If you are considering LASIK surgery, you may have compared prices between a few practices. Surgery can be a large investment, so you may want to do some research before committing to a quote. But, what affects these prices? LASIK prices can vary greatly depending on surgeon skill, the technology used, your vision prescription and more.
iLASIK™ Technology
The term iLASIK is used to designate a provider as having the most current upgrades available for the acclaimed VISX™ platform used in vision correction surgery. The iLASIK™ method used at Piedmont Eye Center is The Custom Blade-Free IntraLase Method™ with Iris Registration™. This means patients are getting 100% laser (blade-free) approach to custom LASIK treatment, using the very latest in software and hardware upgrades currently available.
Sometimes having customized treatment is associated with added cost for patients. However, we at Piedmont Eye Center have elected to not charge any additional fee. This allows us to tailor the treatment to the needs of our patient, rather than have cost a deciding factor. This is in line with most, not all, practices as a 2017 survey of U.S. eye surgeons shows that 77 percent said they charge the same fee regardless of which type of laser vision correction procedure and technology is used.
Other Factors
The computerized equipment required to perform both the surgery and diagnostic tests can vary in price, which can be reflected in the procedure price. Other costs may include:
- Medications and disposable supplies used during the surgery
- Royalty fees that must be paid to the laser manufacturer each time a procedure is performed with the laser
- Overhead for the surgery center, including office personnel and surgery staff
- Professional liability (medical malpractice) insurance for the surgeon and surgical center
Some practices charge for the LASIK pre-op comprehensive eye exam. Our office has elected to waive this charge so that patients don’t feel pressured for surgery. Our goal is to inform by way of a thorough examination so that patients can make an educated decision without feeling obligated in any way.
Many surgeons will offer free enhancement surgery, up to a year after the initial surgery, if it is needed.
Ask Questions
If you have concerns about what is included in your price, ask! Don’t be afraid to know exactly what you are paying for. Questions can include:
- What is included in the price?
- What is not?
- May I have a written quote with everything itemized?
- Is the price quoted for one eye or both eyes? (Technically, one procedure equals one eye, even if both eyes will be corrected on the same day.)
- What will I have to pay for in the unlikely event of complications or if enhancement surgery becomes necessary?
- What will be the cost of prescription medications (such as anti-inflammatories and antibiotics)?
- How many follow-up visits will I need to make, and at what cost?
Your surgeon should make you feel comfortable with what you are paying for.
Bargain Prices?
You may see ads promising LASIK for less, but it is likely that these prices have stipulations. For instance, the price may only cover surgery to correct for mild nearsightedness. If you have farsightedness, astigmatism or higher levels of nearsightedness, the cost may be more. Also, the price may not cover all associated fees. For example, follow up visits or enhancement surgery may not be included. Lastly, your procedure may be performed with older technology. While this may not be a bad thing, it may mean you are not receiving custom or all-bladeless LASIK surgery.
If you want to learn more about the cost of LASIK at Piedmont Eye Center, as well as how affordable payments can be, be sure to check out our LASIK Calculator. If you would like to schedule a consultation, let us know!