The Ins and Outs of Laser Eye Surgery Cost

If you are aware of all your options, the risks that come with the procedure you choose, and have adjusted your expectations accordingly, then all that you have left to consider is this –
how much does laser eye surgery cost? AND is it a worthy investment?

However, you must first determine if you can afford it. Medical insurance generally does not cover laser eye surgery cost because it is classified as elective surgery (you need not undergo it in order to function and survive). It is treated the same way as cosmetic surgery.

Although there are exceptions, most notably with more generous company medical compensation packages, you will probably have to pay out of your own pocket for the entire laser eye surgery cost, including fees incurred before and after the procedure.

Pre-op/Post-op Laser Eye Surgery Costs

Laser eye surgery cost does not begin with the procedure itself. Depending on the clinic and doctor you choose, you may or may not be charged consultation and examination fees. Although you should probably demand a free consultation, since even the best clinics offer free assessments nowadays.

You should also ask if the laser eye surgery cost includes the cost of medicine. Also determine if post-operative consultations and treatments are part of the laser eye surgery cost. Inquire if you will be billed for fees and medicine if complications arise from the procedure.

Ask exactly how much. Never settle for a “maybe” or a terribly vague estimate. Insist on a detailed breakdown of costs for the ENTIRE procedure including ALL consultations and medicines.

As a medical client, it is your right to demand a firm answer. If you do not get one, go elsewhere. Laser eye surgery is a common procedure nowadays and you will not have a hard time finding a clinic in your area prepared to give you a total cost breakdown.

Actual Laser Eye Surgery Costs

Advertised prices are usually per eye; and since it is generally not recommended that both eyes undergo surgery the same day, you will initially have to think only about the laser eye surgery cost for one eye.

Be skeptical about clinics or laser eye centers that advertise laser surgery at less than $500 an eye. The general price range for laser eye surgery is $1,500 to $2,500 per eye, with procedures requiring operating room time being more expensive.

In November 2005, a Florida firm was forced to settle a suit brought against them due to a false advertising claim. The suit supposed that the company did not fully disclose the entire laser eye surgery cost to their clients. They advertised the procedure as costing $299 per eye but their patients ended up paying a lot more.

Why Does Laser Eye Surgery Cost So Much?

For one thing, a laser eye facility is not an inexpensive business to operate at all. The hardware alone is expensive. Plus, there are costs that come from training the medical staff and paying royalties to the manufacturer of the procedures and hardware used by the clinic.