As leading voices and experts in laser surgery for vision correction, the trained ophthalmology staff of Honolulu and Aiea, HI’s Hawaii Vision Clinic are well acquainted with the Lasik approach. This procedure, one that they perform quite regularly, employs specialized lasers to alter the shape of the cornea to correct vision problems; it’s a long-term solution for people who would like to see clearly without contact lenses or glasses, are suffering from astigmatism, or have other conditions.

That said, according to these ophthalmologists, one should be wary of unscrupulous practitioners of this method, both in terms of how the surgery is conducted and with pricing.

So what are some of these scams? Let’s take a look:

• Cheap Pricing: The most important thing is to do your research; you are well within your rights to find out as much as you can about the clinic or ophthalmologist you’re considering. Don’t be tempted by a low price. Advertisements for $299 procedures are often a bait and switch practice—customers are quoted a much higher fee after a consultation. Some surgeons might not even offer post-operative care. There are even reports of different surgeons customers never met before performing the procedure or changing the price at the last moment. Check out reviews, and make sure customers are satisfied with the work done.
• Faking It: In a well-reported case from 2000, a California-based chain of Lasik surgery centers would defraud both elderly Medicare recipients and the Medicare program itself. According to the Los Angeles Times, the staff of these fraudulent clinics would have patients sign documentation that they were having the procedure done for legitimate medical reasons and then actually fake the procedure and collect.
• False Claims: Some practices will make false and misleading claims about what Lasik surgery can do. While it does have about a 90% success rate (as the FTC reports), it will not necessarily make your vision absolutely perfect; though in most cases there is a significant improvement. Also, a Lasik procedure can’t combat the natural degeneration of your visual acuity as you age. If a laser eye center is claiming otherwise, be very suspicious.

Luckily, these unscrupulous behaviors don’t occur at Hawaii Vision Clinic, where the staff is absolutely forthcoming about every aspect of the procedure. Check out the clinic’s website to learn more, or call them at (808) 487-7938 to set up an appointment.