I REALLY want lasik....Please read - Lasik Eye Surgery Message Board

steph444 · 03-21-2006, 06:12 PM

I have been wanting to get lasik done. I just had an eye exam a week ago and no major problems with eyes. Left eye is -3.00, right eye is 2.75. I have had problems wearing contacts in the past. I can only wear them for about 5-6 hours and they get blurry.

I already know where I would go for the surgery. They advertise $249 per eye. I know that is cheap but she is a reputable Dr. Actually I work with her husband who is also a Dr. I would also get a discount. I know most people would pay more than $249 per eye and I was just wondering if anyone knows.

Money is a big issue for me. I am also concerned about complications.

Thx

originalboxcar · 03-22-2006, 03:24 AM

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Hating glasses · 03-22-2006, 07:29 AM

steph,
Wow! I want to warn you against going to someone who only charges $249 per eye but, you say that you work with this doctor's husband and you know that she is reputable. The fact that you say you know she is reputable is good. If you simply said that you work with her hubby, I would tell you to think hard about it because, every chop shop doctor knows someone or is someone's spouse and that someone's spouse probably works with someone. So, I would never base my decision of what doctor I go to on the fact that I work with their spouse. But, again, you said she is reputable and, assuming that that reputation is good, than this may be a case where cheap is ok. But, just to be sure, I would suggest you call the Better Business Bureau and just make sure that her reputation isn't just the successes. Keep in mind that her hubby is not likely to tell you, "Yea, my wife botched another patients eyes today." If you are questioning, ask the BBB.
Take care and keep in touch!

bowriter · 03-22-2006, 07:57 AM

I totally agree with "Hating Glasses". If they only charge $249 an eye, I would be very cautious. Now, that doesn't mean that the more you pay, the less chance of complication. That's not it at all. Some doctors do a very good job at $1,900 per eye and up, and there is still complications. Sometimes that can't be avoided.

As I was telling another member, you get what you pay for. If the price is that cheap (that's the cheapest I've ever heard), then she might not be using quality laser equipment. The cheaper equipment costs less to maintain. She may very well be reputable, but what equipment is she working with? And does the price include all the pre and post office visits and medications? The more expense places include that in the price. Does she offer a Lifetime guarantee? Some more expensive places will offer that and follow up enhancements if needed, price included. It's a lot to think about, but if you have to "a la carte" your visits and medications and follow-up enchancements if needed, it may end up costing you more in the long-run.

I think you are trying to convince yourself that she is worthy of your business because you work with her husband. Be careful and ask lots of questions. Don't be afraid to go elsewhere because you don't want to offend your coworker. It's a huge decision to make when it's your sight. I would research and compare other doctors in your area and base your decision on your findings. If your coworker gets offended by that, then I'm not sure he is trustworty, much less his wife.

Good luck!

Hating glasses · 03-22-2006, 09:55 AM

Bowriter is right. That is the lowest I have ever heard for Lasik. Basically, the lowest that the more reputable places offer is around $900 per eye and, that is for the oldest laser. It only goes up from there. I can't stress enough that you have to think about how much your sight is worth to you and pay accordingly.

You may ask for referrences from the doctor, or go online and type her name into one or more of the search engines. But, definitely call the Better Business Bureau. I don't know much about what info is available to the public but, I think that any lawsuits or violations are a matter of public record so, you may call the county office and see if there is any info to be had on this doctor.

Like Bowriter said, do the research. Your eyes are more important than your cash flow. You can have all the money in the world but end up losing your sight. Which is more important to you?