Finding Ways To Pay For Vision Correction Surgery

For most people, paying for vision correction surgery takes planning and consideration. There are many options to consider when planning how you will pay for LASIK – savings, financing plans, FSAs or HSAs, and even unexpected financial windfalls. If you are one of the 8 out of 10 U.S. tax filers to receive a tax refund this year, this might be an excellent, unexpected financial windfall to help you offset LASIK costs.

Step 1: Your Tax Refund

Once you file your taxes, it typically takes the government about three weeks to process your return and send you your refund check. Use this time to book your LASIK consultation, where we will determine if the procedure is the best option for you.

Step 2: Your LASIK Consultation and Pre-Operative Exam

This eye exam is where you learn if you’re a laser vision correction candidate. You’ll be able to learn more about the procedure, and ask your doctor any questions you have. Most times the pre-operative exam is conducted at the same time as the consultation. If you are a good candidate and meet the LASIK eye surgery requirements, you can go ahead with scheduling your procedure at this time.

Step 3: Day of LASIK Eye Surgery

The actual LASIK procedure takes only 15 minutes. When you arrive for your appointment, your surgeon will put anesthetic drops in your eyes, and use the laser to precisely reshape the cornea for better vision. The recovery is short – you’ll rest your eyes for 24 hours, avoiding watching television or reading during that time. Most people are back to work the following day.

If you complete your procedure during tax season, your eyes will have plenty of time to heal before your summer activities. So treat yourself to a new pair of sunglasses for sightseeing, a vacation for walking along the beach, or simply go swimming without blurry vision.

Step 4: Deduct LASIK

For many people, LASIK eye surgery can be a tax-deductible medical expense. This is based on how much you make before taxes and how much you spend on medical costs. When the following tax season rolls around, seek a professional’s guidance to see if your LASIK is tax deductible.

Saving for LASIK

If you’re not ready to have laser eye surgery this year, plan ahead for next year. The average cost of LASIK is about $2,000 per eye in the United States. Estimate next year’s tax refund so you can plan ahead for your procedure.

 

Be sure to talk to one of our doctors about not only the benefits of LASIK, but also any risks of LASIK that may pertain to your individual needs and circumstances.