How Are You Going to Pay for Your Surgery?

PRICE , PAYMENT OPTIONS and INSURANCE

Remember, your eyes are precious and although you want to be able to afford laser eye surgery, you also want to make sure that your surgeon is the best one for you.

You may be tempted to select your surgeon based on his fees, but remember that it is always better to choose the best surgeon that you can find, then worry about the cost. DO NOT CHOOSE YOUR SURGEON ON THE BASIS OF COST ALONE. PRICING DOES NOT SERVE AS AN INDICATOR FOR A SURGEON'S ABILITIES.If you are well informed going in, the surgeon you choose will not only be affordable, but qualified. Be sure to read our section on How to Choose a Surgeon.

Your surgeon will have several financing options available to you. Nationally, prices average $2000-$5,000 for both eyes. Don't be fooled by marketing hype. Laser vision correction is still a surgical procedure, dependant on the skill of the surgeon.

The cost of laser vision correction depends on the procedure you're having, the area where you are located, and the surgeon himself. It also depends on what is included in the fee. Many doctors include pre-operative and post-operative care as well as one-year to lifetime warranties.

What about those low-priced ads you have seen in the paper?

You are probably seeing increasing numbers of "discounters" who would have you believe that the "laser does all the work". If you encounter a LASIK provider with a low price that seems too good to be true, be sure to ask questions.

There are myriad details that must be considered that offer discounters ways to "cut corners". Shopping for eye surgery is NOT the time to look for the absolute lowest cost! Consider the laser procedure to be affordable and cost-effective when compared to the combined expense of glasses, contact lenses, and lens care over the course of 10 - 20 years. All cost issues aside, after laser eye surgery you will have clear, natural vision with little or no need for glasses or contacts. This is a true lifestyle decision.

Your employer may offer a flexible spending plan. These employer-sponsored plans let you set aside a certain amount for health-related expenses and childcare.

You may also be able to get a home equity loan where the loan amount is guaranteed by the equity you own in your home.

Your surgeon may also allow you to place the cost of your laser eye surgery on your credit card. This may be a good option, especially if you have a card that carries a low interest rate.

Most insurance will not usually cover refractive surgery. However, there are conditions when surgery is considered a necessary medical procedure. Click here to read the Insurance Coverage for Refractive Surgery Position Statement provided by Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance.

Aetna U.S. Healthcare covers phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for patients with the following corneal conditions:

superficial corneal dystrophy (including granular, lattice, and Reis-Bückler's dystrophy)
epithelial membrane dystrophy
irregular corneal surfaces due to Salzmann's nodular degeneration or keratoconus nodules
corneal scars and opacities (including post-traumatic, post-infectious, post-surgical, and secondary to pathology)
recurrent corneal erosions when more conservative measures (e.g., lubricants, hypertonic saline, patching, bandage contact lenses, gentle debridement of severely aberrant epithelium have failed to halt the erosions.

Be sure to check with your medical health insurance provider about their official policies with regard to laser vision correction coverage.

Another option may include a loan from a financing company that specializes in elective procedures. Most of these companies work with surgeons to provide an "in-house" payment plan for their patients. They usually offer fixed-rate loans and long-term payment plans.

The application process is generally FREE, easy, and takes only a few minutes. You will probably have an answer for you before your consultation is complete. Ask your surgeon which company he/she recommends.

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