Negotiating the price

[vw4motion]

Visited two major Lasik providers in WDC area and was quoted almost the same price for Custom Bladeless Lasik with Lifetime Commitment (enhancements covered if needed). Quote was $3800 for both eyes.

Want to do it beginning of Jan 2009 and was wondering whether it is possible to bring the price down with this economy and the nature of the surgery which is elective. Centers that I visited were pretty empty during my free consultation visit.

Anyone has done this? i know this is not car dealership, but think if their business is down would not it be better for make some money than not make money at all.

Thanks.

[keith5851]

I'm also researching pricing for Lasik eye surgery, trying to balance a good price with a good surgeon. Here is what I have found for options:

Option 1: Through my health insurance, (Blue Cross Blue Shield) they offer a 15% discount on lasik eye surgery. The catch is they choose the ophthalmologist for you. In my area, all the surgeons ( they recommend) work at these "all lasik mills", meaning that's all the business does and profits from. The price quote for two of those all lasik centers (in my area) was around $3,800 for both eyes.

Negative vibe: The problem with these centers is at your intital consultation, they have multiple people checking your prescription, doing the wavefront scan, and dryness test. They do this so the actual lasik doctor has more time to perform surgeries. It's kinda of a divide and conquer attitude. However, THE PROBLEM IS THE OPHTHALMOLOGIST WHO PERFORMS YOUR SURGERY WILL NOT HAVE A THOROUGH KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR EYES. THIS MAY LEAD TO A UNWANTED SURGERY WHEN YOU MAY HAVE NOT BEEN AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR LASIK IN THE FIRST PLACE. THINK OF IT AS AN ASSEMBLY LINE FOR PATIENTS WANTING LASIK. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I AM NO LONGER CONSIDERING THIS AN OPTION.

Option 2 (the better MORE EXPENSIVE choice): Find an ophthalmologist who is going be there for all stages of your surgery, from your initial consultation to the followup stages in recovery. I recommend not going to an all lasik place. Find a place that performs, regular eye exams, cataract surgeries, glaucoma surgeries.

The price to pay: For example: I have found a surgeon who is a corneal specialist who performs lasik, cataracts, glaucoma, and other complicated eye surgeries. He charges $5,000 for both eyes!!! However, that extra $1,200 dollars you invest will be worth it in the long run.

I realize this isn't the answer you were looking for,but I hope this help you in your search for the right price. Remember that you have one set of eyes. If you choose to bargain your lasik eye surgery similar to bargaining a used car, YOU MAY END UP WITH A LEMON

[vw4motion]

Thanks for your response - you made a really good point.

Btw, how do I find DRs that do LASIK, but don't do it through major Lasik centers?

[keith5851]

How do I find DRs that do LASIK, but don't do it through major Lasik centers?

1. Ask around --- your friends, relatives, co-workers and see if they have had Lasik done and who they went to. Ask if they know somebody who had it done? Who they went to?

2. Get a referral from your eye doctor for the area you want to have it done.

3. Check USA Eyes website for "Find a Doctor" section. Click on your state

4. You can also do a background check on that doctor, to see if they have any medical malpractices and how many.

[OptimusPrime]

You can definitely ask for their "best price"

I have gone to see about 6 doctors in the NYC area and you can negotiate price. Don't expect much movement but a few hundred is a few hundred. I haven't done this but maybe suggest going on a standby list in case they have a last minute cancellation (and not make any money during that time slot)? A little creativity can save you $$$.

[LasikExpert]

The economy has hit all businesses that have a product or service that can be delayed, and Lasik is no different. Due to the down economy it is very likely that a Lasik center will lower its price significantly to get your business, but you must be serious about committing and ready to go.

You may want to read out article about lowering Lasik costs.