Questions to ask before going to a LASIK discounter

1) What does the discount price include?
Make sure you know exactly what is covered. Many times discount laser vision centers do not cover any post-op visits, post-op medications or enhancements. The national average for needing an enhancement is 15-20% of the time, Dr Rothchild's rate is less than 2% and it is included. Keep in mind the cost of pre-op work ups, post-op care, eye drops, and travel (if necessary). Is it cheaper in the long run?

2) Does the discounter use a FDA approved laser?
Make sure you know that the laser vision center has an approved laser. For example, there is no FDA in Canada watching over facilities for safety, ect. There are places today that do use a non-FDA laser, however we use the VISX EXCIMER LASER, which is FDA approved.

3) What happens if you have a problem?
While LASIK is a very low risk eye surgery, it is not a "no risk" surgery. If you have a dislocated flap, epithelial in-growth, infection, inflammation, loss of best corrected vision, or any other serious complication, you will need to return to your original eye surgeon. Depending on the problem, this could require several additional visits. What is their protocol? Will they cover costs? Dr Rothchild gives you his own "personal cell phone number" that you can call at any time. All of your visits (no matter how many you may need) are ALL covered for the first year.

4) Who will be the surgeon and what is his experience?
Many times, you do not know the eye doctor until five minutes before your LASIK surgery. You meet Dr Rothchild at the very beginning of your original consultation. Often the discount laser vision centers do not even know which doctor will be performing your LASIK surgery when you schedule your appointment. Look out for centers that stress the experience of the Medical Director rather than the LASIK surgeon. In addition sometimes the eye surgeon is just working there to gain initial experience and move on. Find out your surgeon's experience and if he is Board Certified. Dr Rothchild is not only Board Certified, but is a graduate of Emory University and New York Medical College. He is also a Fellowship Trained Cornea and Refractive Specialist. He is the only one performing your LASIK eye surgery. A facility's experience is important but not as important as the experience of the LASIK eye surgeon.

Remember

There is a time to hunt for the cheapest price - but when dealing with your own eyes and vision for the rest of your life - this is not one of them!