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*Treatment results may vary

Please read this review if you have been diagnosed...

Please read this review if you have been diagnosed with a pterygium. The recurrence rate after most surgeries is quite high. Repeat failed surgeries has the potential to cause serious vision impairments and scarring to the eye. Dr. Hirst has developed a solution to this common problem: the P.E.R.F.E.C.T for PTERYGIUM® procedure.

I am a physician practicing in the United States. Due to childhood experiences in the sun and likely a genetic predisposition, I found myself at 34 years old with recurrent aggressive bilateral pterygia. I went to top institutions and had a total of four pterygium resection surgeries in the United States, three with conjunctival grafts. My pterygia returned a few months later and were larger than prior to surgery.

Exasperated, and without a clear path forwards, I sought yet another opinion. A corneal specialist in Denver, CO, told me about a series of articles that Dr. Hirst had written documenting his successful treatment of over 1,000 patients. We contacted him immediately after my appointment in Denver and within hours Dr. Hirst had agreed to take on my case. He was optimistic that the procedure he created, P.E.R.F.E.C.T for PTERYGIUM® procedure, was likely the only treatment that could give me a successful outcome, since I had failed multiple procedures performed by experts based in the US. By doing a more targeted, extensive and detailed resection of the pterygium than any other experts perform, Dr. Hirst felt he could resolve my bilateral recurrent aggressive pterygia.

Dr. Hirst expeditiously put me on his schedule for a consultation and bilateral surgeries. His excellent office staff helped me with the logistics of my stay, recommended accommodations and provided transportation details.

During my initial consultation, Dr. Hirst spent a great deal of time examining my eyes, reading my prior records, photographing my eyes, and counseling me on what to expect in the hours, days and weeks after my surgery. I never felt rushed and I had plenty of time to ask questions. He sent me home with additional literature about the procedure. Dr. Hirst warned me that my case would be challenging, even for him, as I had scarring which resulted from my several prior failed surgeries in the US. He also warned me of the low risk of recurrence for multiple recurrent pterygia, even with his procedure, which was nearly 20 times less than the rate of recurrence we had been quoted in the United States. At the end of the consult I felt very confident that I was in good hands.

My surgeries were performed at the Queensland Eye Hospital in Brisbane. The hospital staff was very friendly and efficient. The hospital was clean and modern. The anesthesiologist was excellent.

In the days following my surgeries, I had multiple follow-up visits with Dr. Hirst. During each one he gave me his undivided attention and tracked my progress with photographs. I always saw Dr. Hirst. I never saw a medical assistant and was never kept waiting long periods of time. Now that I am back in the US, I have checkups with a corneal specialist. Dr. Hirst has been in email communication with me about my progress and is still very interested in my care.

It has been nearly six months since my surgery and both of my eyes look better than they have in fifteen years. At this point, after prior surgeries, I had full blown large recurrences. Now, six months after the P.E.R.F.E.C.T for PTERYGIUM® procedures bilaterally, there is essentially no obvious indication of my having had eye surgeries. My daytime vision has improved due to the release of tension previously experienced from the pterygia. I have no evidence of recurrence and no double vision.

I VERY highly recommend Dr. Hirst for pterygium surgery.

One year post P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for Pterygium Procedure

I am now one year post P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for Pterygium Procedure. I went to see my local ophthalmologist for a check-up and he said that my eyes looked good and there are no signs of recurrence. This is the longest that I have gone without recurrence and I am confident that my pterygia are gone for good. I have been in email communication with Dr. Hirst and he continues to take an interest in my care, even one year after.

3 years post PERFECT procedure

I am 3 years post bilateral pterygium removal by Dr. Lawrence Hirst and I am excited to report that I have no recurrence. I have no problems with my eye muscles, no double vision, no ptosis. Before Dr. Hirst performed my surgery my eyes were always dry, irritated and red. Now they look perfect.
I am so happy that I made the trip to Australia from the US. It was the best decision.

Provider Review

Specialist Ophthalmologist
232 Oxley Road, Graceville, Queensland
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