Lasik $199 per eye - Chicago

Zerberbaby · 02-17-2005, 12:35 AM

Anyone checked this out? What is the catch here...please save me the trouble of travel if you have checked this out. You know what they say...if it sounds too good to be true...

Locally (in IN) the average cost is $2,500 per eye, but the are advertising $199 in Chicago. Is this a bait and switch?

Thanks for the info!

Hating glasses · 02-17-2005, 11:00 AM

Zerberbaby,
To be safe, if it looks too good to be true, it is probably going to blind you. I wouldn't trust any doctor that offers to alter my eyesight (no doubt one of your favorite senses) for $199 per eye. If that doctor has to offer such deals he is probably struggling and looking for any way to boost his cash flow. Lasik is a hugely profiting business. They don't need gimmicks and bargain deals to get business through the door. Go for the more expensive and remember the rule, "You get what you paid for."

KelvinG · 02-23-2005, 02:01 AM

Yikes, something about Lasik that cheap freaks me out. I can't imagine why they would be offering such a deal if they are a legitimate place with competent surgeons.
I would stay away. It's OK to look for a great deal when your buying shoes, but when it comes to your eyes, don't settle for anything that isn't the best. Even if that means paying more money.

NYCityGirl · 02-23-2005, 10:11 PM

I can't help but wonder if maybe they are new surgeons in this field so they are offering their services for a lower price. That way they can work on more patients for the experience. I would stay away. When it comes to surgery, money should be no object.

Personally, I would research out the best most experience surgeon for this type of surgery.

ladybug8372 · 02-23-2005, 11:59 PM

well--let me tell you....they advertise it in my state (NC) here and there for " as low as $299 per eye"--BUT...that is for people that has very minor eyesight problems...(doesnt have a strong rx for glasses)....if you have astigmatism, or other problems...that raises the cost tremendously. I checked into it..to find out the total cost for me....once it was all said and done (and i have astigmatism)....it was gonna cost $2750.00.

if you live far from chicago..i wouldnt waste your time on it..instead....go to an office somewhere close to you...just for a consultation. you dont have to commit to surgery...but it will determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery..as well as they can tell you if you have any problems...and if those problems will cause the cost to go up. i didnt go through with the surgery....i chickened out. i am 32...have worn glasses since i was in the 3rd grade...and am FAR BEYOND ready to get rid of these annoying glasses....but my eyesight is very precious to me...and i got too scared to risk the small chance of possibly going blind or having other complications.

there is another alternative..which i havent checked into yet. you wear these "contacts" at night..they re-shape your cornea...and as long as you wear them at night....you do not need glasses during the day. there is nothing dangerous about this...non-invasive..--i do believe its called corneal refractive therapy....but i may be wrong. if you do not wear the contacts for a night or two..your vision will start going back to the way it was..and you will need glasses....so you have to wear them every night....to keep the cornea from getting back out of shape.