Understanding LASIK Cost & Financing Options in Houston
“How much does LASIK cost?” This is understandably one of the first questions asked by patients in Houston considering vision correction surgery. At Berkeley Eye Center, our goal is to provide exceptional value and make the life-changing benefits of clearer vision accessible. We believe understanding the cost involves looking beyond just a price tag – it encompasses the advanced technology used, the extensive experience of our surgeons, and the comprehensive care you receive throughout your journey.
Our Philosophy: Delivering the Best Value for LASIK in Houston
At Berkeley Eye Center, we believe in transparency and providing outstanding value. That’s why we offer one LASIK price, regardless of the severity of your prescription. Unlike some centers that may charge more for higher degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, our single price ensures fairness for all qualified candidates.
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We may not be the lowest-priced LASIK provider in Houston, nor are we the highest. Our focus is firmly on delivering the best overall value, which we define through:
Our ultimate goal is to help you achieve the best possible visual outcome safely and effectively, providing lasting value for your investment in clear vision.
What’s Included in Your Berkeley Eye Center LASIK Cost?
We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees. When you choose Berkeley Eye Center for your LASIK procedure, the cost includes:
(Please note: Prescription eye drops required after surgery are typically purchased separately at your pharmacy.)
Does Insurance Cover LASIK Eye Surgery?
Generally, no. Because vision can typically be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, most medical and vision insurance plans classify LASIK as an elective procedure and do not cover the cost.
However, there are a couple of possibilities:
- Vision Plan Discounts: Some specific vision plans may offer a member discount on the cost of LASIK. Berkeley Eye Center is an in-network provider for most major vision plans, and we can help verify if your plan offers such a discount.
- Rare Medical Necessity: In very rare instances, LASIK might be deemed medically necessary (e.g., severe intolerance to contacts/glasses due to injury or specific conditions), but this requires extensive documentation and pre-authorization and is not typical.
How to Check for Discounts:
- Contact your vision insurance provider directly and ask specifically about LASIK discounts or benefits.
- Speak with your employer’s HR or benefits coordinator.
- Ask us during your free LASIK consultation! Our refractive counselors are experienced in checking for potential vision plan discounts.
- See most major vision plans we accept.
- Discuss during your free BEC LASIK consultation
Save Money with Pre-Tax Dollars: FSA & HSA
One of the smartest and most popular ways to pay for LASIK is by using funds from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). These employer-sponsored accounts allow you to set aside money from your paycheck before taxes to pay for qualified healthcare expenses, including LASIK eye surgery. Using pre-tax dollars can result in significant savings on your procedure!
Understanding FSAs and HSAs:
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Funds are often available at the beginning of your plan year. However, FSAs typically have a “use it or lose it” rule, meaning you must spend the allocated funds within the plan year (or grace period, if offered). Contribution limits apply and can change annually; check your specific plan details.
- Health Savings Account (HSA): Funds are typically available as they are deposited through payroll deductions. A major advantage is that HSA funds usually roll over year after year if unused. Contribution limits also apply and vary for individuals vs. families; confirm the current limits for your plan.
FSA vs. HSA: Key Differences at a Glance
Feature 19635_55818a-7c> |
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 19635_659f3b-3f> |
Health Savings Account (HSA) 19635_79e822-fb> |
---|---|---|
Fund Rollover 19635_834365-a6> |
Generally “Use it or Lose it” (Funds typically expire annually unless plan has carryover/grace period) 19635_d8e532-bd> |
Yes (Funds roll over year after year; you keep them) 19635_b11c1c-df> |
Fund Availability 19635_d0c70d-36> |
Often available in full at the start of the plan year 19635_a4360e-80> |
Available as funds are deposited throughout the year 19635_1269af-81> |
Important Note: This is a simplified overview. Contribution limits, eligibility requirements (HSAs require enrollment in a High-Deductible Health Plan – HDHP), and specific plan rules can vary. Always check the details of your employer’s specific FSA or HSA plan.
Plan Ahead! We highly recommend scheduling your free LASIK consultation before your company’s open enrollment period. This allows you to confirm your candidacy and determine the appropriate amount to allocate to your FSA or HSA for LASIK, maximizing your potential tax savings.
Affordable Monthly Payments: Financing Options
To make LASIK accessible to more patients, Berkeley Eye Center partners with leading third-party healthcare financing companies. These programs (available upon approved credit) allow you to pay for your procedure over time with convenient monthly payments that can fit your budget.
CareCredit®
We proudly offer the CareCredit® card, North America’s leading patient payment program. CareCredit is a credit card designed exclusively for healthcare services. It provides various financing options, including low monthly payment plans for procedures like LASIK that aren’t typically covered by insurance.
Alphaeon® Credit
Alphaeon Credit offers flexible financing options specifically tailored for health, wellness, and beauty procedures, including LASIK. With Alphaeon Credit, you may receive:
Other Payment Methods
In addition to financing, we accept several other forms of payment:
A Note on “Discount LASIK” Providers
You may see advertisements for LASIK at significantly lower prices, sometimes as low as a few hundred dollars per eye. While tempting, it’s crucial to understand the reality behind these offers.
Focus on Value, Not Just Price
When considering eye surgery, prioritize value — which includes surgeon experience, advanced technology, safety protocols, and comprehensive care — over simply the lowest advertised price. Berkeley Eye Center is committed to transparent, all-inclusive pricing that reflects the quality and safety standards necessary for achieving excellent, lasting results.
Current LASIK Promotions & Discounts
Berkeley Eye Center is dedicated to making LASIK accessible. We often have special promotions available.
Discuss Your Options: Schedule Your Free Consultation
The best way to get a clear understanding of your specific LASIK cost, potential discounts, and the payment or financing option that works best for you is to come in for a complimentary LASIK consultation. Our knowledgeable refractive counselors will walk you through all the details in a no-pressure environment.