Our Patients Say it Best…

It may sound like a small thing, but I can’t get over being able to see in the shower and first thing in the morning when I wake up! I’ve also got full peripheral vision now that I don't have glasses frames and lack of lenses in these areas.

My decision to do LASIK now came down to a number of factors. I’d been considering LASIK loosely for quite a while up until some co-workers told me about their LASIK. Hearing about their experiences really made me understand how life-changing this procedure is and why I needed to start strongly considering having it done. Considering I’m going to be moving to Oregon soon it seemed like the right time. I can take the cold, but raindrops on glasses drive me absolutely nuts! Also, after wearing glasses and contacts for so many years, I was staring down the barrel of needing to buy a new set of glasses and contacts, so I thought I’d invest in LASIK instead – an investment that would last much longer than investing in glasses and contacts which I'd have to do over and over throughout my lifetime.

Once I decided to do it, it was time to find a doctor. Dr. Winthrop was recommended to me by one of my co-workers and in speaking with some other folks, they confirmed that Dr. Winthrop was the best in town. I really appreciate the professionalism of everyone in Dr. Winthrop’s office. It was very comforting knowing I was in good hands. The machine definitely counts for something too, so it was great to know he uses the newest and best LASIK technology out there.”

My LASIK procedure was delayed quite a while because of COVID. Meanwhile, Dr. Winthrop now has the latest LASIK system, Wavelight EX500 with CONTOURA Vision. This uses a next level guidance system that uses a formula unique to your eyes. I feel comfortable with Dr. Winthrop, and I know he has a great reputation in town – I spoke to several physicians who know and recommend him. I wanted to ensure the best possible LASIK outcome, so it made sense to see the best doctor with the best system.

I really like the way Dr. Winthrop always asks what questions I have. It is so nice to have an open opportunity to ask question, no matter how stupid they feel, directly to the doctor!”

My main concern was choosing a doctor I felt comfortable with. I heard wonderful things about Dr. Winthrop and decided to book a consultation with him. His associate Christian helped with the initial consultation, spent a significant amount of time analyzing my eyes, and made me feel excited about LASIK. Dr. Winthrop was very thorough, answered all questions and was never "pushy" as some doctors can be. It felt like it was 100% my choice and I was never being pushed into doing it. I felt completely at ease with Dr. Winthrop's knowledge and expertise.

The procedure was incredibly easy with no pain or discomfort. I was amazed at truly how quick it was. I think I spent a total of 45 minutes in the office, and it was only about 5-10 in the operating room, with the actual "lasering" about 3 seconds. I know LASIK is scary for many people, but you really don't even have time to be nervous because it's over before you know it. Dr. Winthrop, Christian and his associates were so kind throughout the procedure and had excellent bedside manner. I also sincerely appreciate that Dr. Winthrop gives his direct phone number to you in case you have questions and that he follows up with each patient on the same day of the procedure. Within 24 hours, I had 20/20 vision!

I finally feel free and able to go about my life without having to remember my contacts and glasses. It really does feel life-changing in many ways. First, I have experienced fewer headaches which is a huge win for me. Secondly, being able to wake up and just go about my day is really nice. Lastly and most importantly, as a woman living in a big city, I am extremely vigilant but unfortunately, even with my contacts, my vision wasn't perfect. I felt nervous about being out and not being able to see clearly, but with my new eyes post-LASIK, I feel confident to walk around freely knowing I can see far distances and very clearly. My sight is so crisp, I've truly never been able to see this good!

I can't stop telling people about it and how life-changing it has been for me. I feel so free!”

I was a little anxious on the day of the procedure, but it was super quick and painless. I was surprised that, despite my high prescription, I was already seeing better than contacts the evening after the procedure. In the week since the procedure, my vision has settled to 20/20, and I couldn't be happier with my decision!”

I love not having to bother with glasses. I don’t have to worry about forgetting to bring them places or about them being bumped and pulled by my energetic kids. I wish I had done it before the little toddler hands were coming!

Now I see 20/20. My husband has 20/15. After having such a strong prescription prior to LASIK, he is having fun being the family member with the best vision now!

Thanks Dr. Winthrop and team for taking such great care of us!”

I am so happy that I now have perfect vision. I was so hindered before. I can live every day without the discomfort of dry contacts. In fact, my contacts caused me more discomfort on a daily basis than the procedure did!

My life has improved immensely and I am so thankful for Dr. Winthrop!”

Everyone in Dr. Winthrop's office is so nice. Christian is awesome, too – we talked a lot about music and he related LASIK to a light show at the Santa Barbara Bowl and that got me even more excited about the procedure! I felt really well-informed going into it and I appreciate that Dr. Winthrop walked me through everything as it happened.

I really wasn't nervous about getting the procedure...not seeing is much more unsettling! I wore contacts 99% of the time for the last 19 years – my prescription was strong and I didn't want to wear coke-bottle glasses like I had been since I was 8! So now, no more being uncomfortable, no irritation, no contacts popping out – all the hassles of contacts are over!

I can't wait to see while swimming - with LASIK, I won't have to worry about losing a contact lens in the ocean or having the chlorine in a pool ruin my contacts! I had a crazy experience in high school at Zuma Beach where all my friends caught a wave in, and while I was waiting for the next set, a big shadow came swimming up to me. Without my glasses on, I was sure it was a shark, but thankfully a really loud sea lion popped its head out of the water and barked at me! I'm not saying LASIK will save you from sharks, but at least with LASIK you just might have a better chance of seeing them coming... well, it's still probably 50/50, despite the 20/20!

My biggest motivation, though, is that I just got married this year and as we look to start a family, I want to be ready to wake up and jump out of bed at a moment's notice. Whether it's for a crying baby or in an emergency, I'm so glad I won't have to fumble around for my glasses on the bedside table anymore!" ”

I am now utilizing my 20/15 vision both at work as an electrical engineer on small electronics which often requires a microscope, and in my hobbies. My main motivation for getting it done was because my glasses were taking away much of the enjoyment in riding motorcycles. Fumbling to adjust your glasses inside of your helmet, as well as having them fog up from your breath was a pain. With contacts, my eyes would get fatigued and dry after an hour or so. My dad and I recently went riding down to San Diego and it was a much more pleasant experience. It was an absolute game changer for me. If you are waiting to pull the trigger on LASIK, this is your sign to get it done, and make sure you send Dr. Winthrop my regards!”

My day-to-day vision was blurry, but really, it was the astigmatism that bothered me. I couldn't safely drive at night. Bright lights were magnified – all headlights seemed like high beams. Now that I've had LASIK, being able to drive at night now is so great! Apparently, my vision is better than 20/20. I have a super power!”

Christmas last year was different because I got COVID. I waved to my family through their window and they left gifts for me outside. I opened a card and it said 'LASIK with Dr. Winthrop.' Best Christmas gift ever!”

My vision is now perfect and Dr. Winthrop made the whole process smooth and enjoyable. With gratitude!”

Beto: I work at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Lab as lead phlebotomist. I work the night shift and glasses and masks for Covid were difficult. I can't wear contacts at work because the recirculated air is dry and there's too much biohazard to be tending to your eyes. I'd been told in the past by other eye doctors that I was not a candidate for LASIK because of my astigmatism, but my fiancée Robyn had been encouraging me to look into LASIK again.

Robyn: I worried about him because his glasses made it hard to get a good seal with his mask. He has to go into containment areas to take care of patients.

Beto: This year, because of Covid, we didn't take our usual vacation trip so we had a number of days off. We looked online and found there was a LASIK pioneer and expert right here in Santa Barbara, Dr. Winthrop! We thought we'd have to go to L.A. So we checked out his social media and his website, looking into his technology. I went in for the free LASIK exam and Dr. Winthrop told me that with the new technology I was now a candidate.

Robyn: His vision is better now than it ever was with glasses.

Beto: It feels different now. A whole new world...a quality of life I've never had before. You know those videos where a baby wears glasses for the first time? It's like that for me. How can I explain it? There's just...more. Patterns, brightness, vivid colors, details. Peripheral vision is an added bonus. That's something that's new to me! Blossoms on trees, reflections on windows. We have a painting in the house of the Eiffel Tower, and I just looked at it and saw a whole little village that I had thought was shading! I'm so happy! It's been wonderful! Anyone who wasn't a candidate for LASIK before should go see Dr. Winthrop and check. You might be a candidate now.

Robin: I'm next!”

The whole overall experience was so much simpler than I expected! Basically, you show up...do this...you're done...you can see! About 30 minutes, although the LASIK itself was just a few seconds.

I couldn't really believe it the first day or two. I really like having my night routine simplified and now the whole contacts process is over.

Just a 30-minute thing and it changes everything!”

The procedure was so short and as soon as it was over I could see significantly better than I did with my new glasses! It's been awesome not having to search for glasses or taking the time to put on contacts. I'm a frugal guy but I felt that the price was reasonable and well worth it. Dr. Winthrop's expertise is priceless. This is my livelihood and my vision will impact other people. Radiology is half the eyes and half the brain, so seeing well makes my job easier and makes me a better doctor. Better vision means better care. Sometimes the best research is recommendations from people you trust. In turn, I've recommended Dr. Winthrop to family members.”

The colors pop so much better. They're so vibrant. I didn't realize how much I was missing...for example details around you, and people's faces seem so clear. Cleaning is easier! I can also see small details in my outdoor and indoor plants, I have been able to appreciate nature better. I have a fiddle leaf and I didn't realize the plant had so many details in the leaves.

It was intimidating at first to think about getting LASIK. Going into the LASIK room it really hit me, wow, it's happening. But it was so easy, even the recovery was not what I expected. After the 5-hour nap, I opened my eyes and right away, I was like, wow! I could see clearly. They told I had been seeing at 20/400 and 20/200. So it was a big change! My eyes got an upgrade! ”

Dr. Winthrop’s office was so incredibly reassuring and thorough, and made everything so easy that I honestly wished I had done this sooner. The machine is state of the art, and there was even someone there to hold my hand for the couple minutes I was laying down for LASIK. It was SO EASY.

Deepest 'Thank You' to Dr. Winthrop and his team for making my vision perfect, my life more convenient, and for improving so many peoples lives—mine included! ”

My mom and sister had both done LASIK with Dr. Winthrop a couple of years ago and they are very happy. It seemed like the time for me, so my husband and I saved up and I did it. In fact, I can see the computer better and I feel like I have less eye strain! I see better than 20/20 – I feel like there's nothing I can't see. I'm so happy! My husband and I go hiking and kayaking quite a bit and that has been excellent without glasses. My husband has perfect eyes – now we can see the same. I tell him sometimes, I can't believe these are my eyes! ”

You should definitely consider it if vision is an issue in your life. It's one of the best things that ever happened to me!”

When my wife and I moved back to Santa Barbara to start our family we started an action sports company, Varial Surf Technology. We adapt aerospace technology composites to surfboards and other sport boards . As you can imagine, I spend a lot of time in the water! I'd always gone without contacts or glasses during sports because it was just easier but to miss the details it was a trade-off. I just got LASIK recently, so I'm counting the days when I can get back in.

Our family does a lot of hiking and that's been great. I can see all the ridges, trails, and leaves on the trees. To get sweaty and dirty and still see so clearly!”

In my work as a landscape designer @topophyla I spend a lot of time on the computer but also outside. One of the things I used to hate was just wearing glasses in general and having only 80% field of view. Last August I had an eye infection that was a wake up that contacts weren't a long term solution.

During the pandemic lockdown, we've had more time to spend on ourselves, on self-contemplation and improvement. It puts life into perspective. You think you have so many years – I put off something that is really postive for my life and I put it off for years and years. The situation makes you stop putting things off. So I went to see Dr. Winthrop. The whole team made me feel very comfortable. Jeff, his technician, told me that they turn down a lot of people because they are strict about patients being good candidates for LASIK. I was relieved that I was one of the good candidates because I really wanted it. A week later, I had it! After I got home, I actually slept straight through to the next day. I was told things might be blurry at first, but no, crystal clear. More than I hoped for!”

My vision care has always had anxiety-triggers for me. I got glasses in 4th grade, and that same year I had an accident playing basketball. The ball hit the arm of my glasses and pinched a nerve which gave me facial paralysis for over a year. This was traumatizing for my parents as they took me to various doctors who wanted to do some pretty extreme testing. After that, I felt insecure in glasses, got contacts in middle school, and stopped wearing glasses. Contacts have their own issues: I've rubbed my eye and gotten my contact stuck behind my eye! I like to paddle board but it's a problem getting sea water splashed in your eyes with contacts.

I can't thank Dr. Winthrop and staff enough for their sensitivity during the procedure. I tried not think about the medical details although they explain it to you so you are prepared. Someone held my hand when I got a little nervous. Dr. Winthrop could tell I was getting tense (I was doing my breathing to relax) and he told me 'we can take a break if you need one' but I knew I could handle it so I said, 'let's keep going.'

I'm very happy! Colors are really clear, even better than fresh contacts. Driving and looking up towards the mountains, colors are really popping! Takes a little getting used to – not having to take contacts off at the end of the day. I can’t thank my parents enough for this amazing life changing gift!”

My oldest brother got LASIK before me. Actually he got PRK and he really raved about it, even with a longer recovery time. He told me it was the best thing he had ever done. So I really wasn’t too worried. I had looked into it, so going in I was very trusting of the technology and the experience of Dr. Winthrop. It was interesting to learn how short the procedure actually was. He tells you step by step what’s going to happen so you’re comfortable throughout.

My younger sister who wears glasses always reminds both of us how lucky we are and how annoying glasses are. I’m sure she’ll get LASIK too, when she’s old enough!”

Between wearing a motorcycle helmet, sports, even just playing with my dog – life is easier without glasses. My vision is so much clearer now. I used to be pretty good with updating the strength of my eyeglasses but I have never seen more clearly as I do now! I feel as if though my depth perception has increased as well and I can’t wait to get out on the court to play some basketball. The vibrancy of colors has also gotten stronger since I've had the procedure and I can't wait to get out on my next hike to take in as many of the beautiful vistas as I can.”

I’m also an avid runner. LASIK has been a tremendous help for me. I get up at the break of day and run my dog for 6 miles and because glasses would fog up I’d just leave them behind and rely on my dog to guide me. But sometimes I would trip! LASIK was such a blessing, I’ll tell you that!

I’ve been thinking about getting LASIK for the last few years and I’m really glad that I made that step. My husband got PRK from Dr. Winthrop, which is a longer recovery time but with just as good final results. So I’m grateful that I could get LASIK because it’s basically an overnight thing. And as the week went by I notice my eyes getting clearer and clearer. Now my eyes are crystal clear.”

I enjoy swimming and I couldn’t see without contacts. I would literally put in contacts just to see when I was swimming. I do a lot of activities where having glasses is a nuisance. LASIK changes a lot of things. I rate my vision a 10 out of 10. When my roommate saw how well I did, he went to Dr. Winthrop and got LASIK two weeks later!”

After surgery I couldn't believe my eyes! No pun intended. I would recommend this to anyone who is considering! Dr. Winthrop and team are fabulous! I'm so happy!”

In yoga we say that the third eye is the seat of intuition, and you must allow this eye to be open. It’s true; I didn’t overthink it. I wanted LASIK, I found Dr. Winthrop, and now my other two eyes work perfectly too!”

I’d always been planning to get LASIK, but I was kind of nervous about it. We went to Dr. Winthrop’s office and they preemptively answered all of my fears. Jeff took his time, explaining the improved technology that they have in detail. The eye tracker is remarkable. It doesn’t matter if your eye moves! My girlfriend came with me to my appointment – she had LASIK 10 years ago. After my appointment, she said she wished that she had gone to Dr. Winthrop. They did such a good job; the procedure and the recovery, everything happened exactly the way they said it would. We ceremoniously threw away all of my contacts. We thanked them for their service and said bye!”

I was blown away by the miracle of it. My friend says, ‘It’s not a miracle, Dave, it can be explained by science.’ No, it’s a miracle!

And there are practical considerations: freedom, eye health, and the opportunity to save some money on contacts!

Being an active person, wearing contacts going surfing, spearfishing, and especially during the 7 1/2 years I spent in the military, contacts were pretty fraught with issues. Glasses never fit my lifestyle. While I was in the military, they wouldn’t allow LASIK. But now, the limited impact it has on night vision and glare made it the right time for me. So while contacts gave me an element of freedom that came with some restrictions, now with LASIK I have none.

Getting ready in the morning and at night, I feel like I’ve run out of things to do! Funny how often I still go for the contact case. My wife and I used to take about the same amount of time getting ready. Maybe I should start using more face lotion or something! ”

I am so grateful to Dr. Winthrop and his staff, they were there every step of the way and were always very polite and friendly. The recovery process was relatively easy for me and I definitely recommend Dr. Winthrop to anyone considering laser eye surgery.”

Surgery day was super easy. At any point when I was scared, Dr. Winthrop helped me calm down by telling me exactly what was happening. He was very caring. A few hours after I went home, he called me to see how I was.

Now that I see with clear vision I’m enjoying the little things: I can nap now that I don’t wear contacts. Getting ready to go in the morning is so fast! I see better now than I ever have, even with contacts or glasses.

The world around me has become so much more beautiful. The depth and detail that I can see has changed my perception of what the world is.”

When I used to bike pack, I had to stop every two hours or so and wash out my contacts because they would fog over, making my vision a bit dirty, and the contacts would move around, making biking fast dangerous.  Now I don't even think about my eyes, I just see, and ride.  I love it!”

I get nervous with any kind of procedure but Dr. Winthrop made me comfortable and I really appreciated the girl who was holding my hand throughout the procedure. It was so fast!

I have so much more confidence now. I do eyelash extensions and I tell all of my clients: LASIK…EASY!”

I’m on my way to Scandinavia and the Baltic Region to pursue my dreams, to work on my second Master’s Degree in Finland for my future career in museum studies. Improving my vision with LASIK is part of that, so I’d like to thank Dr. Winthrop for changing my life! My vision has been completely cured. ”

He sent me to Dr. Winthrop for LASIK. I’m happy with the results, and happy not to hunt for my glasses!”

People told me it would be a life-changing experience and I thought…right. But it really is! I guess someday I'll feel like my perfect vision is normal – right now, it still feels like magic!

Thank you Dr. Winthrop and your great staff!””

PRK wasn’t painful, but I was light sensitive for about 48 hours. With LASIK, people say that they see great right away. With PRK, really clear vision comes on gradually over a month or two. But we were all surprised at my one-week followup because I was already seeing so well!

I thought it was a great value. It was nice that Dr. Winthrop has his own laser center right next to his main office.

So it’s been a little over a week, and I’m back to all my normal activities including hiking and softball. It was great going to my game without contacts for the first time in 20 years!”

It’s life changing! My vision is so clear — 20/20. I had a very strong prescription, -8.50, but my eyes feel normal now. No discomfort, no side effects.

I had a close friend go to Dr. Winthrop last year and she recommended him. Once I met everyone in the office I just felt so comfortable, I knew he was the one for me. Everyone in town that I spoke to about Dr. Winthrop had a great positive story to tell, either about someone they knew or themselves being treated by Dr. Winthrop for LASIK or other serious eye conditions.”

I’m going to Costa Rica this year and I’m pretty excited to go underwater. I had always been that person who said ‘don’t splash my face!’ because I had worn glasses since I was 10 years old. I was just fed up with glasses…I had them for 20 years, I’m over it! Friends are having a bit of an identity crisis about my looks, haha. ‘I didn’t know it was you without your glasses!’ Now they see me. And I can for sure see them!”

In a world where you don't often feel valued by service providers, I truly feel both valued and cared for! This has been an amazing, eye-opening experience.😊 Thank you Dr. Winthrop for your expertise and exceptional care!”

It was such a good decision to put myself in Dr. Winthrop's hands. I was in and out in a flash, and I loved the whole experience of getting LASIK. And now…no limits! I’ll be able to go skiing, snorkling, kyaking, I’ll be able to wear a helmet without hurting my head! I feel free!”

I was ok with contacts, even though running along the beach or riding a bike would dry my eyes out. And of course, falling asleep with them on and having to get up to take them off was not great. But I had pretty bad vision, and with my cousin and mom encouraging me I went ahead with LASIK.

Now everything is so sharp! I see better than I did with contacts and there are none of those weird fluctuations you get with contacts.

My brother says ‘I’m going to be next!’ My roommate has vision like I used to have, and I’m pretty sure she’s going to do it, too. All I can say to my friends is: you should go see Dr. Winthrop and get the free consultation. You don’t know what you’re missing out on!”