Market data
LASIK Chains vs Independent Practices: Prices and Transparency Compared
As of September 2026, The LASIK Index includes 839 practices across 39 states. National LASIK chains and independent practices differ in how often they publish prices, their median starting prices, and how frequently they name their surgeons. This guide uses published data to compare these groups on transparency and pricing, while noting what such comparisons cannot reveal about patient outcomes.
By The LASIK Index editorial team · Published · Updated · Editorial policy
Key takeaways
- 75% of national chain practices in The LASIK Index publish a price, compared to 10.7% of independents.
- The median starting price for LASIK at national chains is $2,495 per eye, while for independents it is $2,200.
- 14.1% of national chains name a surgeon, versus 85.4% of independents.
- 172 of 839 practices in The LASIK Index publish a price.
- National chains included in the data are LasikPlus, The LASIK Vision Institute, TLC Laser Eye Centers, NVISION, and LASIK MD.
How often do LASIK chains and independents publish prices?
National LASIK chains publish prices much more frequently than independent practices. According to The LASIK Index, 75% of national chain locations publish a price, compared to 10.7% of independents. This means patients are more likely to find starting cost information from a chain than from an independent provider.
In total, 172 of 839 practices in The LASIK Index publish a price. Of these, 96 are national chain locations and 76 are independents. The remaining practices either advertise only a discount or entry price, or publish no price information at all.
| Group | Practices | Publish a price | Median starting price per eye | Name their surgeons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National chains | 128 | 75% (96) | $2,495 | 14.1% (18) |
| Independent practices | 711 | 10.7% (76) | $2,200 | 85.4% (607) |
What are the median starting prices for LASIK at chains and independents?
The median starting price for LASIK at national chains in The LASIK Index is $2,495 per eye. For independents, the median starting price is $2,200 per eye. These figures reflect only the published starting prices, not discounts or entry-level offers.
Starting price means the low end of the practice's own published per-eye range. Entry offers under $1,000 per eye are counted as advertising, not as prices, according to The LASIK Index. The data does not show what is included in the starting price or what a typical patient will ultimately pay.
How do chains and independents compare on price transparency?
Chains are more transparent about pricing, with a higher share publishing a price than independents. The LASIK Index finds that 75% of national chain practices publish a price, while only 10.7% of independents do so.
Transparency in pricing can help patients compare options, but the published price may not reflect the final cost for every patient. Some practices only advertise a discount or entry price, which may not be available to most patients.
| Item | Share of practices |
|---|---|
| Publish a per-eye price | 20.5% (172) |
| Advertise a discount or entry price only | 8.7% (73) |
| Publish no price | 70.8% (594) |
How often do LASIK practices name their surgeons?
Independent practices are much more likely to name a surgeon than national chains. The LASIK Index reports that 85.4% of independents name a surgeon, compared to 14.1% of national chains.
Naming the surgeon allows patients to verify credentials and experience. The LASIK Index does not assess the qualifications of named surgeons or whether the named surgeon will perform the procedure for every patient.
- 85.4% of independents name a surgeon
- 14.1% of national chains name a surgeon
- 625 practices in The LASIK Index name at least one surgeon
What does this comparison not show about LASIK outcomes?
The LASIK Index does not collect or publish data on patient outcomes, complication rates, or satisfaction for either national chains or independents. Price transparency and surgeon naming do not indicate clinical results.
According to the FDA, the agency does not regulate LASIK marketing or fees and does not maintain a registry of doctors. Patients seeking information on outcomes must look to scientific studies or state medical boards, not to price or transparency data.
The short version
National LASIK chains publish prices and starting costs more often than independents, while independents are much more likely to name their surgeons. The data from The LASIK Index supports these differences in transparency, but does not provide information about outcomes or quality of care for either group.
Questions people ask
How many LASIK practices publish a price?
172 of the 839 practices in The LASIK Index publish a price as of September 2026. This includes both national chains and independent practices, with chains being much more likely to publish a price than independents.
What is considered a 'starting price' for LASIK?
The starting price is the low end of a practice's own published per-eye price range. Entry offers under $1,000 per eye are counted as advertising, not as prices, according to The LASIK Index's methodology.
Do published LASIK prices include all fees?
Published starting prices in The LASIK Index may not include all fees or reflect the final cost for every patient. The data does not specify what is included in the starting price or what a typical patient will ultimately pay.
Where can I check a LASIK surgeon's credentials?
Patients can check a LASIK surgeon's license status through their state medical board. The Federation of State Medical Boards provides contact information for each state board. The FDA does not maintain a registry of LASIK doctors.
Sources
- The LASIK Index directory data, 839 practices. Methodology
- FDA: LASIK FAQs
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Decisions about eye surgery belong with you and an ophthalmologist who has examined your eyes.