Finding a LASIK Surgery Center: Provider Types and Selection Criteria

Where LASIK Is Performed

• Ophthalmology Private Practices: Surgeon-owned; often latest tech; continuity of care.
• Academic Medical Centers: Teaching hospitals; complex cases, research access; may have longer waits.
• Dedicated Refractive Surgery Centers: High-volume, specialized staff, streamlined process; often surgeon-owned.
• Corporate Chains (e.g., LASIKPlus, TLC, NVISION): Standardized protocols, heavy marketing, financing; surgeon experience varies.
• Optometry Co-Management Practices: OD performs pre/post-op; refers to partner surgeon.

Critical Selection Criteria

1. Surgeon: Fellowship-trained corneal/refractive specialist; >1,000 LASIK; low complication/enhancement rates.
2. Technology: Femtosecond flap + wavefront-guided/topography-guided ablation; eye-tracking ≥200 Hz.
3. Screening Rigor: Comprehensive workup (topography, pachymetry, aberrometry, tear film, pupilometry). Rejects marginal candidates.
4. Facility Accreditation: AAAHC, Joint Commission, state license.
5. Transparency: Publishes outcomes; clear enhancement policy; all-inclusive pricing.
6. Post-Op Care: Direct surgeon access; 1-day, 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, 1-year visits included.

Red Flags

• Pressure for same-day surgery
• Microkeratome (blade) only
• No surgeon meeting before procedure day
• Hidden fees, "lifetime guarantee" gimmicks

Consult your optometrist for unbiased referral.