Is laser eye surgery treatment safe? Has anyone got any opinions on Optimax as they seem a lot cheaper than most but still professional etc. I just want to go to someone that will do it right, not a cowboy.

Advice and feedback appreciated, thanks

jj,
I only have one rule of thumb for you to follow with regards to who you choose to play "Miracle Worker" with your eye sight.

You get what you pay for!
If you pay less money than the chain places like LasikPlus, you are taking your sight for granted and only have yourself to blame if you have a bad result. Please don't take this tone as anything more than the advice that it is. Those doctors that offer lasik/laser surgery for a couple hundred dollars (even up to $900 for the newest laser procedures) are scam artists. I don't know about the place that you have chosen/referrenced. I've never heard of them. And, you didn't specify what constitutes "A lot Cheaper". But, in my opinion, those two words (or 3 words) "a lot cheaper" are not words that should ever be used in reference to anyone who is going to be doing anything that could help or hinder one of your greatest senses. Just really consider how much your eyesight is worth to you, and pay accordingly.

I hope this helped! Take care and let us know of your decision and progress!

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I know what you’re saying, but the methods they use from what I gather are the same as the more expensive ones that just why I wondered.

If I can get the same treatment for less money, hey I’m not going to complain but will do some more research. I know they’ve been going a long time. Ultralase weren’t too friendly, they almost seemed short with me!

Hi
I went to a cheaper place and so far, at one month out, i feel like i would have gotten the same result for more money had I went to the spendier places. My eyes are still fluctating, they ALL say that it takes 3 months to stabilize. I traveled 200 miles to save big bucks,,,One article I read said there are standards laser eye places have to follow to stay in business and it's like paying more for airlines, for example, first class or coach, but they both get you there. Good luck in your decision, have faith in the dr, not the center.
jkm

I went to a place in Denver called Icon and they advertise $499 an eye... of course no one really qualifies for that price. I had -5 in both eyes and paid $899 per eye, then got a $300 discount for referring a friend. Icon has been great - friendly, professional, and accomodating. They even made me glasses (in my old frames) for free when my vision was at 20/40 so I could drive at night. They provided me with contacts as well. It does seem a bit like an assembly line kinda place though - I didnt meet the surgeon til the day of the surgery. They're really busy - this place has evidently done more LASIK surgeries than any other place in Denver - and the surgeon has been there for years. I've felt quite comfortable with Icon. And my 'enhancement' next month is also no further charge. And a nice thing - when you're in the chair having the procedure - they give you a stuffed pig to hug ;-)

Some people find good deals and get good service. I have also heard the reverse. They take the cheaper route and end up going to a more qualified (expensive) place to get their eyes enhanced to fix what the first place couldn't.

Keep a few things in mind:
1. Cheaper prices might indicate that they use less-costly laser machines. Find out what models they use and compare them with TLC or other more expensive places to see what they use. TLC uses the VISX Star S4™ laser which is supposed to be one of the best laser machines out there.
2. Also, the cost also depends on the experience level of the doctors. Find out how many procedures they have done. The less-experienced ones may be very good, but who knows....
3. Find out if the cost includes all the follow-up visits and the medications for the eyes. With TLC, the cost was $1,900 per eye, but this included all the eye drops, sunglasses, pre and post visits for at least 6 months.
4. Find out if there is a Life-Time committment to you in the deal. TLC does offer that for enhancement if needed.

You may have it cheaper at another place that uses state-of-the art equipment, which is fine. But it may not include all the follow-up visits and medications. So just ask a lot of questions. Visit a lot of websites to see what other places offer. That is most likely where your price difference will come in. I have never heard of the place you are going, but it could be just local to your area. Check the BBB website too for any complaints. Some place do charge based on the prescription for your eyes. Clarkson Eyecare charges like that. They start at $899 per eye or something like that. Depending on your vision, the price will most likely go up over $1,000. Most do. Just check for what is included in the fee.

Good luck!