Refractive Surgery Evaluation Policy

Initial Consultation: Complimentary

Purpose: To determine candidacy for refractive surgery—LASIK, PRK, VERISYSE LENS, REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE, and CRYSTALENS—and to provide information about services. Consultation includes various technical measurements with a refractive surgery coordinator. As part of the evaluation, the patient will be given an ophthalmic anesthetic drop to each eye to check eye pressure; this drop should not affect vision. Upon determining candidacy, the patient is required to schedule a dilated exam with a chosen surgeon. Initial visit is approximately one hour. Candidates must be out of soft contact lenses at least two weeks prior to evaluation or three weeks prior if wearing hard contact lenses.

Surgical Evaluation: $150.00 (insurance coverage does not apply)

Purpose: To evaluate candidate’s eyes for overall health prior to scheduling refractive surgery and to discuss risks, benefits, and options for surgery. The patient will be given a strong dilating ophthalmic drop in each eye, which may impede with near vision and cause light sensitivity, potentially lasting 48 hours. Evaluation is approximately one hour. Upon determining the patient’s good eye health and understanding of risks and benefits, the candidate may schedule surgery. The surgical evaluation fee will then be deducted from the surgical fee. The patient must remain out of soft contact lenses at least two weeks prior to the surgical evaluation and the surgery date or three weeks prior if wearing hard contact lenses.

If the physician finds evidence of an eye disease or condition that may be a contraindication to surgery, it may be necessary for the patient to have additional treatment/testing to resolve the issue. Additional visits and services are the responsibility of the patient; insurance coverage may apply. The surgical evaluation fee will not be refunded if refractive surgery is not performed. If the patient’s condition is resolved and the surgeon has cleared the patient for surgery, then the surgical evaluation fee will be deducted from the surgical fee if the patient chooses to proceed with surgery.

Surgical evaluations are scheduled specifically for each patient with the doctor, and non-canceled/missed appointments result in significant lost efficiency for the doctor and staff members. Failure to reschedule the surgical evaluation at least one full business day (Monday through Friday) prior to the appointment time will result in billing the patient $150, no exceptions. All evaluations are good for four months. If a patient chooses to have surgery after this four-month period, he/she must be re-evaluated by the refractive surgery coordinator and by the surgeon. The $150 surgical evaluation fee will be charged again and will be deducted if surgery is performed.