all the paperwork and related issues are moving along . . . and to ask any additional questions. My contact was Janet and she was not only able to speak first-hand about the procedure but calmed my concerns on several occasions. The day of surgery, every staff member from the receptionist to the post-op nurse offered comforting words and advice to soothe my nerves. They attend to your every need and always inform you of what will happen next.

Follow-up --Several quick visits are scheduled and it is reassuring to have these . . . even though my surgery was a success!

As you can tell, a Type A person like me had many questions and concerns going into this. It is only because of the outstanding performance and results of Dr. Dressler that I can give such high marks to she and her staff through every step of the process.

I highly recommend Dr. Dressler to anyone considering laser eye surgery.

I am very excited to share my experience with Dr. Dressler and the LASIK procedure.

I had been wearing glasses since I was 5 years old -- so I had been wearing glasses or contacts for about 30 years. I had been thinking about the LASIK procedure for about a year, and a co-worker recommended that I consult with Dr. Dressler.

Well, what a wonderful experience! Her staff was very professional, and helped me to feel comfortable and well-informed. I met with Dr. Dressler and after she completed a thorough examination of my eyes, I got the happy news that I was indeed a candidate for LASIK. Dr. Dressler then took the time to explain the procedure and answer all the questions I had.

I was able to have the procedure done the following month. When I arrived at TLC, I was a bit nervous. But, before we started, Dr. Dressler took the time to go over exactly what I should expect to see, hear, and even possibly smell during the procedure! Throughout the procedure, she continued to speak to me so I would know exactly what was coming next -- and I could not believe how quickly the whole thing was over!

The day after my procedure at my follow-up exam, Dr. Dressler confirmed what I already suspected -- I was seeing 20/20 out of each eye! I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to be able to see clearly -- even better than I did with contacts and glasses. Having small children, I often get up during the night -- and I am so happy to be able to see everything (including thermometers) instantly, without having to search for my glasses.

For anyone interested in exploring the possibility of LASIK, I would strongly recommend a consultation with Dr. Dressler and her staff. They are professionals and they put the health of your eyes foremost in their care.

Sincerely, Andrea Griffith

(Andrea Griffith, Accountant)

Dear Linda Dressler:

I just want to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation of your ability and compassion. I am still overwhelmed everyday by my newfound 20/20 vision and the ease of the surgery! I used to awake every morning to an alarm clock that I couldn’t see until I put in my contacts or threw on my glasses. I found myself no longer enjoying water sports for fear of losing my contacts -- I could go on for hours!

I’ve received many questions from friends and family about the surgery and the results -- and I never get tired of answering all the questions! The procedure was quick and painless with a relaxing recovery time. It seems unbelievable to me that I could walk into a surgery center -- not even changing into a surgery gown -- have a 6 minute procedure on each eye -- walk out and see clearly that evening! I still think I have forgotten to take out my lenses each morning when I wake and am able to see!

Technology and your experience and ability are truly amazing! Please feel free to pass along my comments and name and number if anyone has questions -- I feel it’s the least I can do! This is one of the best things I have ever done for myself and am grateful everyday for my newfound sight!

Very truly yours, Kellee Beard Marshall

(Kellee Marshall, Accountant)

This is just a short note to thank you for the wonderful Lasik surgery you performed. Everything is just fantastic. The operation, which was easy for me, has changed my life for the better. I feel that in some ways you have given me back my youth. I no longer have to worry about wearing glasses or contact lenses when I am working out. I have recommended the surgery to friends and acquaintances . . . and will continue to do so.

Sincerely, Chung Y. Berenson

(Ms. Berenson, Homemaker)

Dear Dr. Dressler,

We are writing to say how happy we are with our LASIK surgeries. As you know, Steve was very nearsighted (-8 and -9) and wore glasses since the second grade. Diane was farsighted with mild astigmatism and opted for monovision surgery.

We elected to have our surgeries on the same day. Diane watched Steve’s procedure and within fifteen minutes was in the chair herself. We each had lived with poor vision for forty years, and were thrilled to have wonderful vision in 40 minutes!

It took some weeks for Diane to determine which procedure was right for her. Everyone in your office was encouraging and upbeat. You were patient and put us under no pressure to make up our minds quickly. That was a big plus!

It has been three months since our surgery, and the results are impressive. Steve is 20/20 in each eye, and Diane is 20/20 in one and 20/25 in the other [Doctor’s note: this was the intended monovision result for Diane].

We feel like we are on the party circuit now. When we enter a room someone will always say "Here is that couple who had their eyes done together." We are then asked dozens of questions. People are surprised when we tell them how easy it was and how quickly we recovered. We were both cleared to drive the very next day.

You and your staff have been wonderful. We can’t thank you enough.

Dear Dr. Dressler,

Just wanted to thank you for the gift of sight! I have been wearing glasses and contacts for over seventeen years and have always wondered what it would be like to fall asleep reading a book or waking up and reading the alarm clock. This dream has come true after having the Lasik procedure done last month. For the first few days after having treatment on both eyes I was having anxiety attacks at night before going to bed -- every time I began to fall asleep I would wake up and say "I have to take out my contacts!" I have discovered a new freedom in life! Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Dana A. Keegan

LASIK is medicine for the millennium. It’s safe, painless and fast.

Annette Hiss

(Annette Hiss, Veterinarian)

I am extremely happy that I went through the Lasik procedure with Dr. Dressler. As a Veterinarian my eyesight is very important in my job. I had complete confidence in Dr. Dressler’s expertise and she did not disappoint me. I have great eyesight now and I am thankful everyday.

Sincerely, Bruce L. Hansen

(Bruce Hansen, Veterinarian)

Dear Dr. Dressler:

I just want to take the time to express to you and your office staff how I feel about my recent Lasik eye surgery. I had been wearing glasses since I was a young child and for the first time since I was six years old, I no longer need glasses (or contacts). I am thrilled. Not only was it painless, but you walked me through every step and made this procedure much less frightening for me. I had no idea it would work so well, be so painless and be so fast!

Your staff has always been very friendly and helpful and I just want to thank you again for my new eyes! Thanks!

Sincerely, Shelley N. Weinstein

(Shelley Weinstein, Legal Secretary)