LASIK Eye Surgeon Testimonials

San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose, California

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"After almost a week of recovery from my RK surgery, I must say I am very pleased. I was fortunate enough to have suffered no pain and few discomforts even the days of my surgery. I would not hesitate to recommend this procedure to anyone. I found that Dr. Kawesch and the staff more than willing to answer questions and to generally see to my comfort. They were wonderful. Thank you."

-Sharion M.

"I wore glasses for about 20 years, with 20/400 in one eye and 20/800 in the other and an astigmatism in each. Now I am 20/20 in each eye and can even read most of the 20/15 line with both eyes together. I am very involved in athletics and now that I can participate without glasses my performance has increased and it is definitely more enjoyable. I also do quite a bit of reading and am pleased that my close-up sight was not affected. To wake up each morning able to see without the aid of glasses is a dream come true, Thank you Dr. Kawesch."

-Robert G.

"I have worn glasses since the third grade, approximately twenty nine years of my life. My glasses were the first thing I would put on in the morning, my glasses were the last thing I would take off at night. I was useless and helpless without my glasses.

I first heard about RK twelve years ago and I met the first person that I knew of to have the RK surgery ten years ago, this was important because I am interested in the long term effect. I knew that person for about a year and a half after his operation and no problems ever came up. That person paid five thousand dollars per eye. That person and I both worked together in the electronics field which is demanding on sight.

About a year ago I found out I was talking to the wife of another person who had the RK surgery done six years ago because his job required 20/20 vision Like the first person, no problems ever came up, but this time technology and surgery techniques were more advanced. This time the person had worked and was still working for the Sunnyvale police department.

I decided it was time to see if I was a good candidate for the RK surgery. Dr. Kawesch described me as in the middlep; he had corrected worse and not quite as bad vision as mine to 20/20. The fee total for both eyes was under three thousand dollars. The total amount of work missed was two days.

For the last five months I have enjoyed 20/20 vision; it's quite liberating. It does take some time getting use to having my retinas turned on 24 hours a day. I'm glad I took the plunge, I have a driver license renewal with eye test coming up in a few months, and I’m actually looking forward to it. I highly recommend the RK surgery to any qualified candidate who feels they could benefit from corrected vision, I have."

Well, it's been 10 months since I had my first eye done, and about one month since my second eye. I no longer need glasses or contact lenses. I had forgotten how easy life is without the hassle and cost of corrective lenses. I wore contacts most of the time and was constantly fighting with them. They would always get dirty or would dry out. And then there was the cost of all the solutions, cleaners, soaking and wetting- they add up!

Now after the two surgeries, I don't worry about any of that. I even had trouble wearing make-up! The mascara was always flaking off and irritating my contacts. Not any more!

If you're debating about the surgery, I'd say go for it! You don't realize how much glasses and contact lenses tie you down until you no longer need them. It was definitely worth it for me."

-Adrienne H.

"I honestly wish I would have gone through the RK procedure years ago. I am a frequent golfer and softball player. This surgery will enhance my play and allow me to eliminate the crutches I wore on my face. I can't wait to get out and water ski. I'm looking forward to experiencing the natural beauty around me. Thanks so much for the gift of perfect vision!"

-Patrice H.

"Since I have been wearing glasses since grade school, it is great not to wear glasses or contacts. I tried the torc lenses but they were too awkward. There was a star effect at night after the operation but as time went on it diminished. I have some astigmatism left and hope to get rid of that in the future. Even without another operation, it is very close to my final goal."

-Larry H.

"I am very glad and very much satisfied with RK surgery. I no longer have to wear glasses or contacts. I wore contacts for years and it was such a hassle handling and cleaning them. Now I feel such relief just waking up and being able to see."

-Maria C.

"Two years ago, when I heard some of my friends talking about RK, I did not feel that I really need it, though they told me that RK produced many encouraging results in terms of improving eyesight.

It was not until a few months ago that I started attending RK seminars and asking doctors about it, because I felt that my vision had been gradually diminishing, even with contact lenses on. Afterwards, about three weeks ago, I decided to have RK to cure my nearsightedness. After the surgery, my vision drastically improved to 20/20 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. And now, two weeks later, I am able to see with 20/20 and 20/20 + 1.00 vision in my left and right eyes respectively.

Words can not describe how wonderful I feel about my "new" eyesight. To me, good eyesight is more precious than anything else. I am glad I made a wise decision and am happy about the results."

-Dianna L.

"Since high school, I've had to rely on glasses for my nearsightedness for distance. I needed my glasses for driving, seeing the board at school, and the movies. My glasses made me feel unattractive and contact lenses were not an option for me since they're uncomfortable and such a bother. RK surgery was introduced to me by a fellow co-worker and friend and I was comforted with the knowledge my friend gave me I proceeded with the treatment. Since my surgery, I feel more confident and impressed with my new improved vision. I would also like to commend the staff on being patient, helpful and understanding to a person who is petrified of doctors."

-Jennifer L.

"I had worn glasses for 35 years and had 20/600 vision and astigmatism. My right eye corrected to 20/20 after the initial procedure. My left eye needs one enhancement to attain 20/20. However, even before the enhancement, I did pass the California drivers license test without corrective lenses."

-Pamela L.

"Having worn glasses, contact lenses, and now having had RK I say without hesitation that RK should be the only eye vision correction procedure.

The elimination of the hassles of glasses and contacts and the stigma of wearing them makes RK the choice.

Since the RK procedure, no cleaning of anything. In the near future I'm looking forward to trying my eyes out on target shooting and diving. With glasses and contacts, both got in the way and when target shooting at 1000 yards. In high power rifle competition, you have to see well."

-David L.

"I didn't like wearing glasses. They left marks on the sides of my nose and caused irritations. They pressured the sides of my head and caused occasional headaches. I then considered RK surgery as an option.

As of this writing, (6 months after the surgery) I find my vision to be in outstanding clarity. It was as if I had my glasses on, only this time without them. I'm very happy with the results. In my last eye examination I was tested, and I am 20/20 in both eyes.

For those that are interested in RK surgery, I'd encourage them to find out as much as possible about the procedure - learn the pros and cons, visit the RK and Laser Eye Institute, read the articles concerning RK, etc. then evaluate your position and take the appropriate measure."

-Samuel L.

"When I attended an RK informational seminar two years ago, my eyesight was tested at around 20-900. I was spending $400-$500 per year on glasses and contact lenses. I had been wearing gas-permeable lenses for over ten years and was rapidly approaching the point whereby contacts were too uncomfortable to wear. I had three RK operations in September of 1991. I see 20-20 today with no regression or problems whatsoever. I enjoy masters swimming, the beach, and being able to see the clock at night. All these things were impossible before RK. I now cruise around in a convertible, which was unthinkable while wearing contact lenses. I have personally recommended the RK and Laser Eye Institute to many friends. I think my experience is a modern-day miracle!"

-Leah L.

"RK has been successful for me and has changed the way I live. I am an experienced rock and ice climber and spend a lot of time outdoors as an instructor for recreation. I have climbed El Capitan, Half Dome, and have had numerous accents up 14,000 foot ice climbs. I don't have to worry about fogged up glasses, blown-out, dry contacts, and any other inconveniences associated with corrective lenses.

I remember being on a climb in Yosemite 200 feet up and my glasses fell off into the top of a tree. Having 20/400 vision, I was blind and had to carefully repel down while my partner swung out to the top of the tree to retrieve my glasses. The following week was when I seriously considered RK.

After having it done, I highly recommend it for anyone who is active in any type of recreational activities, even if it is something as simple as skiing or swimming. RK has made my lifestyle more enjoyable and unrestricted."

-Robert C.

"The change from 20/800 vision to 20/20 and 20/15 is more than wonderful! To be able to see the alarm clock or to water ski and see the boat is both new and exciting. After 32 years with glasses, it is hard to believe that this is real!

The physician and staff at the RK Institute have been professional, polite, and responsive to all my needs and questions."

-Norman C.

"My vision was 20/200 and is now 20/20. I had a tough time when I played pool to see over or under my glasses. Now I no longer have that problem. I also now play a better game. I play a lot of golf, and it sometimes rains during the coarse of play and I cannot see the ball well with wet glasses. I now do not have that trouble and am able to play better under rainy conditions. I no longer have to clean my glasses every morning, thus saving more time during the day for sports, bowling, golf and pool."

-Ed C.

"Since my operation, if you can call it that, I have been able to do things I could never even focus on without my glasses. I no longer wear glasses and feel a new sense of freedom and no longer feel dependant on corrective eye wear. I recommend it to everyone JUST DO IT!! You won't regret it!"

-Vlad C.

"It is wonderful to see myself in a mirror without having to wear glasses. After two RK surgeries, I have gone from a -10 in one eye and a -11 in the other to being able to legally drive without glasses!"

-Harrette D.

"For 4 years I was wearing contacts and everything was okay, but then my eyes couldn't handle wearing them So, for six months I was confined to glasses. I hated it! They got steamed up when the oven door opened and when I walked outside in the cold. They got spotted at the gym and in the rain. I tripped off curbs frequently and almost ran people off the road while driving, because I forgot about peripheral vision. After the surgery, it's been great. No hassles with glasses or contact solution. No more dry eyes or redness for no reason! I've been skiing, to Giants games, and skydiving since the surgery, and each time I don't have to worry about, "How will I see today?" "I know I'll be seeing clearly and I'm traveling lighter."

-John M.

"It has been two weeks since my surgery and my vision is about 20/20 in both eyes. I am very satisfied with my surgery and am looking forward to snow skiing, scuba diving, etc. without the annoying corrective lenses. For me it was well worth the money and slight discomfort."

-Keith D.

"I have been very satisfied with my RK surgery which was done about four years ago. I can't believe that I used to wear glasses. I have gotten so used to my perfect vision that I forgot how important my RK surgery was to me. I think it is an amazing technology that many people can benefit from. What it has meant for me is it total freedom."

-Wesley F.

"As I have been wearing glasses and contacts since that age of 9 and now have not needed them for a year, I am extremely pleased with my RK results. My vision was improved from 20/1600 to 20/25. Not being a slave to eye wear has had an effect in many facets of life. Last summer for the fist time ever, I water skied and could actually see my surroundings. There are many other things that I can do now without having to stop and clean my glasses. I would (and have) recommended RK surgery to anyone that wants to get rid of glasses or contacts. The benefits of not wearing them are well worth the price."

-Will F.

"Having poor eyesight all my life, it was my best personal investment I could have made."

-Manuel O.

"My vision is great outdoors, but indoors especially in florescent lighting, sometimes isn't real good. Sometimes it seems like what I'm looking at is moving very slightly. I have a little double vision in the right eye, but even so, my vision is way better. I love not having to wear glasses!"

-Cheri G.

"My astigmatism was a daily inconvenience causing me to rely heavily on my glasses. I tried various forms of contact lenses, hard gas permeable (basically unbearably uncomfortable), and toric custom fit soft lenses that were more comfortable but not clear to see through when my eyes became dry, as they so often do.

Then I heard about RK. A friend from college had it done and he liked the results. I had heard that it wasn't possible to correct an astigmatism through the use of RK so I dismissed the idea. Then a friend of my father told me about the procedure that Dr. Kawesch had performed on his astigmatism. I had the procedure done and I couldn't believe the results. My vision went from 20/100 to 20/20.

Now that I have no use for glasses, my life has changed considerably. I am very active in sports and since the procedure, find my abilities have been improving. Now that I am no longer hindered by my glasses, I can live life to the fullest. Thanks a lot!"

-Marc G.

"Many years ago I checked into information on RK in San Francisco and was evaluated as the perfect candidate for the procedure. Unfortunately, my first "gut" feelings indicated otherwise. I shelved the idea for 15 years all the while wishing for perfect eyesight. When I saw the RK commercial from the RK Institute of California, my interest was sparked once again. This time before, during, and after the evaluation I felt nothing but positive feelings for the people and the information I received about the surgery. I went into the surgery with no anxiety whatsoever (this from a former panic attack victim), and came out of the surgery with 20/20 vision thanks to the expertise of Dr. Kawesch and his nurse. Thank you RK Institute, you made my wish come true for perfect eyesight!"

-Lola G.

"I had my surgery the week of February 14 and I was amazed at how good I could see right after surgery. I have worn glasses since I was in elementary school. Then when I was pregnant with my first child, I developed allergies and had bumps under my eyelids. So I could not wear contacts for about one year. I hated being dependant on my glasses to see. Now I am pregnant with my second child and I never have to be dependant on my glasses again. Thank you Dr. Kawesch for letting me see again."

-Kimberly G.

"I started out with RK because my eyesight was so bad, -10. I was legally blind without my glasses. I hated wearing glasses because they were so thick and heavy. The only kind of contacts I could wear were hard lenses. I wore them for about 13 years. Finally, someone told me about RK. They said they got 20/20 vision after RK. I was so tired of bad vision, hard lenses, infections that I got from them, and thick glasses, that I decided to go for RK surgery. After RK I got 50% better eye vision. About seven months later Dr. Kawesch asked me if I would like to try ALK to improve my eyesight more. I decided I would. My eyes are much closer to 20/20 vision then I ever thought theycould be. They are healing and getting much better day by day. The ALK surgery only took 20 minutes. I am so glad I did this. I now have the choice between glasses or no glasses."

-Estella G.

"After going through the nightmare of RK surgery by a "discount" doctor, I decided to give Dr. Kawesch a shot at doing a better job. The results, 20/15 vision, are incredible. The professional staff and exhaustive information given to me was a breath of fresh air.

I can now truly feel comfortable driving, going to and participating in sporting events. It is incredible what I had been missing out on all these years! Thank you for my sight!"

-Craig G.

"I am an engineer that spent a lot of time on/with computers As a result, my vision was still deteriorating even when I am 30. This becomes particularly frustrating when I start to participate more in outdoor sports, such as sailing, diving and skiing.

I did my research about RK and went to several clinics for examination as well as Q & A. I found Dr. Kawesch to be most forthcoming with all the pluses and minuses. After having my wife confirm the same feeling, I decided to go with Dr. Kawesch.

The operation was smooth and the effects are as explained by Dr. Kawesch. I am glad I made the decision with RK, and I am particularly glad that I selected the right Dr., i.e., Dr. Kawesch! Many thanks to him and all of his professional staff. I wish I had come 15 years ago!!"

-Andy H.

"I grew up with good vision but my eyesight started deteriorating when I was in my early 20' s. Naturally the thought of not having to wear glasses or contacts was very appealing to me.

It has now been about 4 months since I had the surgery done. I went from about 20/400 to better than 20/20 and did not need any enhancements. It is a dream come true to be able to see again like I did when I was younger. It was a difficult decision to make, to have the surgery done, but now I am very glad I did."

-Steven I.

"After the surgery I had no pain at all and didn't have to take any pain killers. The day after my surgeryc I woke up in the middle of the night and by habit, I was looking for my glasses to check the time. I realized that I could see the clock and was looking through the window and seeing the outside for the very first time without my glasses. It was so beautiful. Just like my life with perfect vision started and also doing all my exercising without going through the hassle of wearing contact lenses and cleaning them. I feel free and not dependent on the glasses or contact lenses.

My night vision is not as good as daytime, but still I don't need any glasses which is so nice. I've been telling all my friends that wear glasses that they should consider this miracle. I am very happy and I think it was my best decision that I have made in my life."

-Hassan J.

"RK has made my life much more convenient. Because I no longer need my glasses (that I had since I was seven), I can do all of the sports I used to do without the worry and pain of losing or damaging my glasses. For example, when I go skiing and do a face plant, I don't have to search blindly for my glasses so I can see again. I also don't have to wipe off the snow and wait until they defog before I go ahead and face plant again. Not wearing glasses will be a God-send when I go white water rafting. I no longer have to worry about loosing my glasses over the side in a rapid, which I have done. This will be especially nice now that I am beginning to guide river trips. I'm sure the others in the boat will appreciate it also. Over all I am very pleased. Although my vision is not perfect, it is good enough to drive without glasses. RK has improved my life 1000% and made my life much easier."

-Robin J.

"I walked in frustrated with glasses, contacts, and everything that went along with them. I truly had doubts that RK would work for me and since my second RK, I haven't found it necessary to use glasses and contacts. What a freedom that is, not feeling bound to an object to function! Thanks to the RKc Institute I can swim whenever I feel like it, play around on the ground with my kids, and fully enjoy life."

-Stephanie J.

"I'd worn contacts for half of my life, soft for ten years, hard for three years. I always felt limited and frustrated with having to deal with corrected vision. On top of everythingc the career field I'd chosen had an eyesight requirement, which no one told me until after I'd graduated and started job hunting. Talk about a limitation! I checked into RK on a whim; I'd just gotten fed up. I really didn't think it would work for me. A month after surgery, I'm seeing 20/15 with no enhancement. I've got more time in the morning and don't have to worry all the time about taking a contact case, drops, or solution every time I leave the house. I'm free!"

-Lori J.

"I think I was born myopic! I don't ever remember seeing things clearly and received my first pair of glasses in the forth grade. Boy, did they take tumbles during recess and gymnastics; I was always bending the frames and popping out a lens. Finally at 16, I became a contact lens wearer. Talk about wear and tear! For the following 16 years I went through the various hard lenses, with each eye exam rendering a different and more myopic prescription.

In May of 1993, followed with an enhancement in June, I have now joined the RK team. Things have been great! People think I am very brave for going through what I know to be a painless procedure. People who see me say, "You look different somehow..." It's the lack of squinting and redness because I know I haven't lost any weight! You've got one life to live, see your own way through it!"

-Karin J.

"I am a crane operator, I need accurate distance vision and almost always need sunglasses.

It was bothersome to have so many glasses, and if for some reason I was without my prescription sunglasses, I'd have to stare into the sun all day. I took the "risk" and couldn't be more pleased. JUST DO IT!"

-Steve J.

"About five years ago, after wearing contact lenses for 25 years, they became so uncomfortable that I could no longer wear my left lens. For five years I tried glasses, soft lenses and disposable contacts and then, when all else failed, bifocals! Because of severe astigmatism, soft/disposable lenses didn't correct my vision, and I did not like glasses.

I finally worked up the courage to go to a RK. seminar. The information was encouraging, and the surgery was exactly like I was told. No surprises! Now, with 20/20 vision I play golf, fly, swim and, live with less aggravation. It is so great to see clearly all of the time. My only regret is that I let the "uninformed" scare me into waiting for years after I first heard of RK until I had the surgery. Thanks, Dr. Kawesch!"

-Bing L.

P.S. My correction allows me to read, too!

"I have worn thick heavy glasses since I was in the 5th grade. I have been interested in RK surgery since I first heard about it, but was never able to be serious about it until September of 1992." At that time I attended a RK seminar in Pleasanton.

I was afraid that I would be classified as too old or too nearsighted to be a good candidate for RK surgery. What a pleasant surprise when I was told that I could be helped.

I scheduled my surgery for October 1992. I had my right eye done on the 6th and the left done with an enhancement on the right eye on the 8th. What a difference it made in my vision.

My left eye did regress a little, so I had an enhancement done on November 12th. My vision was much improved. For my own peace of mind, I did get a prescription for glasses for driving.

It is so wonderful to be able to get up in the morning and function without having to put on my old, heavy, thick glasses. I am not sorry in the least that I decided to have RK surgery. I feel like a whole new person and would recommend anyone that is even thinking about it to attend a seminar as soon as one is in their area.

I thank the whole staff at the RK & Cataract Institute and the San Jose Eye Surgical Center for their kindness and helpfulness. Special thanks go to Dr. Kawesch for his time and skill. I will forever be indebted to him for my new "OUTLOOK" on life."

"I can not begin to describe how great the difference in my life is and will be now that I have had this surgery. I've worn glasses for about 20 years, and my eyesight has gotten worse. I had finally reached the point where if I did not remember the exact spot where I placed my glasses at night, it would take a few minutes to find them. It was almost impossible to do anything without my glasses. It has only been three weeks since my surgery, but I can see as well as I saw before I first began to wear glasses. I'm told that my vision was approximately 20/800 to 20/1000. While I'm waiting for everything to lock into place everything looks like I will be 20/20 to 20/30. To me, this is nothing short of a miracle. This will change my life for the better. I've wanted to have this surgery for years, and I'm overwhelmingly glad I finally did it."

-Jabby L.

"Before considering radial keratotomy, I wore glasses to correct my 20/800 vision. The lenses were so thick that I had to order them with a special non-glare coating. I was never pleased with the results. My vision with glasses was flat and unnatural. I felt like I was living behind a glass wall me on one side, and the world on the other. I tried hard, soft, and extended wear contact lenses. They were okay for a day of skiing or biking, but I hated the routine of cleaning and all the chemicals. My eyes became tired and red by 4:00 in the afternoon, so I couldn't consider them for work. After RK, I was amazed at my vision improvement the same day of surgery. I went to work the next day with no problems. It's great waking up and clearly seeing the world around me. The day after RK, I was able to drive without glasses and read road signs clearly. Before RK anything further than eight feet away was unreadable. What a remarkable improvement! I sure wish I had considered RK sooner."

-Stephan M.

"I'm not sure that I ever would have considered RK if a nasal operation had not eliminated my ability to wear glasses or contacts for several months. Now I can't imagine my life the old way. My worst fear before was that I might accidentally lose my glasses. There was no way that I could have found them again (other than by feel). Today I really don't need glasses, although I choose to use a light prescription when I have a huge amount of computer work to do or if I am going on an extended night drive (for several hours).

RK has meant freedom for me in more ways than just removing my fear of loosing my glasses. It's a miracle as far as I'm concerned."

-Laurel M.

"After almost a week of recovery from my RK surgery, I must say I am very pleased. I was fortunate enough to have suffered no pain and few discomforts even the days of my surgery. I would not hesitate to recommend this procedure to anyone. I found Dr. Kawesch and the staff more than willing to answer questions and to generally see to my comfort. They were wonderful. Thank you."

-Sharion M.

"It's been over a month since I had the surgery and I have to say it's the best thing I've ever done. I have worn glasses for 19 years, my vision was 20/400 in both eyes with quite a high astigmatism, and now I have 20/15 in both eyes. There is still a five month wait to see if they slip back at all but I'm confident they won't. It is so wonderful to see again without the hindrance of glasses. I would like to thank everyone who helped me Dr. Kawesch, Deena, Joanne and Margie plus everyone involved. I feel and look like a new woman and it's FANTASTIC!"

-Mignon D.

P.S. Anyone who's scared, don't be. It's so great and it doesn't even hurt!!

"Thank you so much for my vision! It has been wonderful to be free of glasses or contacts after so many years. I have dreamed of this since I started wearing glasses at age ten.

I am so thrilled with the results and with the whole staff at your Institute for all their care and concern.

I have recommended RK surgery to my family and friends. And a special thanks to Dr. Kawesch for giving me the vision I wished I had been born with. My surgery (which corrected my astigmatism also) was in August and so far so good. I only wish I'd done it years ago.

If anyone needs a recommendation before deciding on RK, send them to me.

Again, many thanks to all of you and God bless."

-Judy F.

"I have been wearing glasses and contacts for over 20 years. In the last few years my vision has worsened to the point where I have been unable to enjoy many of the activities I like. Especially water sports.

RK was the answer for me! After one surgery and one enhancement per eye, I now function without corrective lenses of any kind. This is a lifestyle I could never have believed possible for me. I feel free, and a whole new world is open to me now. I can't say enough about what a positive experience RK has been for me, and everyone at the RK Institute was helpful and friendly. The side effects that the RK staff will outline for you are far outweighed by the benefits and I would strongly encourage anyone who feels handicapped by their vision to seriously consider RK!"

-Lisa F.

I have been wearing corrective lenses since the age of 12. I have tried to wear both hard and soft lenses on three separate occasions, all with unsatisfactory results. After radial keratotomy surgery, the results were wonderful. I'm very happy to have had the surgery.

-T. F.

"My vision is as good as with my contact lenses, but it is without the hassle. The doctor and staff were helpful to predetermine my vision improvement. My sports ability has improved due to my improved vision."

-Ron F.

"I have worn glasses for the last 22 years of my life and thought I always would. My attempts to wear contact lenses ended in failure. I had heard about RK surgery and was fearful to go ahead with it. As a pastor of a local church in San Mateo, I always caught myself talking with people while pushing and adjusting my glasses. I HATED WEARING GLASSES! I finally called the RK Institute and set up an appointment to learn exactly what was involved. My fears began to disappear. I am extremely happy with the results of my surgery and many of my friends are asking about the RK surgery. For the first time since I was 16 years old, I am glasses free. It is worth it all!"

-Ben F.

Ready to have your own life-changing vision correction experience? Call or email our San Francisco Custom LASIK doctor, Dr. Kawesch, today for your free vision consultation and explore the possibilities!

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