More
on Laser Surgery
Both Cole and VSP officially started their discount programs January 1, 2000, and since
we announced the programs, we've received several inquiries from members. And we've been making inquiries, too, since a "discount program" is very
different from the insurance we usually offer. To date, the best information we can offer is: if you're interested in laser vision surgery, you should
- Research your options and
- Check the local market for laser vision surgery providers.
If you believe that Cole or VSP offers a good discount program, you
should
- Contact your vision plan, and
- Follow their procedure.
If you're proceeding with laser vision surgery, you'll want to ask lots of questions of your
eye doctor and/or surgeon who performs laser vision surgery. To jump-start you, here is a list of questions to take with you.
Realistic expectations
Q. What kind of results can I expect? Is 20/20 vision likely?
Q. What vision care needs will I have after the procedure? Will I need glasses for specific activities, such as reading or driving?
Q. How long does the improved vision last?
Q. Will I be able to see right away?
Q. Will the procedure hurt?
Care from all providers
Q. Who will my doctors be and what will they do? Who actually
performs laser vision surgery?
Q. What is my eye doctor’s role?
Q. Why should I choose this center, or you as my surgeon?
Q. How long has this center been around? Or, how long have you been performing laser vision
correction?
Q. How many procedures have been performed here, and by you? How many are corrected to 20/20
vision, and for how long? How many are corrected to 20/40 vision, and for how long? How many patients have developed complications or infections,
or have experienced failed surgeries?
Understanding the surgery
Q. How does corrective laser vision surgery improve vision?
Q. What's the difference between LASIK and PRK?
Q. How can I get the latest information? What other educational sources do your recommend?
(See our short list of informational websites.)
Q. When did laser vision correction receive FDA approval?
Q. What do studies say about laser vision correction?
Q. What about the risks and side effects? Am I at risk for any in particular?
Follow-up care
Q. What will my recovery be like? Do I need to schedule time off from work?
Q. Will this center/doctor stand behind my results? What is the policy for enhancement procedures,
if needed?
Q. How many visits to the center or doctor will I need, including
follow-up care?
Cost
Q. How much does corrective laser vision surgery cost?
Q. What does the cost of the procedure cover? Are there any other costs I may face?
Q. Is financing available?
Q. Is it covered by my spouse's (non-State employee) insurance or flexible benefits programs?
Q. Do you have any promotional offers?
Q. What is my total cost? (mentioning the VSP or Cole discount)
Finally ...
Q. Am I a candidate for laser vision correction?
Q. What is the procedure best suited for me? LASIK? PRK? Please describe it for me.
Q. Is laser vision correction safe for me? (Describing any other health conditions or medications you may have)
Links
Here are some links that we found for your information about laser vision surgery; however, this is definitely not an all-inclusive list. Searching on any of the
major search engines yielded additional information, and you may want to try it for yourself. Good luck!
* American Academy of Ophthalmology
* VISX
* American Optometric Association
* TLC Laser Eye Centers
* LCA Vision
*State Medical Board
- Allows you to verify credentials of medical professionals in Ohio.
* The LASIK Institute
- A non-profit organization focused on the LASIK procedure.
* The Harvard Medical School Eye Site Links
- "One-stop searching" with an index of links to eyesight web pages.
* American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
- Video on the procedure
- Quiz on refractive surgery
* Eye Cancer Network
* Prevent Blindness America
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