Questions to Ask at a LASIK Consultation

You can ask for the full name of the surgeon who will perform your procedure and check their credentials using public resources. The NPI registry is a free public lookup that confirms a health care provider's identity, registered specialty, and practice state, though it is not a license. Each state medical board also publishes physician license status and handles complaints, according to the Federation of State Medical Boards.

In The LASIK Index, 625 of 839 practices name a surgeon, and 534 have a surgeon whose identity and specialty can be verified in the NPI registry. National chains name surgeons less often than independent practices. You can use these resources to independently verify the surgeon's background before your procedure.

• Ask for the surgeon’s full name and credentials.
• Check the NPI registry for identity and specialty.
• Look up license status on your state medical board.
• Confirm who will be present on the day of surgery.

You should ask what is included in the quoted LASIK price. The FDA says patients should see their doctor within 24 to 48 hours after surgery and at regular intervals for at least six months. Some practices include these follow-up visits and enhancements in the initial price, while others may charge separately.

In The LASIK Index, 172 practices publish a per-eye price, but 594 publish no price at all. Ask if the quote covers the pre-surgical exam, all required follow-ups for six months, and any enhancement procedures if needed.

• Is the quoted price per eye or for both eyes?
• Are the initial exam and six months of follow-ups included?
• Does the price cover enhancement procedures if needed?
• Are there extra fees for medications or tests?
• Is the price an entry offer or the actual cost for most patients?

Not all practices offer every refractive surgery procedure. The American Academy of Ophthalmology describes LASIK, PRK, SMILE, EVO ICL, and refractive lens exchange as common options. In The LASIK Index, 96.5 percent of practices perform LASIK, 78.4 percent perform PRK, and 57.4 percent perform EVO ICL.

Ask which procedures are performed by the practice’s own surgeons and which are referred out. This can help you understand your options if you are not a candidate for one procedure.

• Which vision correction procedures do you perform here?
• Are any procedures referred to another doctor or clinic?
• If I am not a candidate for LASIK, what are my alternatives?
• Who decides which procedure is right for me?

Practices use different types of lasers and diagnostic equipment. In The LASIK Index, 62.1 percent of practices offer all-laser LASIK, and 56.3 percent offer wavefront or topography-guided technology. You can ask which laser platforms are used and whether the practice offers the latest diagnostic tools.

Knowing the technology used can help you compare practices and understand if the equipment matches your needs. Ask for the names of laser platforms and whether the technology is used for all patients or only certain cases.

• Which laser platforms do you use for LASIK?
• Do you offer all-laser (bladeless) LASIK?
• Is wavefront or topography-guided technology available?
• Are the same technologies used for every patient?

Enhancement plans and financing options vary widely. Only 16.6 percent of practices in The LASIK Index offer a lifetime enhancement plan. Ask how long enhancements are covered, what conditions apply, and what costs you may face if you need additional procedures.

Financing is available at 600 of 839 practices in The LASIK Index. Ask about interest rates, payment terms, and which financing partners are accepted. The IRS says Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can be used for LASIK if the expense qualifies.

• Is there an enhancement plan, and what does it cover?
• How long are enhancements available after surgery?
• What are the requirements for an enhancement to be covered?
• Do you offer financing, and what are the terms?
• Can I use HSA or FSA funds for payment?