Author Topic: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK  (Read 15018 times)

sherr

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Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« on: February 20, 2013, 09:12:13 AM »
This is not the most antimustachian thing in the world, but it's the first chance I've had to contribute to my favorite category on the forums so I'm going for it.

I was at the Doctor's office earlier today, and the conversation with the Physician's Assistant (median salary: $75k) turned to the laser-eye surgery I had performed a while ago. We talked about my doctor, the procedure, potential side effects, etc. because she was also thinking of having it done. Eventually we got to:

Her: Do they let you finance it?
Me: I would think so, but I'm not sure. I paid in cash. It was only about $3,000 for everything.
Her: Oh wow. No, I would definitely need to finance it.
Me: :(

Edit: spelling, my strong suite
« Last Edit: February 20, 2013, 10:57:28 AM by sherr »

jp

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #1 on: February 20, 2013, 09:56:29 AM »
It is shocking when you start talking to otherwise normal people... many many people do not even have access to a couple weeks worth of pay.  Even on these boards, we get people coming in asking about their financial situations, I think they tend to be more conscientious than average and have better situations than most. 

As to your physician's asst, how long could it possibly take her to save 2 weeks worth of pay?  But that is the society we live in... why worry about saving when you can just go into debt in case something comes up?

Apocalyptica602

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2013, 10:10:14 AM »
I had LASIK done in 2012, my total cost out of pocket was ~$5400.

It was pricier because I needed the newest version of the technology which came out in 2008 since my corneas are super-thin. Two different doctors told me if I had come to them 6 years ago they would've said they couldn't do it.

When I gush about how awesome it is and how it was worth every penny sometimes the question arises 'well how much did it cost?'

When I say $5400 people are aghast that I paid that out of pocket, and were shocked that I "...just had that kinda money laying around"

Then I exclaim "Well if I financed it they'd add 8% to the total bill as a fee." to which they usually respond "So? Then you have a year to pay it off!"

...

*sigh*

ketchup

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #3 on: February 20, 2013, 10:24:48 AM »
Reminds me of the "$0 down" signs I see on the way home from work for PUPPIES. Yes, people are apparently financing puppies nowadays.

Jack

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #4 on: February 20, 2013, 10:32:58 AM »
Reminds me of the "$0 down" signs I see on the way home from work for PUPPIES. Yes, people are apparently financing puppies nowadays.

That makes no sense, especially considering that I acquired my pet cat by opening my front door and letting her walk inside (i.e., $0 total).

anastrophe

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2013, 11:16:53 AM »
Reminds me of the "$0 down" signs I see on the way home from work for PUPPIES. Yes, people are apparently financing puppies nowadays.

That makes no sense, especially considering that I acquired my pet cat by opening my front door and letting her walk inside (i.e., $0 total).

The people who are financing puppies are buying purebreds and paying for the perceived prestige or whatever else people think makes purebreds more valuable than all the other animals. I hope...I'm pretty sure my local shelter wouldn't let me finance the $25 they charge to cover sterilization.


jp

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #6 on: February 20, 2013, 11:32:07 AM »
^^ right, everything is a status symbol these days.  Some of these pure bred dogs cost absurd amounts, over $10k in some cases apparently. 

Jamesqf

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #7 on: February 20, 2013, 11:47:01 AM »
That makes no sense, especially considering that I acquired my pet cat by opening my front door and letting her walk inside (i.e., $0 total).

Yeah, one of my current dogs (and most of the past ones) was a "can you keep him just for a week or two, otherwise he'll have to go to the (sob!) pound" deal - that two weeks will be two years come April.  The other was my neighbors', but decided she'd be happier over here.

ketchup

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #8 on: February 20, 2013, 12:41:55 PM »
Reminds me of the "$0 down" signs I see on the way home from work for PUPPIES. Yes, people are apparently financing puppies nowadays.

That makes no sense, especially considering that I acquired my pet cat by opening my front door and letting her walk inside (i.e., $0 total).

The people who are financing puppies are buying purebreds and paying for the perceived prestige or whatever else people think makes purebreds more valuable than all the other animals. I hope...I'm pretty sure my local shelter wouldn't let me finance the $25 they charge to cover sterilization.
The places I've seen this sort of thing are less  "purebred" and more "puppy mills."  It's just sad in many ways.

noob515

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #9 on: February 21, 2013, 10:05:52 AM »

When I say $5400 people are aghast that I paid that out of pocket, and were shocked that I "...just had that kinda money laying around"


I am confused when people use this phrase.  Having money "laying around" makes it sound like I've got a couple of leftover $1 bills crammed into my pocket from when I had to use cash to buy something.  My money is never just laying around - it's in the bank, earning interest like a good little employee.

Also, just "laying around" makes it seem like that purchase was a whimsical decision.  It's not like I just woke up one random Tuesday morning and said "gee, I think I'll let someone shoot a laser into my eyeballs today!".  There's a certain level of planning required for people considering Lasik, then scheduling a consultation, then actually having the procedure.  Or, one would think, anyway.  Personally, I considered it for years, and then waited until I had the money saved in my HSA (including an employer sponsored contribution) to do it.  $4200 for my Lasik.

And even if you DON'T have the money currently available, waiting until you've saved enough will only give you more time to confirm that it's what you want to do.  My husband has actually NEEDED new work shoes for months now, and he knows what he wants (he just needs to confirm it's in stock in his size), and it's only $100 for the shoes, which we certainly have available.  He just isn't treating $100 like a whimsical random purchase. 

Along the puppy mill vein, the coworker whose cubicle is next to mine is talking about what dogs he plans on getting, once he buys a house.  He's been researching breeds, and met w/ a breeder.  He doesn't understand why I get so insistent that he spend the $75 to adopt from a shelter, and the dog will come already neutered/spayed, and with all its shots.  But then he gets on some "I can't neuter my dog, that's his MAN-HOOD, so maybe I'll be a breeder" tangent, and I have to walk away before I smack him.

And totally random, but Sherr, in your edit, you say "spelling, my strong suite".  I have to ask, but you're being sarcastic right?  Because if not, it should be "suit".  (sorry, but I am a total spelling Nazi)

destron

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #10 on: February 21, 2013, 10:14:28 AM »
Reminds me of the "$0 down" signs I see on the way home from work for PUPPIES. Yes, people are apparently financing puppies nowadays.

My dad's wife's sons (both of them) financed corgi puppies for $1500 each. I was appalled. One of them doesn't have the dog anymore.

destron

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #11 on: February 21, 2013, 10:17:19 AM »
On a side-note: LASIK was life-changing for me. I was pretty bad (couldn't read a novel without glasses because I was too nearsighted) and I have now had perfect vision for 9 years. Definitely worth the $4000 I spent on it.

My suggestion to the PA would have been to just save up the money and then get the LASIK. It is not as if he/she needed it right that minute. LASIK will still be around in 6 months or a year.

No Name Guy

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #12 on: February 21, 2013, 10:45:11 AM »
You're all lucky.  Some folks out there need so much done that Lasik won't work - not enough eyeball available for all the shaping needed to get things clear. 

They have to step it up a notch and go for a clear cataract surgery.  Basically, it's where they'll do a cataract operation, remove your (perfectly clear) lens and insert a plastic lens, more or less an implantable contact, with the massive diopter needed to get you as close to perfect correction as practical. 

I've been watching and waiting for years on this one.  Doc said to wait until I really needed reading glasses and things were totally stable on the basic near sighted prescription.  When I was at the eye doc recently, one of the ladies working the front desk had it done - she was a minus 14 (holy shit, talk about coke bottles) on her prescription before the surgery.   Don't know where / how good she ended up, but even to get to a minus 2 or 3 would at least allow one to function somewhat with out any lenses on (either glasses or contacts).   I'm not quite that bad, but I joke I have "coke bottle" contacts.  Without lenses, a person with, call it 7ish or more negative diopter prescriptions is more or less functionally blind for any significant physical activity.

Oh, this surgery is on the order of 10 to 15k.  It is never covered either since it's elective.  It's a Purposeful Spending type decision - what's it worth to you to wake up and be able to see at least somewhat clearly?  What's it worth to be able to trail run on a rainy day without bouncing, fogged glasses or the hassle of contacts (especially if you live in dusty environments instead of the rain fest NW)?  What's it worth knowing that even if your glasses are destroyed, or your contacts fall out, are lost, or destroyed, you can see well enough to get out of the situation safely.

sherr

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #13 on: February 21, 2013, 10:58:36 AM »
And totally random, but Sherr, in your edit, you say "spelling, my strong suite".  I have to ask, but you're being sarcastic right?

I am. :)

mpbaker22

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #14 on: February 21, 2013, 11:33:11 AM »
Thought this was going to call LASIK anti-mustachian.  Being the finance/math dork I am, I did an analysis of getting LASIK to having contacts and/or glasses for 20 years.  LASIK came out a bit behind, but it's soooooo much more convenient.

Devils Advocate

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #15 on: February 21, 2013, 04:22:17 PM »
Physician Assistant
No apostrophe needed

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physician_assistant


Undecided

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #16 on: February 24, 2013, 07:51:17 PM »
And totally random, but Sherr, in your edit, you say "spelling, my strong suite".  I have to ask, but you're being sarcastic right?

I am. :)

Sarcasm isn't a joking matter.

Freedom2016

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #17 on: February 24, 2013, 08:50:31 PM »
You're all lucky.  Some folks out there need so much done that Lasik won't work - not enough eyeball available for all the shaping needed to get things clear. 

They have to step it up a notch and go for a clear cataract surgery.  Basically, it's where they'll do a cataract operation, remove your (perfectly clear) lens and insert a plastic lens, more or less an implantable contact, with the massive diopter needed to get you as close to perfect correction as practical. 

I've been watching and waiting for years on this one.  Doc said to wait until I really needed reading glasses and things were totally stable on the basic near sighted prescription.  When I was at the eye doc recently, one of the ladies working the front desk had it done - she was a minus 14 (holy shit, talk about coke bottles) on her prescription before the surgery.   Don't know where / how good she ended up, but even to get to a minus 2 or 3 would at least allow one to function somewhat with out any lenses on (either glasses or contacts).   I'm not quite that bad, but I joke I have "coke bottle" contacts.  Without lenses, a person with, call it 7ish or more negative diopter prescriptions is more or less functionally blind for any significant physical activity.

Oh, this surgery is on the order of 10 to 15k.  It is never covered either since it's elective.  It's a Purposeful Spending type decision - what's it worth to you to wake up and be able to see at least somewhat clearly?  What's it worth to be able to trail run on a rainy day without bouncing, fogged glasses or the hassle of contacts (especially if you live in dusty environments instead of the rain fest NW)?  What's it worth knowing that even if your glasses are destroyed, or your contacts fall out, are lost, or destroyed, you can see well enough to get out of the situation safely.

I've had terrible vision since 2nd grade; today it's 20/200 with astigmatism. 7 or 8 years ago, I saved up $5000 to get LASIK. Two different surgeons told me I couldn't do it - my vision was too bad, I was at risk of keratoconis, my corneas were too thin. The second practice told me I would be a good candidate for the lens replacement mentioned above, but when I asked how many times their specialist had performed that particular procedure, they said "Three times now!" (The procedure had only recently been approved by the FDA even though they'd been doing it in Europe for awhile.) Uh, no thanks!

I was so sad about being stuck with my bad vision that I used some of the savings to buy new bedroom furniture. *Sigh* not very Mustachian. On the other hand, I'll have that furniture for decades. Along with my horrible eyesight. :-\

Spork

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #18 on: February 25, 2013, 03:28:59 PM »

I've had terrible vision since 2nd grade; today it's 20/200 with astigmatism. 7 or 8 years ago, I saved up $5000 to get LASIK. Two different surgeons told me I couldn't do it - my vision was too bad, I was at risk of keratoconis, my corneas were too thin. The second practice told me I would be a good candidate for the lens replacement mentioned above, but when I asked how many times their specialist had performed that particular procedure, they said "Three times now!" (The procedure had only recently been approved by the FDA even though they'd been doing it in Europe for awhile.) Uh, no thanks!

I was so sad about being stuck with my bad vision that I used some of the savings to buy new bedroom furniture. *Sigh* not very Mustachian. On the other hand, I'll have that furniture for decades. Along with my horrible eyesight. :-\

My eyes are approximately the same as yours.  Don't worry about it -- everyone that gets LASIK will still have to get glasses when they hit their 40s.  ;)

Did you ever notice most eye doctors wear glasses and don't get corrective surgery? 

anastrophe

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #19 on: February 25, 2013, 04:53:34 PM »
I've considered getting LASIK but it doesn't feel worth it--you all with severe vision problems want it but can't have it, and I could have it but don't think I need it and can't justify the expense (my prescription's -1.75, just enough to need glasses all the time but not so bad I couldn't get home without them). Plus the thought of someone using lasers in my eyeballs freaks me out. But I do think it can be mustachian.

KimPossible

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #20 on: February 25, 2013, 06:11:28 PM »
I had mine done about five months ago, and it's been amazing.  I was -5.5 in one eye, -5.25 in the other (roughly 20/400 per my eye doctor).  I had been wearing contacts for 28 years, and it had gotten to the point that my eyes hurt most of the time when I was wearing the contacts.  I waited until I was through having babies and nursing (but I wanted to get it done so I had some time before I started needing readers...)

I set aside money in the FSA, and had a coupon :-) for 10% off.  The total cost was $3600, of which $2500 came from the FSA.  I had to drive 120 miles to get to the city where I had it done, and spent the night there in a hotel after the procedure.  My follow up appointment was at 7:30 the next morning and I drove home immediately afterward (and then flew to LA that night for an event for my side business).  My recovery was incredibly easy. 

My eyesight is now 20/20 or better in each eye.  It may not have been the most cost-effective option, but dang, I love the lack of discomfort in each eye!

No Name Guy

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #21 on: February 26, 2013, 07:57:42 AM »
Oh to be ONLY -1.75....or even -5.5 again.  Those were the days. 

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #22 on: February 26, 2013, 04:51:42 PM »
Reminds me of the "$0 down" signs I see on the way home from work for PUPPIES. Yes, people are apparently financing puppies nowadays.

That makes no sense, especially considering that I acquired my pet cat by opening my front door and letting her walk inside (i.e., $0 total).

:) that's how my sister got her dog.  It literally followed the cable guy in the front door and decided that her house would be a great place to live.

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #23 on: February 27, 2013, 12:55:06 PM »
I was pretty bad (couldn't read a novel without glasses because I was too nearsighted)

Haha, this made me chuckle a little. Not sure what my perscription actually is, would have to dig it up, pretty sure it is in the twenties. It is enough that I have had an eye doctor swear after seeing my perscription. I am so badly nearsighted that I can't something clearly until about two inches from my eyes without glasses (seems more like "nosighted" at that point"). Current glasses are 3/8" thick on the outside edges with the thinner plastic. At least it hasn't gotten worse since adulthood.

Might get some sort of corrective surgery some day, however my glasses have saved me on many more than one occassion from poking my eye out through my own clumsiness. Plus, I like how I look with them.

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #24 on: February 28, 2013, 12:29:16 PM »
I just got LASIK last week...

Paid $3300 in cash (literally), and then they gave me a 5% discount for paying cash.

And that was for the all-laser, custom wavefront guided, top of the line kind.  always pays to have the cash up front for things you want to buy.

Went from 20/400 in one eye and 20/100 in the other to 20/20 in both, and no more eye doctor bills ever again.  worth it, IMO.

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #25 on: March 04, 2013, 11:08:22 AM »
Might get some sort of corrective surgery some day, however my glasses have saved me on many more than one occassion from poking my eye out through my own clumsiness. Plus, I like how I look with them.

They make non-prescription lenses for "the look", which shouldn't be expensive to put in your frames. Not to say you should buy something you don't need, but for me, the money I paid was totally worth it. It's not just that I don't need to wear glasses anymore. It's that my vision is better than 20/20 and I never lose it. Some big expenses don't have a monetary cost-benefit analysis.

unplugged

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #26 on: March 04, 2013, 11:30:41 AM »
Some people have heard the consumer payment plan language their whole lives and they honestly don't know a better way.

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #27 on: March 04, 2013, 12:46:54 PM »
I had PRK two years ago (couldn't do LASIK due to thin corneas, and making a flap in my cornea like that grossed me out too much anyway). I wore contacts a lot but was starting to develop problems under my eyelids, which would keep me from being able to wear contacts anymore. I had been considering surgery already, but at that point I really felt like I needed it because of all the outdoor activities I do.

I used the FSA trick to pay for the whole thing in a year I was likely to be leaving my job, then did so. I think I paid about $1000 tax-free in the end.

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #28 on: March 11, 2013, 11:18:49 AM »
I just got LASIK last week...

Paid $3300 in cash (literally), and then they gave me a 5% discount for paying cash.

And that was for the all-laser, custom wavefront guided, top of the line kind.  always pays to have the cash up front for things you want to buy.

Went from 20/400 in one eye and 20/100 in the other to 20/20 in both, and no more eye doctor bills ever again.  worth it, IMO.

You will likely not be absented from all future eye care costs. Most surgeries are not "lifetime" solutions. Source: professional (as in, the data your physician should have shown you regarding recidivism), and anecdotal (two close friends' experiences).

But the general practice looks like a wonderful mid-term solution that I will consider, anyway. ;)

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #29 on: March 11, 2013, 04:17:28 PM »
Reminds me of the "$0 down" signs I see on the way home from work for PUPPIES. Yes, people are apparently financing puppies nowadays.

When I first read that, I assumed it was a clever way of saying "free puppies."

Boy am I naive.

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #30 on: March 11, 2013, 09:43:12 PM »
Reminds me of the "$0 down" signs I see on the way home from work for PUPPIES. Yes, people are apparently financing puppies nowadays.

When I first read that, I assumed it was a clever way of saying "free puppies."

Boy am I naive.

I prefer to lease my puppies.  Cheaper that way, and since I use them for business I can write the depreciation off on my taxes.

wakkowarner

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #31 on: March 12, 2013, 11:29:59 AM »
Reminds me of the "$0 down" signs I see on the way home from work for PUPPIES. Yes, people are apparently financing puppies nowadays.

When I first read that, I assumed it was a clever way of saying "free puppies."

Boy am I naive.

I prefer to lease my puppies.  Cheaper that way, and since I use them for business I can write the depreciation off on my taxes.

Your comment made me think how it would make more sense to just get an older "slightly used" dog at a pound or something.

Then I realized, "OMG, that's like the mustachian choice to get a used car rather than have something that loses value as soon as you drive it off the lot."  But we are talking about dogs here.  This way of thinking really starts to get ingrained in you.

We are talking about dogs here, right?

JessicaRed

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #32 on: March 12, 2013, 11:58:49 AM »
Getting my eyes fixed was one decision I don't think I'll ever regret (although I had to get PRK as versus LASIK - thinner corneas)

I have unfortunately done some heavy traveling down the non-mustachian road between then and now, but I was actually pretty proud of myself, as my surgery cost $6000 and I managed to save up enough money from waiting tables to pay for it outright at age 21 (25 now)

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #33 on: March 12, 2013, 12:27:21 PM »
The wife and I both have -9 vision in one eye, -9.5 in the other.  I want to get LASIK some day for convenience, she doesn't care.

We probably will before FIRE, simply to save on the cost of contacts (cost benefit came out ahead for LASIK), but no need to as of now (eye care is covered by our job, so we get free contacts).
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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #34 on: March 12, 2013, 01:10:16 PM »
Before you do it... ask the advice of an ophthalmologist that doesn't do them and has no financial interest.  Just saying.

This also won't be "for life".  When you hit mid 40s presbyopia will set in and you'll either have to go back to correction or get surgery again.

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #35 on: March 12, 2013, 05:09:44 PM »
You're all lucky.  Some folks out there need so much done that Lasik won't work - not enough eyeball available for all the shaping needed to get things clear. 

They have to step it up a notch and go for a clear cataract surgery.  Basically, it's where they'll do a cataract operation, remove your (perfectly clear) lens and insert a plastic lens, more or less an implantable contact, with the massive diopter needed to get you as close to perfect correction as practical. 

Oh, this surgery is on the order of 10 to 15k.  It is never covered either since it's elective.  It's a Purposeful Spending type decision - what's it worth to you to wake up and be able to see at least somewhat clearly?  What's it worth to be able to trail run on a rainy day without bouncing, fogged glasses or the hassle of contacts (especially if you live in dusty environments instead of the rain fest NW)?  What's it worth knowing that even if your glasses are destroyed, or your contacts fall out, are lost, or destroyed, you can see well enough to get out of the situation safely.

I had a friend who did this many years back. He was a wealthy owner of a strip club and didn't mind dumping money on this problem. He was also the person who taught me all the worst money management advice.

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #36 on: March 12, 2013, 09:14:39 PM »
Before you do it... ask the advice of an ophthalmologist that doesn't do them and has no financial interest.  Just saying.

This also won't be "for life".  When you hit mid 40s presbyopia will set in and you'll either have to go back to correction or get surgery again.
This.  My parents are both optometrists, and they are always horrified whenever they hear of anyone getting this done.  Their skin starts to crawl when they hear those ads on the radio.  Just throwing this out there.

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #37 on: March 13, 2013, 07:43:04 AM »
Before you do it... ask the advice of an ophthalmologist that doesn't do them and has no financial interest.  Just saying.

This also won't be "for life".  When you hit mid 40s presbyopia will set in and you'll either have to go back to correction or get surgery again.
This.  My parents are both optometrists, and they are always horrified whenever they hear of anyone getting this done.  Their skin starts to crawl when they hear those ads on the radio.  Just throwing this out there.

a good rule of thumb: If a professional (doctor/lawyer/accountant/investment broker/etc) has an ad on the radio or tv, avoid.  A good doctor (or lawyer or...) has more business than he/she can handle. 

randymarsh

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #38 on: March 13, 2013, 12:03:46 PM »
I want LASIK someday...maybe as a "I paid off my student loans!" gift to myself. But I don't know if I could actually make the leap.

Worried that something would go wrong. I've heard some people have issues at night. My vision also isn't that bad. Only about -1.25 so it's not like I can't get by without glasses or contacts for a while. Still, would be nice to have great vision all the time.

JessicaRed

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Re: Physician's Assistant getting LASIK
« Reply #39 on: March 13, 2013, 02:50:07 PM »
Before you do it... ask the advice of an ophthalmologist that doesn't do them and has no financial interest.  Just saying.

This also won't be "for life".  When you hit mid 40s presbyopia will set in and you'll either have to go back to correction or get surgery again.
This.  My parents are both optometrists, and they are always horrified whenever they hear of anyone getting this done.  Their skin starts to crawl when they hear those ads on the radio.  Just throwing this out there.

Obviously I'm not denying that the opinion of ophthalmologists/optometrists is very important and worth listening to, but when I told my optometrist that I was getting the surgery done they tried to scare me off with a bunch of horror stories. To be absolutely honest I felt at the time that their reason for doing so was because they DID have a financial interest....a lot of people who get the surgery stop having their eyes checked as regularly, and obviously they also stop paying for contacts and glasses!

Also, I was getting it done at one of the best places in Canada (Herzig Eye Institute in Toronto), which they knew, so their fears were less well-founded. When it comes to the places that have to advertise on radio and so on (only $400 per eye!) my skin also crawls....if you're considering going to one of those, DEFINITELY listen to your optometrist!

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!