Imagine arriving at the scene of an accident, prepared to put your training into action and save lives, only to be hindered by rain on your glasses or an uncomfortable contact lens. For Trainee Ambulance Technician Emma, this wasn’t just a hypothetical, it was often her reality.

In her line of work, clear vision isn’t just important—it’s essential. Emma found herself relying on her glasses more than ever once she started the role, unwilling to risk compromising patient care. Glasses became a constant presence, and she quickly realised how much they affected her life when she wasn’t wearing them.

That’s when Emma submitted her application for ‘Thanks a Million’ 2023. Motivated by her peers, many of whom had previously had vision correction, she was determined to find a permanent solution for her vision – a success she achieved for free as part of the campaign to thank NHS and Emergency Service staff for their work.

Though she was nervous on the day of the procedure, the skilled team at Optical Express quickly put her at ease. The results speak for themselves. “Being able to see, being able to jump in the car without glasses,” Emma shares. “I’d 100% recommend laser eye surgery at Optical Express. Just the whole procedure from start to finish was unbelievable.”

Optical Express first launched the ‘Thanks a Million’ campaign in 2017, donating £1 million worth of free laser eye surgery to NHS and Emergency Service workers. Since the relaunch in 2023 Optical Express has donated another £1 million worth of laser eye surgery as a way of saying ‘thank you’ to those like Megan who work tirelessly every day to help safeguard our communities. For Emma, it’s not just better vision, it’s a better life.