Would you Consider Cut-Price Laser Eye Surgery?

Let’s face it: Most of us are naturally on the look-out for a bargain when it comes to most aspects of our lives. From the cheapest gas and water providers to a great price on a new car – we want to know we are getting the best deal. But when it comes to something as important as your health, would you put cost over safety? For example, would you consider cut-price Laser Eye Surgery?

After all, Laser Eye Surgery is the same, no matter where you go, right? Well, maybe not.

You might think that you will be sure to be able to ditch your glasses or contact lenses, no matter where you go for your treatment – so, why not go for the cheapest option? High streets up and down the country are now home to chain Laser Eye Surgery providers, so why not snap up a Spring deal and finally get your vision sorted?

The fact is, many factors can affect the safety, outcomes, and price of Laser Eye Surgery treatment. And as the industry is largely unregulated, the cost of Laser Eye Surgery often reflects the standard of treatment on offer.

But what exactly do we mean when we say the Laser Eye Surgery industry is unregulated?

Well, while there is a widely recognised set of professional standards for refractive surgery published by The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth), Laser Eye Surgery is not regulated in the same way as other medical procedures in the UK. Your surgeon must simply be a GMC-registered doctor who specialises in ophthalmology; however, specialist Laser Eye Surgery training isn’t necessarily required.

As a result, some clinics can fall below the quality level that is upheld by so many others. And yet, it’s easy to get drawn in by low-ball offers from budget clinics that care more about profits and less about technology, surgeons, and the individual patient experience.

The Real Risk of Cut-Cost Surgery

In some cases, cheap Laser Eye Surgery providers can fail to live up to the standards advised by the RCOphth. This has been observed in several reviews, including a Which? investigation. The consumer body found that a shocking one in three Laser Eye Surgery providers had serious short-comings, including failing to adequately explain the risks of the procedures to their prospective clients.

‘Independent clinics, smaller chains and hospital-based providers scored the best, and high street providers came bottom, with Optical Express falling down on every visit when it came to explaining complications.’ –Which? Laser Eye Surgery report.

But it isn’t just misleading communication you should be on the look-out for. The report also found that four of the six cheapest providers were deemed to be of “poor” quality, treating patients less like individuals with unique treatment requirements and more like numbers on a quota.

Prioritising Safe Treatment and Better Outcomes

Modern developments and cutting-edge technology have helped to make Laser Eye Surgery one of the safest elective procedures in the world. But not all Laser Eye Surgery is created equal. When initial consultations are rushed, surgeons have strict quotas to meet, and access to the latest technology is limited, problems can inevitably arise.

Many Laser Eye Surgeons and ophthalmologists have long been lobbying for stricter regulations and greater protections for patients. While things have improved in recent years, it remains as important as ever for patients to practice due diligence when choosing a Laser Eye Surgery clinic. Luckily, with the exposure of shoddy practice and independent review sites like Trustpilot, this is easier to do than ever before.

Do you want to learn more about what makes independent clinics different to high street providers? Get in touch with one of our friendly Patient Care Coordinators or Book a Consultation today.