After four years of performing corrective laser surgery on eye patients, surgeon Christopher Liu has finally had the procedure himself.

When he discovered he had to wear glasses at the age of 13, young Christopher Liu vowed to become an eye surgeon.

After nearly 30 years of wearing glasses, Mr Liu, now a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at the Sussex Eye Hospital in Brighton, has had the operation himself.

He had successfully performed a specialist corrective laser surgery technique called Lasik on several patients during the past four years.

Many of his patients asked why he did not have the same done to his own eyes.

A friend and fellow consultant in Hong Kong carried out the procedure on Mr Liu and the results have been a major success.

Mr Liu said: "Like any surgical procedure there is an element of risk. Not everybody is suitable for this type of surgery."

The Lasik technique involves laser surgery on the cornea, the clear curved 'window' at the front of the eye.

The procedure takes about 15 minutes per eye and is carried out under local anaesthetic.

Techniques are extremely accurate and patients can recover quickly.

Mr Liu said: "When I actually had the procedure done I admit I felt a little nervous.

"Afterwards my vision was a bit foggy but gradually cleared. After two weeks I was able to operate again."

Mr Liu, who was short-sighted, says it is a relief not to wear glasses any more.

He said: "Having the operation done shows I would not put patients through something I would not be prepared to do myself."

More details about the surgery are available at www.eyesee.org