This review is based solely on the business practices of the LasikPlus Vision Center -- not on the physicians and technicians who work there. I will review the medical outcome of my Lasik eye procedure after my eyes have had some time to heal, date to be determined.
I am so steamed at how LasikPlus tried to rip me off that I had to write this business review immediately -- and hopefully prevent others from being swindled by unethical corporate behavior.
The receptionist at LasikPlus, under orders from her corporate bosses, had the nerve to tell me that I couldn't use a 25% off coupon. She tried to trick me into giving up the coupon, which saved me $700. Do not let this happen to you!
I am enraged because I believe LasikPlus purposely sent out those coupons to lure patients to their centers. Then, when patients were prepared to go to surgery, the receptionist would nullify the coupon at the last moment. Most patients are probably too flustered and anxious about their impending surgery to fight back. And I believe LasikPlus is guilty of trying to make an extra buck by deception.
If you're considering vision correction surgery at a LasikPlus facility, be aware that there is a 25% off coupon that you can apply to ANY and ALL treatment options. (Email me if you want a coupon; I have 3 left, they expire 12/31/06.)
Some pertinent background: I am a professional writer, so I would say that comprehending the written English language is a requirement for my work. So when I read the fine print on the coupon, I felt I had a clear understanding of its contents:
"Applicable discount is 25% off standard price of plans including Lifetime Acuity. Offer not valid with other offers, insurance or promotions. Must present this coupon at the time of treatment to receive discount."
The receptionist told me that the coupon applied ONLY to the Lifetime plan, which is not the case if you read the fine print (see first sentence). When I told her the coupon contradicted what she was saying, she responded that the "center director" had made it very clear to her and was very adamant that the coupon only be given to Lifetime patients.
A little more background: LasikPlus offers 3 types of plans for the laser treatment my doc recommended for me: No acuity, 1 Year acuity, and Lifetime acuity. Essentially, you pay one price per eye for 1 procedure ($899) and it includes 3 months of post-op exams but no follow-up procedures if your vision isn't perfect. You pay a little more upfront for the 1 Year plan ($1399), which allows you unlimited additional procedures for 1 year. And you pay the most for the Lifetime plan ($1599), which gives you unlimited corrections for the duration of your life.
I wanted the 1 Year plan and was told that the coupon did not apply. I told the receptionist that the coupon's wording wasn't even close to the interpretation she was giving me. Finally, she said she would go ask the "center director" for guidance. She walked down the hall, entered a door, and returned within seconds to let me know that my coupon would be honored, after all. My speculation is that there was no such person, no such "center director" in the office at the time (Wednesday night at 5:30pm), and that it was just a charade. Part of the reason I was grumpy and insisted on the coupon is that I showed up for my 4:30pm appointment on time, yet had to wait 1 hour just to start my paperwork. After that kind of a wait, you would think that the office would be more generous with their coupons -- but this isn't even a matter of generosity.
This is a business with a total lack of integrity. Again, I am not reviewing the medical personnel, just the business practices of LasikPlus. If you print a coupon, then honor that coupon. It's not even a case of human error, or an obvious blunder (for example, 100% off for a surgery instead of 10% off). This was a company deceiving its patients, waiting until they were emotionally vulnerable, then taking advantage to seek additional compensation. Absolutely shameful.
(I have waited 2 days to post this critique in the hopes that time would allow me to evaluate the situation more dispassionately. I still feel wronged. If, for example, LasikPlus management had posted a prominent sign at the reception desk or in its window stating: The 25% off coupon was misprinted; it is only good for Lifetime plans... well, then I would at least have known from the very beginning, before I had my initial exam and certainly before I was moments away from having a laser cut into my eye.)
There is no conceivable way to interpret the coupon's language the way the LasikPlus receptionist tried to. It is insulting to my intelligence and to our society's conception of fairness, integrity, and honest marketing.
As for the quality of medical care, I'll write later. read more