Neal A. Sher, MD, FACS | Refractive Surgery Specialist

The following comments from patients of Dr. Sher are not a scientific sample nor are they a guarantee of results or happiness. To date, we have received no letters from patients expressing their unhappiness or dissatisfaction with the results of their LASIK refractive surgery, although there may be some. We thank these patients who have so generously allowed us to share their feelings with others. It is a privilege to serve them. The originals of patients' letters and cards and our interview notes are on file.

We Were Concerned For His Safety…
“We have been meaning to write and thank you once again for your gift to our son Ben of corrected vision. We had wanted our son to have his vision corrected before deploying to Iraq with the marines. We were concerned for his safety in the event of adverse circumstances there. Our worst fears were realized the night of October 8th when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Ramadi and was ambushed. Although he was seriously wounded, he survived and should make a full recovery. We were so thankful he did not have to deal with the potential loss of glasses or contacts, which could have been fatal. We thank you for your generosity toward our son and the excellent care he received from you and your staff.” ~ Mark and Laurie, Minnetrista

You Have Changed My Life…
“Thanks you so much for restoring my eyesight. You have changed my life and I am grateful.” ~ Karen C, Minneapolis

This is a dream come true…
“How lucky am I to have found not only “the best” eye surgeon—but the nicest caring man. I am writing this without the aid of glasses—the first for many years—this is just a dream come true– as life has been so difficult being spectacle reliant—but not anymore—again a huge, massive thank you!” ~ Margaret, Northumberland, England

A New Love Affair
"I'm a teacher, and books and I have a love affair. My new vision is wonderful." NormaJean, Minneapolis

See the Ball in Flight
A retired attorney said his eyes were uncomfortable after wearing contacts for 20 years. "After LASIK, I can see the golf ball more than 200 yards down the fairway, and I can see the ball in flight. I'm playing tennis... I took my driver test and I can read - all without glasses!" Rod B., Bloomington

Risks: Quite Small
"I'm a numbers person," said a 54-year-old Twin Cities investor. "There are risks associated anything, but given Dr. Sher's credentials - and the recommendation of a satisfied friend - I felt the risks were quite small. I wore soft contacts, and if I hadn't had allergies to lake water and birch trees I probably wouldn't have considered it. But in the summer my eyes dry out and for three months every year I had to wear glasses."
Bill C., Minneapolis

Look Out, Waterslides!
What's the experience like? "The consent form makes it very clear; it describes it to a tee," said a Twin Cities business executive. "I didn't have any concerns at all when I walked into the laser suite." The most rewarding experience after surgery, he continued, "is that I can sit up (in bed) and see pictures of my kids on the wall. I have two young boys, and I couldn't go swimming with them, or go down a waterslide, without being concerned that I'd lose my prescription sunglasses. To not need glasses is freedom."
Allen M., Eden Prairie

My Story: "I Felt Flawed"
"One doctor guessed that my vision was 20/8000," said a 31-year-old Minneapolis woman intently. A project assistant for a major construction company, she was extremely myopic. She explained, "I couldn't see my hand if it were touching my nose. I got glasses in 3rd grade and soft contacts in 11th. I saw a number of doctors, and they would all say something like, 'Have we got glasses for you!' They were un-nice to me. I was getting a new (glasses) prescription and the optician suggested I get Dr. Sher's consultation about LASIK. I had read about the various surgeries for years, but up to age 28 my eyes kept changing. Dr. Sher was so nice; he explained everything, which was very refreshing. He said, "We're going to take what (tissue) we can (to correct the shape of your eye)" - instead of saying nothing could be done. My husband was hesitant because it wouldn't bring my vision to 20/20. I totally understand that my vision will never be perfect, but now I can see without glasses. I will need a prescription for driving, and, when I get old, for reading." Kris H., Blaine

"I feel healthier!"
"This morning (after second eye surgery) I dropped the soap and I could find it! I have six siblings, and out of the 9 of us, all have good eyes except me. I felt flawed physically because of my eyes. Of course, they were only misshapen - and with LASIK, this modern-day miracle could correct that. Now I feel healthier because I'm no longer so dependent on glasses. Without my glasses, I was instantly handicapped. It's just a higher level of health! I investigated corrective procedures - like RK - for the past two years, and was waiting for the right time. I learned about Dr. Sher's work from a friend who is his patient, and liked what he had to say, especially about surgery one eye at a time. I liked my glasses strong because of the clarity - and with the LASIK procedure I have that (clarity). It is better than I hoped." A staff member commented on her smile to which she replied, "I wish you could see the smile in my heart." Deanna H., Minneapolis

Now I Can Buy 2-for-1 Specials
"My peripheral vision is better. Before surgery, driving and parking were hard for me, and things didn't jump out because of my high prescription/thick glasses. And I bought the thinnest glasses money could buy - $300 for the lenses only - without coatings. Now I can get 2-for-1 specials!" Nancy M, Minneapolis

Surpassed . . . Recommendations of Mayo Clinic
A Mayo Clinic radiologist wrote, "I wanted to thank you for my new-found ocular freedom. It is a luxury to not have to wear glasses or contact lenses. I found everyone at your office to be friendly and helpful. You certainly have met and surpassed the highest recommendations of the Ophthalmology Department of the Mayo Clinic & Dr. B.M., Rochester, Minneapolis

I Can See My Feet!
"I've never thought about this before, but in the shower I can see my feet."
A.M., Eden Prairie

Safety Reasons
"I mainly did it for safety reasons. I used to live in California, and if I had to get up in the middle of the night (because of an earthquake), I couldn't get out (if I didn't have my glasses). I started sleeping with my glasses on after earthquakes." Kim H., Plymouth

A Freedom You Can't Imagine
"I've been legally blind since birth," said an RN in the ER of a major Twin Cities hospital. "Couldn't see anything. A patient knocked off my glasses in the ER, and I couldn't find them -- and I said, 'That's it; I'm doing it.' Not having to wear glasses is an emotional change. It's amazing. It's a freedom you can't imagine." My experience "couldn't have been better... with Dr. Sher, the check-in at the PEI and the staff." Mary W., Minneapolis

It's the Personal Reference
Why did I choose Dr. Sher? "Beyond all the information, it's the personal reference, someone else's satisfaction." Mark H., owner, software business

Personally Meet the Surgeon
"I went to another (doctor's) seminar, and I was put off by not meeting the surgeon (at the seminar)." Pat L., Minnesota

I Don't Believe in Miracles, But ...
"I don't believe in miracles, but this is close to it," says a Minneapolis attorney. After surgery he marvels daily at "the simple things: seeing my child, watching TV in bed." Although he must wear reading glasses, they're "the $12 kind of glasses from Walgreen's" Scott M., Minneapolis

In the Gym ...
"I do a lot of weight training so it's nice to be without glasses, the fog and the sweat," said a Roseville health club employee. "And I can see my clients across the gym. My wife is training to become a physician's assistant, and she was more nervous than I." Travis R., Minneapolis

1000 Times Worse than the Surgery
"Remember when you put your contacts in the first time? That's 1000 times worse than the surgery." Dean P., Minneapolis

-26, -16
"My left eye was -26 and the right -16. I was pretty close to being blind, so it's truly incredible what they've done for me." Thomas G.

I Can Do 'Cool' Things ...
After LASIK, it's easier with my kids. When I get up in the middle of the night, I don't have to hunt for glasses. And I can do 'cool' things - like taking a shower. And when I go someplace unfamiliar like my parents' house or vacation, I don't need glasses when I take a shower." Gretchen P., Minneapolis

The future looks bright...
"How wonderful it is to see across my classroom as I teach, to see the roads signs as I drive, and to see the numbers on the scale between my toes (well maybe not that). It may all be in my head, but I feel that life has a brighter appearance. Your work speaks for itself, and your many satisfied patients must treasure their improved sight as much as I do mine. I sincerely appreciate the care you extended to me in bringing new life to my contact-laden eyes." Sylvia H., Dhahran,Saudi Arabia