How to Choose a Vision Correction Provider

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For a vision correction procedure like laser eye surgery, choosing the right surgeon can make a big difference in your results and recovery.

But how do you find the right vision care provider for your specific needs?

Doing research, vetting your surgeon, and asking questions will help you find an eye care provider with your best interests in mind.

What Should You Look for in a Vision Correction Provider?

LASIK and other vision correction procedures improve vision by fixing refractive errors. For many people, these surgeries reduce or even eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

These procedures are minimally invasive and have quick recoveries — but that doesn’t mean you should take the decision to undergo them lightly. It’s important to feel confident, comfortable, and informed about your surgeon and your decision.

Before scheduling any type of vision correction surgery, be sure to consult with at least two providers. That way, you can compare two doctors’ styles, techniques, qualifications, and answers to your questions. From there, you can make an informed decision about which eye doctor is right for you.

Here’s what you should keep in mind during the vision care provider selection process.

Experience and qualifications

Talk with your potential eye surgeon about their background and expertise in your procedure.

LASIK has been around for more than 30 years, and many doctors perform thousands of these surgeries each year. It’s typical for eye surgeons to have more than 20,000 LASIK procedures under their belts.

Your surgeon should have a license to practice in your state and be board-certified. They should be open to talking about their experience and credentials. Note if they’re hesitant to provide details or share information — it may help you determine whether a doctor is right for you.

Active listening and answering questions

When meeting with different surgeons, be sure to notice how they ask and answer questions. Not everyone qualifies for LASIK surgery. In fact, 15% to 25% of people who seek LASIK aren’t good candidates for a multitude of reasons.

For example, LASIK may not be the best procedure for you if you:

• Are pregnant and/or nursing.
• Have certain eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, infections, and dry eyes.
• Have changing eyeglasses or contact prescriptions.
• Have thin or oddly shaped corneas.
• Take medications for other conditions that could interfere with effectiveness or recovery.

Your surgeon should ask qualifying questions before agreeing to do the procedure. Someone who’s eager to perform vision correction procedures without proper vetting is a red flag. It’s important to ensure your surgeon also evaluates your answers and determines whether you’re the right fit for this type of surgery.

If you aren’t a candidate for LASIK, you may qualify for other laser vision correction procedures. Your surgeon should explain the options and which one makes the most sense for you.

Transparent information

Finding a comfortable and trusted eye surgeon comes down to receiving transparent and realistic information about the proposed procedure.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 99.5% of LASIK-corrected eyes achieve 20/40 vision or better after surgery. Although LASIK is an incredibly successful procedure that has been around for a long time, it still carries risks.

Complications and side effects that can occur from LASIK include:

• Blurry, foggy, or hazy vision.
• Decreased low-light vision.
• Double vision.
• Eye pain or discomfort.
• Glare, halos, or starbursts around lights.
• Light sensitivity.
• Scratchiness, dryness, and other dry eye symptoms.
• Small, red, bloody patches on the eye whites.

If your doctor promises 20/20 vision or isn’t open about potential risks and complications, you may want to continue your search. These side effects are real possibilities that they should communicate to you.

Pricing isn’t questionably low

While LASIK and other vision correction procedures aren’t extremely expensive, your doctor shouldn’t offer a suspiciously low price, either.

The typical cost of vision correction procedures ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 per eye. LASIK eye surgery typically costs $4,000 to $5,000 in total.

The price may vary depending on where you live. But if your surgeon is guaranteeing success and charging well below the average price in your area, you may want to reconsider.

What Should You Ask Your Vision Correction Provider?

Part of finding the right vision correction provider is doing your own research and asking the right questions. As with any medical procedure, getting a second opinion from more than one surgeon is always a good idea. Most surgeons are happy to provide second-opinion consultations.

Asking friends and family members for personal recommendations can also be a great way to get a reputable surgeon’s name.

No matter how you find the doctor, be sure to ask questions and check in with your gut. Your intuition may send unsettling sensations or thoughts during your consultation. Listen to your body and notice if you feel more settled, relaxed, or confident with another doctor.

Finding a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with will enhance your chances of a successful procedure and recovery.

Here are some questions to ask an eye care provider before choosing them:

• How do you ensure someone is the right candidate for the procedure?
• How long have you been doing this surgery?
• How many procedures do you perform a month?
• How new is your equipment and the laser vision correction technology?
• Is this the right type of vision correction procedure for me?
• What risks or complications should I be aware of before agreeing to surgery?
• What is your background and credentials?
• What is your rate of complications?

These extra steps will ensure you’re working with a vision care provider you can trust. You want to trust your eyes to someone with honest communication skills and professional expertise who can offer genuine support.

At the UPMC Vision Institute, we offer multiple laser refractive and non-laser eye surgeries to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Our eye experts will meet with you for a thorough consultation to determine your candidacy for surgery. This may include answering questions about your health and medical history, a physical examination, and an eye exam.