The Cost of Lasik Eye Surgery

I wanted to do another post on the cost of lasik eye surgery since the topic comes up pretty much every time someone asks about or I end up discussing my surgery. I paid about $2,200 per eye for mine approximately three years ago and that seems to be inline with most estimates I have seen of late as well as quotes from others I know who have also had lasik done recently. My fees included all the pre-surgery examinations and the post surgical care as well. I did not require any enhancements (additional surgery), but if I had I would have been charged a few hundred dollars more.

I think it is reasonable to expect to pay between $1700 and $3000 per eye. I know that is a wide range, but the price you pay depends on the type of lasik you opt for, the degree of vision correction needed and other factors such as additional services offered. My numbers are based on my own research and experiences so obviously your mileage may vary. With the current US economy in a sharp downturn and the refusal of most health insurance plans to cover lasik surgery, price is usually a major concern for those considering laser eye surgery.

My estimate may seem high if you have seen advertisements promising lasik for less than $1000 per eye. My best advice regarding these promises of super low priced lasik is to be very skeptical of these often heavily promoted rock bottom prices. They may be failing to include pricing for necessary services such as pre surgical exams and aftercare just to get you to come in. When all is said and done and the total cost of your surgery and services are added up their prices are in line with or higher than other providers. Such advertisers may also be neglecting to disclose their eligibility requirements to actually get the low price being touted. Terms may be such that a very small percentage of patients can actually have their surgery for the advertised price. As always, do your research thoroughly and ask as many questions as you feel you need to in order to understand how much you will be paying and what that price includes. Even though lasik prices were a major concern for me as well, there was no way I would have chosen a lasik provider solely based on price.

Financing is one way a lot of patients choose to pay for their procedure. Lasik providers typically offer payment plans, but not all will. If you are interested be sure to ask about and understand the terms before you agree to anything. All of the centers I checked out offered financing, though in the end I did not elect to use it.

Contacting your employer’s HR department could also be worthwhile when deciding how to pay for lasik surgery. Your company may have an arrangement with a local lasik center to offer discounted prices for company employees. If you are a US resident, your employer may well offer a flexible spending account program you can participate in as well. Flex accounts allow you to set aside money for non reimbursible medical expenses on a pre tax basis. Most elective surgery such as lasik as well as a whole host of other expenses can be reimbursed via an FSA. Check with your employer.

Regardless of economic conditions, the cost of lasik eye surgery is virtually always going to be a factor when deciding whether or not to undergo lasik surgery. Price cannot be ignored but it should not be the only factor guiding the decision. Be wary of low prices that seem too good to be true. Discuss lasik financing options with any potential provider. Talk to your employer as well as you may be eligible for a discount or alternate arrangement.