How Much Should You Pay for Laser Eye Surgery?
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a Laser Eye Surgery clinic, but perhaps one of the most pressing on most people’s minds is cost. Much like buying a house or a car, having Laser Eye Surgery is an investment. But unlike these examples, finding treatment at the right price can be notoriously complicated. So, how much should you pay for Laser Eye Surgery?
When you’re looking to buy a car, you might settle on a make and model and compare the prices from a few dealerships. In this example, you know that, no matter which dealer you go with, you’ll end up with a car that has the same specs, interior, engine size, and optional extras. Unfortunately, finding the best price for Laser Eye Surgery isn’t always as smooth.
Due to the lack of regulations in the industry, Laser Eye Surgery clinics and providers essentially have free reign over how to create, market, and price their treatments. Unsurprisingly, many providers take advantage of this by offering a plethora of time-sensitive deals, bargain basement promotions, and whatever other ploys their marketing departments can conjure up to get more customers through the door.
But there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to the true cost of Laser Eye Surgery.
Finding the Best Value and Quality
While we all like a bargain, there are times when other factors should be prioritised. This should certainly be the case when it comes to your vision and safety. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some factors you should consider when choosing a clinic and assessing the price you’re willing to pay for Laser Eye Surgery.
Transparent fees and single-price treatments
When comparing the best promotional offers of high-street providers, it can be easy to get caught up in grabbing a bargain. But always make sure the advertised price is what you will actually be paying.
In some cases, these clinics charge a fee “per eye” (which won’t be relevant for the vast majority of patients). Furthermore, this price usually only applies to patients who have a prescription within a certain range. Finally, while this might still seem like a pretty good deal, it may not include the initial assessment, ophthalmic exam, wavefront analysis, aftercare, or anything else you might need. These are additional costs that can quickly start to add up!
Opting for a clinic that offers a single price for your treatment usually means more transparency. That is, you won’t be blindsided by any hidden fees or extras that you hadn’t budgeted for. Everything is included, from your comprehensive screening appointment to your aftercare appointments.
Cheaper prices often mean older technology and treatments
Like in many other industries, the latest Laser Eye Surgery technology comes with a price tag. Clinics offering cheaper prices may not have access to this technology, limiting their ability to treat certain prescriptions and provide some treatments.
For example, outdated techniques such as scalpal-based LASIK and PRK/LASEK are still used today and are still useful in some cases. However, they’ve long been superseded by newer techniques and treatments that offer improved outcomes and safety. Always compare like-for-like when analysing advertised prices.
Expect to pay more if you have a higher prescription
As mentioned above, treating higher prescriptions usually requires the latest technology and expertise. This means that many clinics are simply unable to treat patients who fall outside of a certain prescription limit. Most clinics are unable to treat beyond -8.0 D or +4.0 D prescriptions – and patients at the higher end of this limit must also have thick and healthy corneas.
However, clinics with access to the best technology and surgeons can often treat far beyond these limits (up to around -10.0 D and +7.0 D!). However, this requires more planning and more precise mapping of the cornea – which inevitably means higher costs.
High-quality treatment and care is not a guarantee
You would hope that, no matter which clinic you choose, you can expect a high level of treatment and care – unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Providing a high standard of care should be prioritised at every step of the process, from informing you of the risks associated with the procedure to managing any post-operative side effects.
Several surveys in recent years, including an investigation by Which?, find that high-street Laser Eye Surgery providers tend to come up short in these respects. In contrast, private hospitals and private clinics are consistently commended for their patient care. These clinics offer you an individual and optimal solution and don’t cut corners on staffing, equipment, and time spent with patients.
When it comes to Laser Eye Surgeons, it’s worth paying more
Lax regulations in the Laser Eye Surgery field also apply to the surgeons who perform the treatment. In the UK, this doesn’t legally require any specialist training or prior experience – although many surgeons acquire this voluntarily.
While high-street providers may employ surgeons without specialist training in order to make up for their low costs, independent clinics source only the most experienced surgeons. When it comes to something as important as your vision, it’s worth paying more for an expert surgeon with a proven track record.
Weighing Up Your Options
When choosing a clinic for your Laser Eye Surgery treatment, a low price can be tempting – particularly if it’s a limited-time offer. However, paying less today could end up costing you more in the long run, both financially and in terms of your long-term vision and eye health.
