Wall of Love
Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic
London, Chelmsford, Hatfield
London, Chelmsford, Hatfield
“This is why people come from all over the world to see Mr Hove. I was recommended Mr Hove by one of the large corporate lens replacement organisations as I'm medically complex/unusual. I have an extremely rare Connective Tissue disorder (only 51 of us diagnosed worldwide so far) and I don't respond well to local anaesthesia including nerve blocks, spinals, epidurals etc, so the thought of undergoing any surgical procedure under local anaesthesia fills me with absolute dread.
I sent an email enquiry to Blue Fin Vision on 18 July and immediately received an email response from Mr Hove himself agreeing to see me. I received an appointment at Harley Street from Bukie the lovely and efficient Practice Manager for 31 July for scans and to see Mr Hove. On the appointment day, my train was significantly delayed, but Mr Hove still kindly agreed to see me.
When I got there, after being offered refreshments and time to catch my breath, I had eye drops administered in both eyes to dilate my pupils ready for the scans and examination. Aside from a little brief stinging, the whole process was completely pain free. I then went to see Mr Hove for the first consultation.
From past experiences, I don't trust new doctors much and I don't believe them when they tell me something will be pain free from local anaesthesia when past experience has taught me on multiple occasions the exact opposite! Mr Hove is a very straight-talking surgeon, which I like, and he repeatedly reassured me that he would ensure my experience was pain free and I wouldn't feel anything. I can't say at this point I believed him 100% and told him this.
Mr Hove explained in great detail how the lens replacement with Zeiss trifocal lenses procedure was carried out; he even showed me a video of the lens removal and replacement in his office. Mr Hove again reassured me that he could undertake the surgery as he's very used to being sent the more complex cases and mine should be relatively easy.
I could either have it done Monday as in three days later (eeek!) or towards the end of August as he was going on holiday. As Mr Hove rightly pointed out, the longer the wait for the surgery, the longer to think about it and the more anxiety and worry to cope with; we agreed on the Monday!
Before I left the appointment, Mr Hove made sure that all my questions and concerns had been answered and addressed and he reassured me countless times that I would be comfortable and pain free.
He also explained how I'd receive a lengthy consent form later the same day, which I did, and that I needed to read through the document that explained everything and ask any questions I needed to, then to reply in writing that I was happy to proceed. I'd then be sent an interactive version of the consent form to initial and sign which was our contract moving forward.
On Sunday evening, the day before my surgery, Mr Hove rang me to check if I had any further questions and if I was still happy to go ahead the next day, which I was. He reminded me of the times and process for admission and that I was going to Weymouth Street Hospital.
On Monday I arrived much later than planned due to storm Floris as I was travelling from Chorley Lancashire. You get one shot at this type of surgery, so I was more than happy to travel anywhere for the skills and experience of such a highly skilled surgeon as Mr Hove. I arrived at Weymouth Street Hospital exactly at my admission time of 17.30.
The hospital does not look like a hospital; it looks like a residential building and is welcoming and friendly. I initially thought the cab driver had taken me to the incorrect address until I saw the window signs for Weymouth Street Hospital!
I was greeted by a really lovely receptionist who put me at ease straight away, especially when we compared fur kitties! I signed the admission paperwork after checking my details then a nurse took me up to my room. My room was neat and clean with ensuite facilities, and everything was ready for me. The nurse took my observations and asked that I change into the theatre gown etc.
Mr Hove arrived with a bag of post op eye drops and again asked if I'd any questions or concerns and I again reminded him of my local anaesthesia issues! Mr Hove again, very patiently, reassured me for the millionth time, that he would not let me be in pain and marked above both eyes as I was having bilateral (both) lens replacement with Carl Zeiss trifocal lenses. The nurse then came and gave me some diazepam to relax me and the first lot of three doses of eye drops given five minutes apart to dilate my pupils.
They stung a little, but it certainly wasn't awful. I was then collected to walk to theatre by another really lovely nurse.
Theatre was ready, music going, which was totally chilled, and Mr Hove and another scrub nurse checked my details and signature on the consent form again and we were ready to go. Mr Hove then marked the area on both eyes where the tiny incisions were to be. I then lay down on the theatre trolley flat and a sterile drape was put over me with just the eye (right one first) for the surgery showing. More anaesthetic drops were added then I was told to keep looking at the bright light.
Next thing Mr Hove told me my lens was removed, I heard the ‘hoover’ machine cleaning up my eye, then some slight pressure as Mr Hove confirmed the new lens was in place! The same procedure was then followed (with different music for the left eye!) for the left eye.
It is very clear that Mr Hove takes immense pride in his skills and is very happy and confident in theatre but also extremely approachable. Once both eyes were finished, I was so happy that I hadn't felt anything other than some light pressure, I was helped to stand up and told Mr Hove, I now believed and trusted him 100%! Mr Hove seemed as happy as I was, even though he assured me he was never concerned! It's really obvious that he genuinely cares about every single patient of his and treats everyone as a unique individual.
He gave me a bottle of Bollinger champagne on my way out of theatre, which was a really lovely gesture. I then walked back to my room, with some help from one of the nurses. I could see, but at this point it was cloudy with a brown haze.
Once back in my room, I was served a lovely dinner that I chose from the menu before I went to theatre. The nursing staff and HCAs were absolutely amazing and couldn't do enough for you and were genuinely concerned that you were happy and comfortable.
Mr Hove came to see me again to tell me that he would call me on the phone the next day to check that all was well and he'd see me again for a six week follow up. I received the follow up letter electronically a little later that evening. Then it was time to get dressed and leave with my new lenses!
I have met hundreds of doctors, consultants and surgeons due to having a complex medical history. Mr Hove is so down to earth, straight talking, knowledgeable, skilled and experienced so as soon as I met him, I knew he was the surgeon who I was going to trust with my eyesight. He is one of around three surgeons whom I truly trust, and I cannot recommend him enough, you absolutely will not go wrong by choosing Mr Hove for your surgeon, it will be the best decision you will ever make for your eyes. ”
“I had been wanting to go for laser eye surgery for a long time and decided to look at options. I wanted to make sure I went somewhere that I could place my full trust. After a lot of research, I found Blue Fin Vision© and travelled to London from the southwest or a consultation.
Everyone at Blue Fin Vision© was very friendly, welcoming and professional. After the scans, they shared the results and took me through the options.
The scans revealed I have very thin corneas, and so my only viable option was Trans-epi, which they walked me through in great detail. I know from then that this was the surgery I can put my trust in.
I booked my appointment, a week after my consultation, and a week after that, I was back in London for my surgery. The procedure was quick and painless. They then took me through the care routine and provided everything I would need.
A month later, I have perfectly clear vision and no complications. Honestly the best decision I've ever made. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Blue Fin Vision© to anyone considering laser eye surgery.”
"Day one after lens replacement surgery: My life has been transformed. I was extremely short-sighted with a -15 prescription and a complex history of retinal detachments and congenital cataract. For the first time today, I woke up and could see straightaway. I am writing this review with no glasses or contact lenses where yesterday I wouldn’t have been able to see the screen without correction. Going to Mr Hove was the best decision I’ve made. If you want lens replacement surgery by a leading specialist who genuinely cares for his patients and getting them the best possible outcome, I can’t recommend Mr Hove enough.
After my initial consultation, Mr Hove was prompt in sending a letter detailing his findings and plan of action. He later arranged a second consultation with me on a Friday evening to listen to my concerns and answer any additional questions. His expertise is immediately evident from his explanations which are both thorough but also easy to understand for a non-medical professional. He is able to answer any question with ease.
My surgery experience exceeded all expectations. Mr Hove went above and beyond, responding at all hours of the day, to ensure my lenses arrived in time and my surgery went ahead as scheduled, with a short turnaround. He knew I was anxious about staying in London and navigating the city so again went above and beyond, booking a local hotel room for me and my mum and post-surgery dropping us back to the hotel.
The day before surgery Mr Hove called me on a Sunday evening to go through everything, answer questions and reassure me about the plan for the day. Mr Hove operates in the Weymouth Street Hospital which was unlike any hospital I’ve ever been to. My entire stay was a first-class experience. The facilities were beautiful; upon arrival I was quickly taken to my own spacious personal room with an ensuite bathroom.
Every single member of staff, from the receptionist to the theatre staff to the nurses, were friendly and it was a pleasure to be cared for by them. It was a professional and calm surgery, Mr Hove and his theatre team were communicative and reassuring throughout.
After care was again flawless. I got to choose from a menu with a great selection, and a three-course dinner was served promptly after surgery. My mum was given the same at no additional cost, which was such a lovely thought. Mr Hove came and checked on me, dropped us home and called the very next day to see how I was recovering. I’ve never heard of a doctor giving his patients his personal number so they can contact him anytime and I think it speaks to the different type of Doctor Mr Hove is.
His dedication to his patients is truly inspiring and his attention to detail to making sure every step of his patient’s experience is the best it can possibly be , show this is truly a vocation he was made for.
I am still recovering but only 24 hours after surgery, I am blown away. I walked to surgery not being able to see anything (I didn’t have my glasses on) and an hour later post-surgery, I walked down the same corridors reading the lift numbers and flyers on the wall. I had thick bulky glasses and am so happy to see them gone! If anything’s worth investing in it’s your eyesight and going to Mr Hove will be the best investment you make.
He has had lens replacement surgery himself so can speak from a first-hand patient perspective as well as a top doctor. He had the same type of lenses as he uses for his patients, showing he truly treats you like it is his own eyes. The lenses I had were the trifocal Carl Zeiss lenses. Maybe someone will quote you a cheaper price but the quality of expertise, lenses and the entire experience you get at Blue Fin Vision is worth every penny. You have one set of eyes for the rest of your life so why not go to the best.
I still can’t believe it and will be forever grateful for Mr Hove’s care and support. Thank you for everything you do, especially putting the wellbeing of your patients first.
From aged 5, I’ve worn glasses or contact lenses from morning to night. It’s a miracle that aged 30, I’ve been given the gift of sight and am able to sit at my laptop typing this review with nothing on or in my eyes. You have changed my life, and I will always feel truly blessed and grateful to be one of your patients. 5 stars isn’t enough; you won’t get this service anywhere else!! "
"I've been waiting to hit the one month mark before writing this review because I wanted to feel out the full experience and road to recovery so I can give my best help and advice to people considering it all. I've been absolutely THRILLED with everything and particularly with choosing Mr Mfazo Hove as my surgeon.
Pre operation and consultation was attentive and all explained very well to me. He showed me a video which at the time I sort of thought I'd rather have not watched but on reflection I think it was valuable to really have me understand and know what's going on both during the surgery and just in my general decision making. He answered all and any questions and never felt rushed or like he was trying to get through a "process" as quick as possible.
The surgery went very well. He was confident and reassuring without pandering too much or giving too much weight to my nerves. It felt swift but safe. The operation was 20-30 minutes to my memory but that's just a guess. It was certainly fairly quick. I was very nervous inside and the operation is certainly peculiar and a little uncomfortable conceptually but physically it was painless and at worst there was mild discomfort with your eye being held open. None of the laser or flap removal was painful (I got LASIK).
Already post op I could see but with blurred vision and I found it far more comfortable to keep my eyes closed and rest them. I went to bed that night and woke up to already have impeccable vision. It was less than 12 hours later and I went in for my check up and was reading better than 20/20 on my right eye and at 20/20 on my left eye (or maybe the other way round but the point is it was bloody good!).
The weeks that followed were interesting because, probably partially to do with such exceptional early results, I had some frustrations with slight blurriness here and there. I went in to see Mr Hove and he reassured me that it was just to do with dryness and a surface issue. It was reassuring to be able to follow up with him in person and be sure and, as predicted, my eyes are now feeling really solid at the month mark.
Overall, I feel the surgery is somewhat of a miracle. Of course we just live in incredible times medically but conceptually the fact I've been afforded perfect sight at the age of 30 having been wearing glasses all day everyday for a decade is the stuff of miracles. Looking forward to my (probably) final checkup and thanking Mr Hove as I go on to hopefully enjoy my vision for years to come.
Would recommend - 5 stars!!"
“Having cataract surgery is daunting, and as a younger patient, unusual. I’m hoping my experience helps others understand what to expect and what may be achievable.
I had cataract surgery previously with the NHS for one eye and was hugely disappointed with the outcome. This is no reflection on the NHS – I was looked after and seen quickly – but I had not done my research on what the outcomes could be. Having a monofocal lens meant I lost my near sight entirely in one eye, unable to see a screen, and was faced with a decision on what to do to fix the remaining cataract in my right eye.
Research took me to Mr Hove, who clearly and honestly took great time and care to explain my options, potential outcomes, and risks from our first discussions. Having talked through everything extensively with Mr Hove, I chose to have a right eye cataract operation with a Zeiss Trifocal lens and a left eye Rayner Sulcoflex Trifocal piggyback lens.
I’m on day two having had bilateral surgery with him and have gone from being virtually blind in my right eye to now reading the smallest text there is on an iPhone. He and the team at the Phoenix Hospital in Chelmsford took the absolute best care of me in the build-up to, on the day of, and after surgery.
Mr Hove is clearly hugely passionate about what he does, a perfectionist seeking only the best outcomes for his patients. In all honesty, yes, it is uncomfortable and odd; during surgery, looking into the lights is a little psychedelic – you see nothing but bright light. My experience, for those who are curious or worried, was at its worst the same feeling as accidentally prodding your eye with a mascara wand. Post-surgery, I’ve had slightly achy, watering eyes – nothing that paracetamol cannot handle for the afternoon.
I would highly, highly recommend Mr Hove as a surgeon for the level of care, attention to detail, passion, and energy about all things ophthalmology. I truly cannot thank him and the team at the Phoenix Hospital in Chelmsford enough for what has been a life-changing experience for the better.”
"My whole experience with Mr Hove, and Blue Fin Vision was seamless. Very soon after making my enquiry, I was contacted by the practice manager and had an appointment for an assessment and eye screening within days.
Mr Hove was extremely thorough and talked me through every aspect of the procedure I required, which was lens replacement surgery . He talked me through any risks, pros (many) and cons (few). He was also able to talk about the procedure from the perspective of the patient, as he has had lens replacement surgery himself. This point was really interesting to me, as he has the same Carl Zeiss lenses in his eyes as he uses for his patients. I opted for the trifocal Carl Zeiss lens, as Mr Hove was so pleased with the improvement in his vision, and I'm delighted to say that post-surgery, I feel the same way. In all, the consultation was thorough and reassured me that I was being dealt with by an expert. On top of this, Mr Hove has excellent people-skills, and I felt I would be in great hands.
I booked in for my surgery two weeks later as I was busy, but it could have been earlier if I'd wanted it to be. Mr Hove operates in the Weymouth Street Hospital, and again, my experience there was first rate. The general and nursing staff are professional and pleasant to deal with. My room was also very well equipped, and the menu had a good selection. My husband also ate with me, at no extra cost, which was a nice touch! The surgery itself was fast and professional. Again, the friendly theatre team working with Mr Hove was excellent, and I felt very safe in their hands.
Aftercare was faultless. Mr Hove came up to my room to check I was alright and called me again the next day. I have his personal number in case I need to contact him urgently. Saying that, I haven't had any issues at all. My eyes and vision felt great by the next day - they just needed a good night's sleep!
In conclusion, I cannot rate Mr Hove and Blue Fin Vision highly enough. I still have a beautiful bottle of champagne that Mr Hove gave to me, and I'll be using it to toast the whole Blue Fin team. Many, many thanks to you all. In short, I have sharp eyesight restored, and my glasses are in the bin. There may be cheaper options and lenses out there, but I want my eyesight to be great for the rest of my life - so why would I put it in inferior hands, or have second-rate lenses inserted? From where I'm standing now, I wouldn't change a thing."
“I met Mr Hove completely by chance at the 2022 Silverstone Grand Prix, 10 months prior to this I started to suffer from what I now know as chronic Uveitis. The initial flare up allowed the pressure in my right eye to build up to 42, which in turn resulted in loss of vision in that eye.
After many hospital visits and various eye drop medications, I did regain most of the vision in that right eye. However, unfortunately the Uveitis flare ups persisted which meant I had to stop wearing contact lenses and use steroid (pred forte) eye drops several times a day continuously. It was in this totally by chance meeting, I discovered Mr Hove was in fact an eye surgeon. Even on his day off he gave his time up to listen to my story and gave me his honest opinion which was that for all he couldn’t fix my Uveitis problem, which no one could, he could fix my vision to ease my need for contact lenses and frustration at that time of having to wear glasses. I have been a contact lens wearer for 25 years! I will also never forget the fact that he too used eye drops, which he got from his pocket to show me along with his words “look even I use eye drops and believe me if I could have fixed myself, I would have” …. It was those words that built the trust I had in Mr Hove.
However, as much as my eye problem did frustrate me and got me down, I still couldn’t overcome my fear of hospitals and eye surgery, to go for the consultation he had offered me. Rolling the clock forward to July 2023, my vision in my right eye had massively deteriorated once more, but unlike before I had no pain. Concerned, I went back to the hospital where I discovered I had a cataract brought on by the constant steroid use. I knew the time had come to “man up” and make that trip to London from the Northeast to meet up with Mr Hove, the man who had obtained my trust and respect that single day at Silverstone.
At my initial consultation with Mr Hove, I discovered not only did I have the really bad cataract in the right eye, I was actually also starting with one in the left eye too, although at its early stages. Mr Hove recommended I had refractive lens exchange surgery with trifocal lens in both eyes, and that the surgery could be done in both eyes at the same time! He was fantastic in explaining everything to me, although I think my husband was the one asking all the questions as I had clammed up from my pure fear of it all. Mr Hove could sense my nerves, so spent a lot of time in making sure I left that consultation, with a full understanding of the procedure, ensuring I had very very little to worry about and that I would be fine.
That train journey back up North was a quiet one, as I mulled things over. Deep down I knew I had to have the surgery, and I knew I wanted it to be performed by Mr Hove. However, I also knew to keep me calm in the build up to the surgery I needed to have it done under a general. After confirming with Bukie I wanted to go ahead, I found myself heading back to London for the surgery early September.
The day had come, I was petrified but knew I was going to be in good hands. The 10 minutes before going into theatre, I will never forget as it’s when I discovered I wasn’t going to have the surgery under General due to a little bit of a mix up. I was petrified but Mr Hove was brilliant, his reassuring words calmed me down and asked I still go through with it as he knew I would be fine, and I just needed to trust him. It was the trust in him that had got me this far… so after a few minutes, I said… “Just get me in there before I have any more time to think about it...” Those 5 minutes I now laugh about as like he said I had absolutely nothing to fear. Mr Hove and his team that night were brilliant. Not only did I get to listen to his super taste of music, but he also talked to me most of the way through the procedure, not that I am convinced it all went in, as I was concentrating so much on the lying still!
The surgery was over so quickly and has been a massive success. It’s been a long time since I have woken up on a morning and able to see! Mr Hove’s after patient care was brilliant. From the phone call the next evening following the surgery, to the provision of his mobile number should I ever need to get in touch with any issues or concerns I had.
At my follow up Mr Hove confirmed all was good and we did have a little laugh about it all. Not only am I cataract, glasses and contact lens free, my vision is nearly perfect. I honestly can’t recommend Mr Hove enough and I am extremely grateful that our purely by chance meeting happened that day at Silverstone.
Now rolling this story on further to December 2024, my husband and I are just back from London again. This time it was my husband’s turn. He had reached the time in his life where the need for reading glasses was affecting his building work and frustrating him massively. Mr Hove performed refractive lens exchange surgery for him. Both eyes were done together, again with great results. This surgery was carried out in the fantastic facilities of Weymouth Street Hospital. The staff there too were amazing with us both! We really can’t thank Mr Hove enough for his impeccable care to us both. ”
2022 Silverstone Grand Prix
“I have and will continue to fly halfway across the world for this doctor - he’s a perfectionist and truly looked after me during the entire process of my surgery. Mr Hove really is the best of the best; I can’t recommend him enough.”
“The procedure [conjunctival naevus thermocoagulation] was fast (under 30 minutes) and pain free. It was very satisfying to see the eye freckle pigment on a cotton bud! 😀 My eye was red afterwards and felt slightly scratchy, but it wasn't too bad. I didn't need to take any time off work. The redness went down completely after about 10 days. I am very happy with the result and can thoroughly recommend Mr Hove.”
“Recovery was quick with redness going after around 5 days and only very minor discomfort (nowhere near sufficient to require pain killers). I would not hesitate to recommend Mr Hove to any member of my family and wish him all the best in the future. Thank you, Mr Hove!”
“Mr Hove performed a bilateral YAG Capsulotomy to correct my eyesight which had become very blurred. The whole procedure was completely painless and over in minutes!! I now have my perfect eyesight back; everything is so clear and bright. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my eyes, thank you so much Mr Hove.”
“Dr Hove and the team were kind and reassuring throughout the procedure which made me feel comfortable and safe. Recovery was fast and I was able to return to normal life in just a few days, with a few precautions here and there to ensure my eyes healed perfectly. I can honestly say I highly recommend Dr Hove for LASIK procedures.”
“My consultation with Mr. Hove was a really positive experience from start to finish. He instantly made me feel comfortable and understood what concerned me, explaining everything very clearly in a way that I could understand. He was very patient, and I really appreciated the time he devoted to answering all my questions. I would highly recommend him.”
“Mr Hove is the best consultant ever. He explains everything to make sure you understand. He also has a good sense of humour which helps you relax. Amazing.”
“Mr Hove is simply the best. His care and attention are outstanding, and I have no hesitation in recommending him for eye treatment.”
“Mr Hove explained clearly and concisely about the issue and allayed my fears. He talked me through what was going to happen next throughout the operation which only took a few minutes and was completely painless. I can’t recommend him highly enough.”
“Mr Hove performed a Phacoemulsification with mono-focal lens on my left eye 3 days ago. The whole procedure was quick, stress free and I felt very confident in his care. Mr Hove is a very skilled, kind and caring Surgeon. I have already recommended him to family and friends.”
“I am very satisfied with this doctor. Very knowledgeable and friendly. I flew all the way from the Netherlands for the procedure (Laser thermocoagulation of conjunctival naevus) with this doctor. The treatment was painless, and I am very pleased with the end result. I can recommend this doctor to everyone!”
“Overall, Mr Hove was terrific, knowledgeable, sensitive and above all, informative. He was very understanding and listened intently to our concerns. My father immediately felt at ease and was comfortable speaking to him. During the consultations, he provided thorough examinations and showed genuine concern, while being extremely professional. Mr Hove is the best! I have nothing but great things to say. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a specialist.”
