If the cost of LASIK has made you stay in glasses or contacts longer than you want, you are not alone. Many people delay vision correction because of the price, even when they want it. The good news is that LASIK is often more affordable than people think, and there are several practical ways to make it work for your budget.
At Hayden Vision, we think the cost of LASIK should be clear, and it should not be the reason you keep spending money on glasses, contacts, and solution every year. Here is how to understand the real cost of LASIK and some practical ways to pay for it.
Know What You’re Actually Paying For
A common reason people get confused about LASIK pricing is not knowing what is included. Some places give a low price at first, but then add extra fees for your consultation, measurements, or a touch-up procedure later.
At Hayden Vision, LASIK fees are all-inclusive. Your consultation, all pre-surgery measurements, the procedure, and six months of follow-up care are included in one price. If you need an enhancement in the first year, that is included as well.
According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, knowing what is included in your quote helps you compare LASIK prices more accurately, instead of just looking at a lower number that does not tell the whole story.
Dr. Hayden also keeps pricing simple, with a flat rate that does not change based on your prescription or astigmatism. That kind of straightforward pricing makes it much easier to plan.
Compare LASIK to What You’re Already Spending
LASIK might seem expensive when you see it as a one-time cost. But most people who wear glasses or contacts spend money on them every year, and those costs keep adding up.
Contact lenses, solution, yearly eye exams, and new glasses every few years add up quickly. Over five or ten years, many people realize they have spent as much as, or even more than, the cost of LASIK just to keep their current vision correction. LASIK is a one-time cost that can remove most or all of those ongoing expenses, so many people see it as an investment in their daily life rather than just another expense.
Ask About Financing That Spreads Out the Cost
You do not have to pay for LASIK all at once. Many people use financing to make LASIK fit within their monthly budget rather than using up their savings.
Hayden Vision offers financing through Alphaeon Credit, a trusted healthcare financing company. It lets you pay for your procedure up front and then split the cost into monthly payments. Depending on your plan, you might also get promotional financing with low or no interest for a certain period. This can make your monthly LASIK payment about the same as what you already spend on contacts and solution.
Put Your HSA or FSA Dollars to Work
If you have a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, you might already have a good way to pay for LASIK. LASIK counts as a qualified medical expense under IRS rules, so you can use pre-tax dollars from these accounts to pay for some or all of the cost.
Since HSA and FSA contributions are taken from your paycheck before taxes, using these funds can save you money equal to your tax rate. If your FSA has a use-it-or-lose-it deadline soon, LASIK can be a smart way to use those funds for something that will help you for years. Be sure to check your plan’s rules, as limits and rollover policies can be different.
Find Out If You’re a Candidate Before You Budget
It is hard to plan for a cost until you know the procedure is right for you. A full evaluation during your consultation is the only way to know for certain.
About 85 percent of people who look into LASIK are good candidates. Finding out early lets you move ahead with financing or scheduling without worrying if LASIK is even possible for you.
Choose a Practice That Keeps Pricing Straightforward
The practice you choose is just as important as the payment plan. Dr. Gregory Hayden started Hayden Vision in 2003 and is known for using advanced technology and clear pricing that does not surprise patients later. When a practice is honest about costs from the start, planning for LASIK is much less stressful.
Make LASIK Work for Your Budget
The cost of LASIK does not have to hold you back. With all-inclusive pricing, flexible financing from Alphaeon Credit, and the option to use HSA or FSA funds, most people can fit LASIK into their monthly budget. When you consider the years of paying for glasses, contacts, and exams, LASIK is often the more affordable choice over time.
Wondering what LASIK could cost for you? Schedule an appointment at Hayden Vision in Evansville, IN, today.
