The eye captures the image and the eye sorts everything out… The perception of vision is a complex phenomenon. What we can see depends on many factors including how the outside world is illuminated, how that light from the outside world gets transmitted into the eye and how then those signals from the eye are sent via electrical signals along nerves to the brains visual centres to interpret the images illuminated of the outside world. The eye is primarily responsible for capturing light from the outside world and processing this into an electrical signal for the brain to interpret. The electrical signals are therefore not processed in the eye, but through the optic nerves into the brain centre responsible for vision processing. We can consider the basic steps of visual perception as follows: Light rays enter the eyes outer layer (cornea), pass through the ‘black hole’ called the pupil. These light rays then strike the natural lens of the eye, which focuses the light rays onto the retina. The cells of the retina transform the light into electrical impulses and transmit these to the brain, where the electrical impulses are changed to chemical interactions allowing the sensation of sight. The brain then filters the images into areas of colour, contract, the direction of movement and location. These are building blocks assembled together to allow interpretation of the vision. The most common cause of visual impairment worldwide is a group of disorders called ‘refractive errors’, resulting in blurred images. The main refractive errors are myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia (loss of near vision with age) and astigmatism. Click on the links below for more information on these conditions. 30.6%Myopia prevalence across Europe25.2%Hyperopia prevalence across Europe23.9%Astigmatism prevalence across Europe1.04Presbyopia prevalence across Europe Click on the links below for more information on these conditions. MyopiaHypermetropiaAstigmatismPresbyopia Patient Testimonials Superb I just had my cataract surgery at CHEC. Despite my nerves, the staff were reassuring and made me feel comfortable. The surgery was quick, I was kept informed at every stage which was great. I cannot recommend CHEC highly enough. Gill Couldn’t fault them As soon as I arrived, I was made to feel at ease. All staff were friendly but professional, they couldn’t have been any better. I now have no fear in returning to continue my treatment. Linda S Excellent practice This was my first visit to CHEC, the Reception staff were extremely helpful and polite. All the other staff were very pleasant and made you feel welcome to be there, credit to you all. Linda James Lovely Staff Welcoming, friendly, attentive, efficient, and above all, patient. Having my eyes tested at this practice provided excellent service at a time when one might wonder why these tests are necessary. Thanks to the staff I met today. Kevin Johnson Absolutely brilliantly at Ilford The staff at Ilford were excellent. The nurses explained my procedure step by step, and when I met with the doctor, they were very welcoming and made me feel comfortable. Thank you so much. Barbara Murphy Friendly staff at Ilford Clinic The staff are all very friendly, very kind and very smiley. I had a good experience, and I would definitely recommend Ilford practice to friends and family. Raahim Fantastic service I had my second cataract procedure at CHEC in Blackpool today. Once again l was impressed by the kindness, helpfulness, good humour, and professionalism of everybody who works there. Thank you. Graham Jones Amazing experience I had a laser capsulotomy treatment in Stevenage on Monday 26th February. I was in and out of the treatment centre in under 10 minutes. All instructions were easy to follow with astonishing results. Well-done and thank you. S Frost Great and very patient focused The staff were brilliant at each stage which made the entire process calming, from consultation through to the surgery. The receptionists were fantastic. Kim All very professional and competent! I found the whole process to be highly professional and competent and would therefore recommend this organisation without reservation to anyone who needs cataract surgery. Nigel Morgan Wonderful stress-free experience I was made to feel relaxed from the moment we arrived by all the amazing staff. I wish other medical institutions were like this. Thank you. K.R. Great practice All the staff were attentive, polite and friendly. They listened to my individual needs and took great care of me. Mary Dyas Efficient service Really quick referral and appointment at CHEC Stockport. Lovely staff. Efficient and timely appropriate medical care. Responsive follow up. Premises are really clean and a pleasant experience at a worrying time of a health issue involving eyesight. Excellent care thank you! Richard Very pleased I am very pleased with the service at CHEC, it is absolutely first-class. From the receptionists, the way I was treated and having the operation done was good. Since having the operation my vision has been very good. Anonymous Fantastic experience The whole process has been very fast and exceeded my expectations. The staff are all very friendly and professional. I am very pleased with CHEC Northampton. Anonymous Great practice I’m amazed by the quick, efficient service and ecstatic about the results. I now see car number plates, road signs, and TV text bright and clearly, with everything appearing detailed. This is the best birthday present ever. Thank you so much, please don’t change a thing. Marian Curran