As a Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist, Charlotte knows that effective communication involves more than just speech. While verbal skills are essential, nonverbal cues like sight are equally crucial for building connections.

For Charlotte, engaging in interactive play with her children and young clients made wearing glasses impractical, and as a busy working mother, contact lenses were less than ideal for tired eyes. Being able to be fully present with her children, witnessing the joy on their faces as they swim together or embark on running adventures is priceless.

This is where Optical Express came in.

Charlotte was chosen, alongside other NHS and Emergency Service personnel to receive free laser eye surgery: “I’m really grateful to have been given the opportunity through the ‘Thanks a Million Campaign’, she tells us one month post-procedure.

Charlotte praises surgeon Sajjad Mughal and the team who performed her LASIK procedure, appreciating the clear communication through each stage of the process, “which was really nice, because you are going through something you’ve not experienced before. Very different to your usual Friday afternoon,” she noted.   

One unusual Friday afternoon later, Charlotte says the impact is clear “I’ve already noticed within a month, just the ease of it all.” Without the constant concern over glasses or contacts, she can now focus on what truly matters.

Optical Express first launched the ‘Thanks a Million’ campaign in 2017 and donated £1 million worth of free laser eye surgery to NHS and Emergency Service workers. The campaign relaunched in 2023 with Optical Express donating another £1 million worth of laser eye surgery. It’s our way of saying a big thank you to the NHS and Emergency Service workers for the great work that they do.