Ophthalmology Services and Refractive Surgery (LASIK)

• 10% to 30% savings on surgical procedures including LASIK
• Over 500 participating locations nationwide
• Free screening for LASIK surgery

Plan members save 10% to 30% off physician's and facilities fees on medical eye exams and surgical procedures including RK, PRK, ALK and LASIK. The network includes over 500 participating laser surgery centers and independent ophthalmologist locations nationwide.

Members call a toll-free number to access a participating physician in their area. If there is not an ophthalmologist close by, members may give their doctor's name, address, and phone number to a customer service representative and (s)he will be invited to join the program.

Due to the growing interest in laser surgery procedures, the network constantly grows as new providers are recruited. In keeping with the plan's tradition of contracting with both chain and independent providers, this program offers a national chain of laser surgery centers providing discounts on refractive laser surgery and independent ophthalmologists who also provide discounts on refractive surgery.

What is LASIK Surgery?

The eye functions like a camera. Light rays are directed by the cornea and lens to the retina. The retina acts like film in a camera sending images to the brain. Light must be focused directly on the retina for normal vision. Laser Vision Correction is a term for a group of surgical procedures that correct refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis)

In LASIK, the surgeon creates a thin flap of corneal tissue that is gently folded back to reveal the inner layer of the cornea. The cool beam of the excimer laser removes a microscopic amount of tissue changing the way the eye focuses light. After the laser treatment, the flap is gently returned to its normal position. The flap quickly heals and serves as a natural bandage over the treated area.

LASIK can be a good option for people with mild to severe nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism. In many cases, LASIK provides excellent visual results with a minimum level of discomfort and a quick recovery time.