So, the day has come—you’re considering LASIK! This is an exciting step toward clearer vision without needing glasses or contact lenses. You’ve researched, asked for recommendations, and scheduled your FREE LASIK consultation at Southwest Eye Institute.
From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll experience our VIP approach to eye care. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans. Instead, we take time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and provide personalized care every step of the way. From advanced diagnostic testing to one-on-one guidance with your LASIK specialist, we’re here to make your journey toward better vision as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Here’s exactly what to expect during your consultation—and how we’ll guide you through each step to determine if LASIK is the right choice for you.
Why the LASIK Consultation Matters
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most popular and effective refractive surgeries available today. According to the Journal of Advanced Medical Research, modern LASIK techniques now boast over 96% patient satisfaction, with most people achieving 20/20 vision or better within a few days of the procedure.
But not everyone is a candidate—and that’s where your consultation comes in. A LASIK consultation is designed to:
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Evaluate your eye health and medical history
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Identify any risk factors
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Map your cornea with advanced imaging
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Discuss your goals and expectations
What Happens During a LASIK Consultation?
Here’s what typically happens at a LASIK consultation:
1. Medical & Vision History Review
Your eye doctor will review your overall health, current medications, and any past eye conditions or surgeries. They’ll also ask about your lifestyle and vision goals.
2. Comprehensive Eye Exam
You can have an eye exam done by your eye doctor or at the LASIK clinic. However, the LASIK team will still repeat key tests using advanced equipment to take precise measurements. These tests are entirely comfortable and pain-free. A comprehensive eye exam is the first and most important step before proceeding with LASIK. This detailed assessment checks the overall health of your eyes, your vision prescription (also called refractive error), and the condition of both the front (cornea) and back (retina) of your eyes.
This is a more detailed eye exam than a routine exam that includes:
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Corneal topography: A corneal topographer maps the surface of your cornea, pinpointing where the laser will reshape it. It also checks the thickness of your cornea to ensure it meets the minimum safety requirement for LASIK.
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Refraction testing: To determine your prescription and vision stability
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Pupil and iris measurements
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Tear film analysis: To evaluate dryness or tear production issues
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Retinal imaging: A retinal scanner and camera take high-resolution images of the retina to look for signs of damage or disease—no need for eye dilation, so you can go back to work or resume your day right after your appointment.
These tests are non-invasive and painless.
3. Discussion with Your LASIK Specialist
Once your testing is complete, you’ll meet with your LASIK specialist to review the results. They’ll evaluate your prescription, measure your eye pressure, and examine the overall health of your cornea. Based on this information, they’ll determine if LASIK is safe and effective for you, or if an alternative procedure like PRK or SMILE would be more suitable.
Your specialist will also explain what to expect from the procedure, discuss potential results, and explain the recovery process. This is your chance to ask questions and feel confident about your next steps.
Determining Your Eligibility for LASIK
Your vision correction specialist will discuss whether LASIK fits you well. They’ll go over what your vision might look like after surgery and answer any questions you have.
You’ll only be recommended for LASIK if you’re a strong candidate likely to have a successful outcome. If LASIK isn’t your best option, other refractive procedures may be suggested.
Factors That Affect LASIK Candidacy:
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Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
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Overall health: You should be healthy without uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune diseases.
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Eye health: You should not have chronic issues such as dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal disease.
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Stable prescription: Your vision should be stable for at least 12 months before LASIK.
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Pregnancy: Wait until after pregnancy, since hormonal changes can affect your eyes and prescription.
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Realistic expectations: Your doctor will discuss whether your lifestyle and goals align with what LASIK can offer.
Understanding the LASIK Procedure Before Consultation
After your eye health and eligibility are confirmed, your doctor will explain the LASIK procedure—what it involves, how long it takes, and what recovery looks like.
You’ll also meet with a vision correction counselor who will:
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Answer any remaining questions
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Go over what to expect on surgery day
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Explain the cost of the procedure
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Help schedule your surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is an outpatient procedure that uses a specialized laser to reshape the cornea and correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The procedure typically takes just 5 to 10 minutes per eye. Most people experience noticeably improved vision within 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
Cost and Payment Options
Since LASIK is considered elective, it’s not usually covered by insurance. However, many patients finance their procedure or pay in full during consultation.
Payment options include:
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CareCredit® and Alphaeon® Credit for qualifying patients
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Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are offered by many employers
At Southwest Eye Institute, we’re committed to making LASIK as affordable as possible. Our team is happy to discuss financing options and help you find a plan that fits your budget.
Why Choose Southwest Eye Institute
At Southwest Eye Institute, you’re never just another patient—you’re treated like family. We believe everyone deserves the highest level of care, the kind we’d want for our own loved ones. That’s why we go above and beyond to ensure every visit feels like a VIP experience.
As an entirely local practice, we’re proud to offer expert eye care in your community. Whether visiting us for LASIK or a routine eye exam, you’ll receive personalized attention from our dedicated in-house team. With advanced diagnostic technology and state-of-the-art on-site equipment, we’re equipped to deliver exceptional care conveniently and close to home.
Ready to See the Possibilities?
Your LASIK consultation is the first step to clearer vision and greater freedom. From your comprehensive exam to customized recommendations, we’re here to ensure you feel confident every step of the way.