I'm so pleased it worked for you lissie and I know lots of people manage to have it done under local.
Sadly I truly am a dreadful wimp and find it really difficult to keep my eyes open for drops. It's not that I make a fuss at all, but I do flinch when anything comes directly at me, it's involuntary and quite out of my control. I was warned if the drops don't work they would need to inject near the eye and that's a complete no no as I have a dreadful phobia of injections. Just about bearable elsewhere on the body because I can look away, but it's one of the reasons I struggle so much with dental appointments, near the eye would totally freak me.
Tbh I'd be so panicked by that stage there's no way I'd be able to keep absolutely still for the op, too dangerous for me and the surgeon. The consultant obviously agreed hence referring me back to the main hospital. Actually he was quite unpleasant and Mr.J who attended with me wasn't any more impressed with him than I was.
I'm really upset with myself, but sometimes you just have to accept your limitations.