Grand Rapids Ophthalmology offers FREE LASIK evaluations.
The LASIK evaluation is a specialized eye exam for the purpose of surgery with diagnostic testing, and scans performed to assess if a patient is a good candidate. It is also an opportunity to meet your surgeon and members of our LASIK Team. To be a good candidate, you must be between the ages of 18-60, have healthy eyes with a stable prescription, and wear corrective lenses for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism.
The Laser Vision Evaluation is a no-charge appointment. However, if you would like to request a copy of your glasses prescription after the evaluation, then a $150.00 fee would apply.
The evaluation appointment is performed at our 750 East Beltline office. It is conveniently located in Grand Rapids just North of I-96 and off the East Beltline right before Frederik Meijer Gardens.
The LASIK evaluation will take approximately two hours due to the thorough diagnostic testing, scans, and exam required for surgery.
A thorough evaluation will determine if you are eligible for LASIK and what procedure will be the best for your unique eyes.
The evaluation usually consists of:
- Vision Testing
- Mapping the shape of the cornea
- Screening for eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy
- Measuring corneal thickness, eye movement, and pupil size
- Assessing the back of the eye
Please be aware that your eyes will be dilated during a complete LASIK evaluation. Dilation causes sensitivity to light and blurry near vision. Dilation may last between 24 and 36 hours. Please bring sunglasses to the appointment or we will provide disposable sunglasses for your convenience.
In preparation for your appointment, you will be asked to discontinue contact lenses and wear glasses only. This allows for the corneas to return to their natural shape. For soft contact lens wearers, 1-2 weeks is recommended. If you wear hard or rigid gas permeable contacts, you must discontinue wear at least 3-4 weeks prior to your LASIK evaluation.
In order to have accurate testing results, you must be in glasses to ensure the cornea is in its most natural shape. Contacts may reshape the cornea and create irregularities.
If you have a current eyeglass prescription and do not have eyeglasses to wear prior to your scheduled evaluation, we do offer loaner glasses. Due to timing, arrangements must be made with LASIK and Optical at least 3-4 weeks prior to your scheduled evaluation appointment.
The body’s hormone levels may cause vision to change or fluctuate during and after pregnancy, nursing, or fertility drugs/treatment. Our doctors recommend waiting six months before the evaluation to ensure the most accurate testing results.
Insurance companies often consider LASIK an elective surgery because eyes may be treated with glasses or contacts to correct vision. We recommend that you check with your insurance company to see if LASIK surgery is a covered benefit under your plan.
At Grand Rapids Ophthalmology, all our laser procedures are blade-free, performed with the latest technology, and our prices are all inclusive. There are no hidden fees based on the strength of your prescription or on your corrective needs such as astigmatism or hyperopia. We understand that cost is a factor but safety, outcomes, and satisfaction are our primary concerns.
Our goal is to make LASIK affordable. We accept the CareCredit heathcare credit card.
CareCredit provides our patients:
- Special interest-free plans up to 24 months
- No down-payment requirements
- Affordable low, monthly payments
- No early-payoff penalties
The application process is quick and easy. Visit CareCredit.com to apply.
LASIK will correct for nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism within FDA and laser treatment guidelines.
No, LASIK changes the shape of cornea (the clear outer portion of the eye) to correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Presbyopia, or the need for reading glasses, is the natural aging process of the lens inside the eye. The lens becomes more rigid as we get older, losing its ability to change focus on objects up close. These lens changes typically occur between the ages of 40 and 50 and is easily correctable with reading glasses.
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology’s laser vision correction procedures are all blade-free, meaning a blade or scalpel never touches the eye. We use laser light to gently create flaps that are customized to be of uniform thickness, accurately sized, and precisely centered.
Some laser centers still use blade technology to create the flap for LASIK. They are often trying to save money on laser costs or their surgeons are uncomfortable using the laser. Blade technology may put patients at higher risk for flap complications.
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology performs LASIK using two lasers, the iFS Advanced Femtosecond Laser® for precision flap creation and the WaveLight® EX500 Excimer Laser to sculpt the cornea for personalized treatments. This state-of-the-art laser combination means faster treatments, greater accuracy, proven reliability, and excellent outcomes.
Yes, you will need a driver on the day of your procedure.
Patients may experience some mild discomfort following the procedure. Discomfort may include tearing, burning, mild irritation, and light sensitivity. These symptoms are normal and should subside within 2-6 hours. An over-the-counter pain reliever may be taken as needed.
Yes, you will need to take time to rest and recuperate. Keeping your eyes closed after surgery, on the day of your procedure, will aid in the healing process. This means avoiding all near-vision activities like reading, computer work, texting, and watching television. We advise going home and napping after the procedure, and resuming near-vision activities the following day.
A comprehensive list of post-procedure restrictions will be provided for you to take home at your evaluation appointment, as well as on the day of surgery. For the short time required for your eyes to recover, exercise, eye makeup, immersing the eyes in water, and rubbing the eyes will need to be avoided. This will ensure that during the healing process your eyes are protected from injury, infections, and flap complications.
You will need to plan to be off work the day of your procedure. Many patients may feel ready to return to work and driving the day after their procedure. Keep in mind, healing times may vary by patient.
PRK patients having surgery on both eyes, on the same day, should plan to be off work and not drive for one week.
Our surgeons at Grand Rapids Ophthalmology are available to you, not only on the day of your procedure, but 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They are directly involved in your care before, during, and after your procedure.
Schedule an Appointment
Schedule an appointment today to experience the GRO difference. Call 616.274.0092 or click here.
