about your doctor FAQ
If you don't see your question or topic addressed here, check with your doctor.
How can I find a LADARVision® laser or a CustomCornea® surgeon in my area?
Choose your doctor carefully. Select a surgeon who willingly answers all your questions, who you feel comfortable with, and who puts you at ease. We've provided some guidelines for choosing your doctor. You can also find a doctor near you that provides CustomCornea®.
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How do I choose a doctor?
You may want to talk to people who have had the procedure and ask for their recommendations. You may also want to consult your regular eye care specialist for advice and a referral to a laser vision correction specialist. You can also check with national or local associations to find accredited, licensed laser vision correction specialists in your area. For more detailed information and help, including what specifically you should look for; see the guidelines for choosing your doctor.
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Can only a surgeon who is a laser vision correction specialist perform the procedure?
Yes, surgeons who perform laser vision correction surgery must be licensed to practice ophthalmology. They must be trained on the use of laser equipment to perform this kind of vision correction. Medical licensing is in most cases done by local, state, or national medical boards. Many laser vision correction surgeons are also qualified to perform any eye surgery, including other corrective procedures.
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How are doctors trained to perform laser vision correction surgery?
Schools of ophthalmic medicine offer courses in these procedures. In addition, all physicians are required to participate in continuing educational opportunities each year by their state medical board, which is responsible for issuing and controlling medical licenses. Refractive surgeons, who perform laser vision correction, typically receive training on the laser system they use as well. When evaluating surgeons, be sure to ask about their level of training and experience before selecting one to perform your surgery.
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Why do some doctors charge more than others?
There are various reasons for this.
- Some surgeons' costs are greater than others, since costs associated with different areas of the country (and even different parts of cities) vary.
- Reputation, skill and experience of the surgeon also may be factored into the price.
- There are differences in equipment costs. Surgeons and laser vision correction centers need to pay more for advanced, state-of-the-art technology.
- Some quoted costs may only be for very low prescriptions or they may not include consultations and follow-up visits.
- The amount of time a surgeon devotes to each patient varies. If the surgeon is present at all consultations, procedures, and tests, it may add to the cost.
Remember, these are your eyes and cost should not be your primary consideration. You'll want to be mindful of all of these issues when choosing your doctor, and be sure to fully understand what services are included in your surgeon's price.
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How much does laser vision correction cost?
Expect to pay $1,600–$2,000 per eye for traditional LASIK and $2,000–$2,500 per eye for Customized LASIK*. Some of the reasons for this variation depend on your choice of doctor.
Overall, since these are your eyes, price should not be the only, or most important, factor in your choice of laser vision correction specialists. You should consider the quality and value of the service you will receive. Remember that this is an elective medical procedure; for that reason, most health insurance plans do not cover this expense. But you may not have to pay the entire cost at the time of the procedure. Most laser vision correction surgeons and centers accept credit cards, and many even offer financing so you can extend payments.
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Does my health insurance cover laser vision correction?
In most instances, health insurance plans do not cover laser vision correction, because it is an elective procedure, meaning that the patient chooses to have it performed. However, there are some insurance policies that do cover the surgery, so be sure to check with your insurance provider. You should also check with your doctor regarding financing your laser vision correction procedure.
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I can't pay for my procedure all at once. Is there some form of financing available?
There is usually no need to pay for the procedure all at once. Most laser vision correction surgeons or centers honor major credit cards and offer financing programs, which let you pay for the procedure in installments.
*MarketScope Q1 2005 Refractive Quarterly Update
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