Patient Testimonials for San Francisco
Laser Eye Surgeon Dr. Gary Kawesch

Athletes

Jon Ritchie
Former Back - Oakland

"I had eye surgery when I was four years old and had bifocals when I was in kindergarten. My eyes were really messed up. I never knew what it was to see clearly. I was dependent on contacts almost exclusively. I hated wearing glasses because I'd done it since I was four years old, big bulky brown-framed bifocals. I would take my contacts out at night and feel like an invalid. (Following LASIK surgery), I wake up now and am able to see the alarm clock. I'm now a fully functional individual; my eyesight is incredible and better than it was when I had my contacts in. It's made life so much easier and I'm so appreciative of what Dr. Kawesch has done for me that I can't thank him enough. The process was easy and simple."

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Ray Brown
Former Offensive Tackle - San Francisco

"I'm thrilled with the results of my LASIK surgery with Dr. Gary Kawesch. Having surgery was one of the best things I've done for myself. Playing ball without the hassle's and worries of contact lenses will be great, not to mention just having one less thing to worry about everyday. I was so pleased with the results, I had my wife go see Dr. Kawesch to get her vision corrected."

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Russ Ortiz
Former Pitcher - San Francisco

"By correcting my vision with LASIK, Dr. Kawesch has made my life much easier. Pitching in windy and dusty stadiums should no longer be a problem. Dr. Kawesch's skill and confidence guided me through the procedure and made it very simple. I'm very glad I did it!"

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Steve Hutchinson
Guard - Seattle

"Before my surgery, I was skeptical about how quick and easy the process was. I've heard people tell me how simple a procedure it was, but I couldn't believe that something so life altering could be so relatively simple. Now, after going through it, I would recommend it to anybody. It really is as simple as they say. In a few hours after my surgery, I was seeing better than I was while wearing my contact lenses. Both Dr. Kawesch and his staff could not have been more hospitable and comforting. The entire process went smoothly, from my consultation to the follow up exam. I would definitely recommend Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to anyone needing their vision
corrected."

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Zack Crockett
Running Back - Oakland

"Before the surgery, I used to blink a lot and my contacts would pop out when hit hard, which would cause me to have to leave the game. The contacts are never right. After having the surgery, it's now like night and day. I now have 20/15 vision. It's like a blessing. I've never seen this clear ever before."

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Tim Kohn
Former Offensive Guard - Oakland

"I can't wait to play ball with my new vision, I can't thank you enough!"

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Tony Granato
Retired Left Wing - San Jose

"My Vision is now better than 20/20 in both eyes and I see much better now than I ever did with contact lenses or glasses. The procedure was quick, easy, relatively pain free, and I was back to my full activity level the following day.
After wearing lenses and glasses, all the hassles are now gone! Dr. Kawesch, thank you!"

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Rod Coleman
Defensive End - Oakland

"Following the surgery, I can now see the hand-offs and anticipate things before they happen because I have better vision. I can see the center move the ball ever so slightly, helping me get off the ball quicker."

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Derrick Deese
Offensive Tackle - San Francisco

"This was one of the best decisions having LASIK with Dr. Gary Kawesch. The procedure was quick and easy. I'm very excited about this football season, playing without contact lenses will give me the same satisfaction as winning a game!!"

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Darrien Gordon
Former Corner Back - Oakland

"It's been a wonderful experience to be able to wake up in the morning without having to worry about putting contacts in. Following the surgery I'm seeing the ball a lot better and my reaction time is a lot quicker. It's (LASIK surgery performed by Dr. Kawesch) been one of the best things I've done as far as my career."

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Chuck Osborne
Former Defensive Tackle-Oakland

"The LASIK surgery is unbelievable. I never have to wear contacts again. My vision was very poor and now I'm 20/15 in each eye. My contacts don't pop out on the field anymore and I don't get that irritating feeling in my eyes. It's an amazing surgery and I back it 100 percent."

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Dody Wood
Former Center-San Jose Sharks

"I was skating here the last two weeks, and I could see the puck a lot clearer. Before, there used to be a black trail. It made the puck look three to four times its actual size, so I wasn't hitting it right, and I wasn't able to focus on it.
Today, it's perfect. We had our first scrimmage yesterday, and everything went fine. I'm very pleased with the procedure."

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Jason Buffalow
Professional Wake Boarder

"I had Lasik Surgery by Dr. Kawesch on January 24, 2002 and it was the best decision of my life. If I had known the many effects that it would have on my life, I would have it done it years ago and spent as much as I could afford.
I am a professional wake boarder in Northern California. I have been around water my entire life, but have had to deal with contact lenses. With my contacts, I was always fearful of losing them. It was also difficult seeing clearly in bright daylight or at dusk. Now I am able to see much clearer at all times of the day.

Whether I am on the water, playing volleyball or working, I can see so much clearer. I have already sent half a dozen of my close friends to Dr. Kawesch. I highly recommend this procedure and Dr. Kawesch. Thank you again Dr. K."

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Celebrities & On-Air Personalities

Carlos Santana
Muscian

"Deepest gratitude for the excellent work that you performed on my eyes. Please be sure to give my best and many thanks to your staff. Thank you for everything. Love, oneness and gratitude"

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Rachael Leigh Cook
Actress

"There is no way to describe laser vision correction as anything short of a miracle. I have worn glasses and contacts since I was 11 years old and all of that changed in five painless minutes. My vision is crystal clear and I love knowing that I will never wander around the house complaining that, 'I can't find my glasses because I can't find my glasses.' Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You have changed my life."

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Paul Tonelli
The Bone 107.7 Morning Show - Bay Area, CA

"How can I begin to say "thanks?" I still can't believe that I'm seeing with my own two eyes. For the first time in over 30 years I am not wearing glasses or contacts. Amazing!!! I feel like I stepped right out of a science fiction movie about the 21st century."

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Lamont Hollywood
The Bone 107.7 Morning Show - Bay Area, CA

"I keep bragging about this guy, all the time. Dr. Gary Kawesch, to me the messiah of eyeballs."

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Greg Kihn
KFOX Morning Show
Ex-Rock Star/Reformed Wild Man

If I'd have known how easy and painless the LASIK eye procedure would be, I'd have done it years ago. Not only was it quick (the whole thing took 90 seconds) and easy (it was absolutely painless), but the results were immediate. I could actually read the road signs on the way home. It's no wonder why Dr. Kawesch is the top man in his field. The staff at the Laser Eye Center made the whole experience pleasant. I recommend Dr. Kawesch to anyone interested in seeing things the way they are.

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Judge Joe Brown
Television Personality & Court Room Judge

"Dr Kawesch, thanks for giving me eyes that really work! Your staff was wonderful! You guys are really great!"

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Scott Mace
Weather Anchor KSDW-TV

"I don't have to worry about glasses or contacts anymore. My vision has gone from bad (about 20/700) to great (about 20/25) and I have had no side effects. Dr. Kawesch and all the staff are true professionals. Having this surgery has been one of the best decisions of my life. Surgery has given me a freedom that I haven't had since I was a kid."

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Darien O' Toole
KSAN Radio - San Jose, CA

"Having the LASIK surgery by Dr. Kawesch was the best thing I've ever done!" Being a morning show host I greatly appreciate one less hassle at 4am. I am thrilled to not have to deal with contacts or look like a librarian with my glasses anymore! I can see better now than when I was a child. It makes me feel like superwoman... I wholeheartedly suggest that people get it done. It's the best thing you can do for yourself!"

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Other Stories

Michael St-Jean
Engineer

"I am an engineer with a large multi-national technology company and I spend many hours working on the computer and visiting clients across the globe. I've worn glasses since high school, but last year, I decided to look into eye surgery. I've always been afraid of tampering with my eyes, so I looked around carefully, found Dr. Kawesch and decided to come in for a visit. What impressed me, besides just the knowledgable and patient staff, is the breadth of surgical techniques that Dr. Kawesch has experience with and the newness of the equipment. After my consultation, Dr. Kawesch told me that in his opinion, because of the shape of my cornea, he would prefer to offer PRK sugery rather than LASIK. This would be more involved, and has a longer recovery time, he explained, but it would be the safest choice for someone like me. I appreciated the candor, and was very thankful that I hadn't gone to a doctor who might push me into LASIK, if he or she just didn't have the experience to offer a better choice. I opted for the PRK sugery with Wavefront, and, as expected, it did take several months for my eyes to adjust completely after the sugery, but now, I see with 20/15 vision. AMAZING! Besides seeing better than I ever have before in my life, the convenience of not wearing glasses is incredible. Before, I always had to switch between my glasses and Rx sunglasses when going in and out of shops, there was constant cleaning during inclement weather (which happens a lot in New England, where I reside), and it was never much fun dealing with glasses while I went mountain biking or kayaking. Dr. Kawesch and staff have set me free to enjoy life without the hassle of glasses. Thanks!"

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Tamara Carter
Flight Attendant & Actress

"What I found so different and special about Dr. Kawesch, other than his extensive experience and expertise, was his quality patient care. It all started with my first phone call to his office. His staff enthusiastically answered all my many questions and concerns with caring and patience. Every staff member was informed and educated about the procedure. The scheduling was flexible, which was great since I live in Washington, D.C. and had to fly in."

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Mimi de Ville
Marketing Analyst

"I got my first pair of glasses when I was five years old. My vision grew progressively worse and the thickness of my lenses grew with it. I was 12 years old before they made a contact lens for my prescription. Every time I tore a lens, it took 4-6 weeks to get it replaced. Nobody wanted to stock my prescription! Then I developed astigmatism and had to wear glasses over my contact lenses to correct blurred images. I was overjoyed when Dr. Kawesch said he could help correct my vision. I would have been satisfied if I could recover enough vision to wear thin glasses, but he exceeded my expectations and gave me perfection. I now see 20/20 in one eye, 20/30 in the other, without any corrective lenses. To go from a -12 and -13 diopter prescription to PERFECTION is nothing less than a miracle to me and I can't give any better recommendation than the one I give to you now: GO FOR IT!!! Dr. Kawesch is a genius in his field and you will be happy with the results of your surgery."

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Tiffany Goodyear
Global Technician Services

"I was nervous a few days before the surgery but I knew I would be a "new person" when it was done. The surgery was simple, quick and painless and I was able to see immediately! It was easy surgery for such an incredible result. My life has changed forever." The surgery itself was painless, as was the recovery. Now I can live my life as I like, very active and care free. You can too! I highly recommend Dr. Kawesch and his outstanding staff for your LASIK surgery!"

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Nick Tenzig
Logistics Manager

"I did a lot of background checking. I went to at least three different doctors, including Dr. Kawesch. I felt most comfortable with him, based on his experience. Also, he came highly recommended by my optometrist, so I felt really good about his expertise."

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Remy Martin-Fenske
Acct. Executive

"I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for changing my life! I had LASIK eye surgery done on both of my eyes just 2 weeks ago, and my eyesight has drastically improved! I just had my check-up this morning, and my doctor said I was vastly improving from my quick and painless surgery! He couldn't believe it himself! Because it has only been 2 weeks, I haven't done too much sports activity yet, but am waiting anxiously for ski season to use my NEW EYES!!! No more dried out contacts, no more losing my contacts, no more glasses at night...oooh, I just can't wait! Life is already easier. In the mornings when I wake up, I can actually see the alarm clock! I could go on and on, but it is close to indescribable."

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Jill Brittenham
Major Clothing Retailer - Product Development

"This was the best decision of my life. I am now 20/20 in both eyes and it has allowed me the freedom to be without glasses or contacts."

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Peter Carlino
President, Entrees Unlimited

"I had to write this to you, because, the feelings I am holding inside are raw excitement and wondrous disbelief... Your smooth and confident presence, gave me comfort that you would accept nothing short of perfection in my surgery... Minutes after the surgery I was reading license plates on cars! I had no glasses, and knew that this was one of the most miraculous things that has ever happened in my life! Let me also say that your staff was real down to earth, supportive, knowledgeable and professional... I hope you will share my success with any potential patients... It gave me such confidence in myself that I just started my own TV show on cable, called Cooking of the 90's. God bless you!"

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Janet Smith
Paralegal

"The surgery was a snap. My astigmatism was corrected, too. Thirty years of wearing contact lenses or glasses, gone. So many bad experiences, gone " no more ripped lenses, lost lenses, irritation, walking into walls in the early morning, not seeing the clock, feeling like I was handicapped. All I want to do is look at things now, like I'm seeing the world for the first time. Colors and contrasts are wonderful and my night vision is excellent."

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Dave Morse
Telecommunications Manager

"I literally open my eyes each morning and pause for just a few seconds to "celebrate the view." It is wonderful! However, I started with serious concerns about the LASIK procedure. I called, visited several doctors, and researched the procedure on the Internet through several medical university Web pages. I wanted the benefit of the surgery but certainly did not want to lose what I already had! After validating Dr. Kawesch's reputation I decided to go for it. No pain, very quick, professional and supportive pre-and post care after the procedure. In fact, I drove back to the office the following morning without glasses or lenses! My advice: use Dr. Kawesch and do it!"

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Melinda Gallo
Gallo & Gallo Corp.

"Being able to see again without glasses is a miracle! Anyone who has the opportunity to have the procedure should do so without hesitation! I was so happy with my results, I convinced my mother to have it as well - she is just as thrilled as I am!"

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Liz Owen
Project Specialist

"WOW!! Is the only way I can describe the LASIK eye surgery procedure! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry with the joy and happiness this eye surgery gave me... Dr. Kawesch and his staff were responsive and thorough with the entire procedure. His staff comes with a great deal of experience and knowledge, and they were very supportive and sensitive to my needs... I fear pain and I was scared... I had the surgery done 3 weeks ago... I had no pain, no swelling, no bruising and I had no real discomfort. The surgery took less than 5 minutes and the minute I stepped out of the surgery room I was able to see, and every day gets even better! I am extremely happy with Dr. Kawesch and his staff and would highly recommend this procedure. Don't be afraid just get it done and you will be as happy with the results as l am!"

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Dean Pasich
Dean Pasich Enterprise

"I was hoping for the 20/20 miracle and I received even better sight in both eyes. Keep in mind, I could barely see across the room without thick glasses on... Please thank your very professional staff for making my eye surgery a very pleasant experience. I paid very close attention to their after surgery instructions and from the very next day I felt perfect. I know there are many other patients who have had great success with their surgery. Words alone will never be able to express the joy and happiness I feel.

Thank you Dr. Kawesch!