For most people, blurry vision is an inconvenience. For 21-year-old Zoey Tate, it was something she had lived with for nearly her entire life. From getting glasses at just six years old to dealing with thick lenses, dry contacts, and the daily frustrations that came with poor vision, Zoey had spent years imagining what life might look like without glasses or contacts.
Zoey works as a technician at Shawnee Vision Source, where clear vision plays a major role in her day-to-day responsibilities. After years of considering LASIK and learning more about the procedure, she decided it was finally time to take the next step.
In this nJoy Vision LASIK patient journey, Zoey shares what it was like growing up with poor vision, the emotional impact glasses and contacts had on her confidence, and the incredible moment she achieved 20/20 vision just one day after surgery.
From seeing clearly in the shower for the first time to looking forward to summer days at the lake without contacts or glasses, Zoey’s story is a reminder of how life-changing LASIK can be when you put your trust in the experienced, caring team at nJoy Vision in Oklahoma City.
What is your name, and when did you have LASIK?
My name is Zoey Tate, and I had LASIK at nJoy Vision in Oklahoma City on May 7, 2026.
What is your profession, and what role does vision play in your job and/or day-to-day life?
I’m a technician at Shawnee Vision Source, an eye doctor’s office in Shawnee, Oklahoma. I constantly use my vision to see the computer, paperwork, and the letters on the chart when patients are reading them.
How long had you considered LASIK, and why did you decide to do it now?
I’ve wanted LASIK since I first found out about it at 15, but I was too young for it. I had seriously been thinking about having it done since I was 18! I decided to do it now after someone talked me through the whole process, and I watched a video on it.
I’ve wanted LASIK since I first found out about it at 15.
Are you satisfied with the results of your LASIK procedure?
I am very satisfied!
Take us through the LASIK process at nJoy Vision, including the consultation, procedure, and next-day follow-up appointment.
The process at nJoy was amazing. They walked me through everything they were doing and what I was to expect from the moment I walked in the door! During the consultation, they ran multiple tests to make sure I was a candidate for LASIK and answered all the questions I had!
Afterward, we discussed all of my options to pay for the procedure and got me scheduled for surgery. Two days before my surgery, I got a wet refraction at my eye doctor’s office, which is where they dilated my eyes.
When I got to nJoy the day of surgery, I filled out some paperwork before they walked me back, gave me some medication, and got me prepped. The doctor came in and talked me through everything that would be going on and explained what I would feel during the procedure – just pressure in the eyes, but no pain at all.
There was a nurse in the surgery suite the whole time telling me how much longer we had left and counting down for me! After the procedure, an nJoy Vision doctor examined my eyes and reviewed all my post-op instructions. They also gave me a packet with all that information!
The best thing you can do after the procedure is go home and take a really good nap. Instead of driving all the way back to OKC the next day, I was able to do my one-day post-op at my eye doctor’s office so they could check my vision and see how I was healing.
The day of my surgery, I walked in only able to see hand motions, and couldn’t even read the biggest letter on the screen or how many fingers were being held up. At my one-day post-op, I already had 20/20 vision!
Tell us about the first time you realized you had bad vision.
I was six at the time. I never knew I had bad vision because I thought everyone saw everything the same way I did. When I was in the first grade, I was having some issues in school, and they suggested I go to an eye doctor to get my vision tested.
My vision was so bad that the doctor didn’t want me leaving until I had some glasses to wear home. As we were driving home, I remembered telling my mom, “Wow, that sign says ‘STOP’!” Before that, I hadn’t been able to see any letters on it, and just thought everyone knew to stop because it was red.
How did your vision impact your life as a child, as a teenager, and as an adult?
Kids were mean. I got bullied and called four-eyes because I wore glasses, which was very hard for me because I was only six. As a teenager, I hated how I looked in glasses, so I tried contacts, which did help some. As an adult, my prescription just kept getting worse. Even when I would get my glasses thinned, they were still so thick on the sides and heavy on my face. I was just ready to get my vision fixed!
As an adult, my prescription just kept getting worse.
What was your least favorite thing about wearing glasses and contact lenses?
With glasses, the worst thing was constantly having something on my face. Also, my lenses got dirty all the time, so I was constantly cleaning them. My least favorite thing about contacts was when they’d get dry and move around. And sleeping in contacts or over-wearing them can significantly increase your risk of eye infections, which is something I caught myself doing many times, even though I knew it wasn’t good for my eyes.
What are you most looking forward to doing or experiencing without glasses or contacts?
I can’t wait until this summer, when I can go swimming, go out on the boat on the lake, and really enjoy it!
The whole team at nJoy took great care of me and walked me through everything!
What is the biggest difference in your life now compared to before you had LASIK?
I’m able to wake up and see without having to put on my glasses or put contacts in. And I can actually see when I’m taking a shower, which is something so small but makes a huge difference in my life.
Would you recommend LASIK and other vision correction options, such as EVO ILC and Lens Replacement at nJoy Vision, to your friends and family?
I would definitely recommend LASIK and nJoy Vision! I have really high anxiety, but the whole team at nJoy took great care of me and walked me through everything!
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