The cost of laser vision correction has steadily risen in recent years due to increased use of Wavefront technology. In 2002, leading industry survey revealed an average price of around $1550 per eye, and by late 2005, the average price had just risen over $1950 (Marketscope). Although there are Centers that advertise Lasik for $299 an eye, a look at the financial reports of these Centers will show that the actual average price of Lasik per eye is $1,350.
When analyzing the cost of LASIK, it is first necessary to clearly define exactly what is included in the price and then to understand the factors that influence LASIK prices. For example, a preoperative examination is an obvious necessity. However, some discount centers charge separately for the examination in order to quote a lower price for the surgery, so it’s important to verify that the preoperative examination is not an extra charge. This applies to postoperative care as well.
The outside factors that influence the cost of LASIK are numerous, such as office overhead, staffing, the type of equipment used and maintenance of the equipment. The excimer lasers used in laser vision correction are expensive. We contract maintenance service directly with the manufacturer using OEM parts with periodic upgrades that are often priced in excess of $100,000. Many low-cost centers use 3rd party repair service companies that use aftermarket parts. These parts may come from a source without any credibility and are not warranted by the laser manufacturers. Practices that invest in the latest technology and utilize parts and service directly from the manufacturers typically charge higher fees.
There has been an increasing trend in the number of cheap centers that cut corners to maintain the lowest price. These centers rely on scheduling in as many patients as possible in a given day. Just because a center is crowded does not signify that it is a genuinely good and busy center. Crowded centers most often lack quality level of personal service. Centers that genuinely care about each of their individual patients provide undivided one-on-one attention. This level of VIP treatment ensures that a patient is comfortable throughout the whole process and comfortable before, during and after the procedure with no unexpected surprises. After all, this is a procedure for the only pair of eyes you have and many would agree that a few hundred dollars saved is not worth giving up for a safe, sound and personable experience.
Perhaps it is a testament to laser vision correction’s high rate of success that some patients shop for discount surgery. After all, who shops for discount heart or brain surgery? With the right knowledge on the many factors that influence prices, patients can now go in with confidence and be selective on what they are willing to spend their money on; the fancy Beverly Hills office or the modest facility with the most advanced technology? The discount center that charges per service or the thorough post-operative patient care of a well-known facility? Patients have the power to make an informed decision and understand that you really do get what you pay for! If faced with a decision between a more experienced surgeon with a higher price and a less experienced surgeon with a lower price, always choose the better surgeon and obtain financing, if necessary. Virtually all LASIK practices now offer financing and even some places offer interest-free financing making monthly payments quite affordable!
At IQ Laser Vision our staff is dedicated to providing you with a positive experience and thorough care. We are committed to holding your hand every step of the way to ensure your satisfaction with our services and dedication to our patients. We currently offer up to 24-month deferred interest financing OAC. Our initial consultation is always free with absolutely no obligation, so there is nothing to lose. We hope you find an opportunity to visit and learn more about the vision correction procedure and free yourself from the daily hassles of contacts, glasses or both!