A low headline price is not useful unless two quotes cover the same work. Use this checklist before comparing LASIK, PRK, SMILE or ICL proposals.
1. Identify the exact procedure
- LASIK, femto-LASIK, PRK, TransPRK, SMILE or ICL?
- One eye or both eyes?
- What laser or platform will actually be used?
- Who is the operating ophthalmologist?
2. Compare the pre-operative workup
- Refraction and prescription stability
- Corneal mapping/topography and thickness measurements
- Dry-eye and ocular-health assessment as appropriate
- Any separate evaluation or imaging fee
3. Compare what the price includes
- Surgeon and facility fees
- Pre-op testing
- Post-op drops or medications
- Follow-up visits
- Enhancement/retreatment policy
- What happens if the exam shows you should not have the procedure?
4. Verify the clinician
Colombia's Ministry of Health provides the ReTHUS registry so the public can verify whether a health professional is authorized to practice. Verify the actual clinician, not only the clinic brand.
5. Do not treat a website questionnaire as candidacy screening
The FDA emphasizes that refractive surgery requires an appropriate examination and that factors such as prescription stability, corneal thickness, dry eye and other eye conditions can affect suitability. A quote is not medical clearance.