What Determines the Costs of Lasik Treatment?
Many Australians turn to LASIK treatment but are reluctant as they are not sure of the costs and don’t even know what to expect from it. You can click here to find out the cost of undergoing laser eye surgery and read on to know more. Please keep in mind that prices sometimes vary and will be based on various factors that are detailed below.
Cost Breakdown at a Glance
The costs for eye surgery may vary and depend on the procedure you opt for, the surgeon’s experience, and the intensity of your vision problem. Don’t calculate the cost based on the surgery expense incurred by a relative or friend. Each pair of eyes is unique and has different types of issues. It would help if you looked out for the eye surgeon’s expertise and transparency in the fees and other costs.
Here are the details for the overall cost of undergoing LASIK eye surgery:
Costs Incurred Upfront
Consultation: The consultation fees, again, can vary. In some cases, consultation is often free as it is included in the total surgery costs. However, the price is likely to be around $250. You’ll get to know the actual figure when you book your appointment. It is advisable to check if you will get a refund if you can’t go for the surgery for any reason.
Cost of Surgery: Depending on the surgeon and the hospital, the surgery costs can vary from $4,000 to $12,000 for both eyes. The more the surgeon’s experience is, the higher the charges are. Click here to get more details on laser eye surgery costs.
Individual Costs vs. Comprehensive Individual Costs: In some cases, the clinics are likely to charge regularly, which includes consultation, surgery, and post-surgery appointments. Some clinics charge separately for individual costs, including medication, post-surgery follow-up, diagnosis, etc. Make sure that you get the break-up before fixing the appointment.
Please note that LASIK treatment is not covered under Medicare, with rare exceptions as the case may be. As far as Healthcare coverage is concerned, few health funds have included LASIK treatment in the package they offer. Healthcare coverage is not useful for urgent surgeries as there is a waiting period of a maximum of three years after the policy comes into force.
Other Costs
Follow-up: If post-surgery follow-up is not covered in the overall surgery cost, each follow-up visit may cost anywhere between $70 and $140.
Medication costs: Here again, if the prices are already included in the overall package, you will be provided with the necessary medicines. However, if the prices are not included, you may have to pay $50 to $60 for eye drops, plus other antibiotics, which will depend on the rate of healing.
Summing it Up
LASIK eye surgery may not suit everyone and will depend on several factors. The surgeon’s decision is final. Moreover, in some rare cases, the procedure may not work and the refractive error may remain uncorrected. This may require additional procedures at extra cost. Hence, it is better to get yourself examined by an experienced surgeon before making a decision. Click here for getting more information on laser eye surgery.