From the moment I walked in the door I just had the right feeling about LasikPlus. The office staff greeted me with a warm smile and friendly demeanor. I didn't have to wait long for my consultation to get started. I watched a DVD that described the LASIK process with easy to understand graphics. Lisa and Dr. Dao saw me through the entire consultation process. They happily answered all of my questions and believe me, I had a lot of them. I even sent e-mails and made phone calls with questions I thought of after the fact, and they were answered in a timely manner. I also liked that at times when I called, Dr. Dao would actually answer the phone personally, which spoke volumes. I don't know about you, but it makes me feel good to speak directly to a doctor when I have a question. After my consultation, I was presented with a folder that had all the information about the LASIK procedure, process, pricing, doctor/surgeon education background, along with his awards, recognition and experience. The folder also contained all of the paperwork that you would sign on the day of the procedure so you could read it ahead of time. Everything and everyone was so organized and it just seemed so smooth and easy.
I did consider two other doctors for my LASIK, Dr. Updegraff in St. Pete, and Dr. Desai at The Eye Institute of West Florida. I met them both and they are each very nice. I'm sure they are great, trustworthy doctors. Dr. Updegraff has been around for a long time and has many awards/certificates all over his wall. I choose not to go with him because I felt his price was too high. I was referred to Dr. Desai by my regular optometrist that I have seen since I was 7 years old. However, the reason I did not select to go to Dr. Desai at The Eye Institute of West Florida is because the place was busy, and packed with people. It took a two month wait to get in for the appointment and when I got there it is a huge building packed full of people with appointments. The funny thing is, they told me they were in their slow season. Now, there might be something to be said that maybe because there were so many people there, that they are trusted and reputable. What I took into consideration is that fact that if I experienced any sort of problem with my eyes or vision I wanted to be able to get in quickly for an appointment. Both facilities had very nice people and friendly staff.
I also took into consideration the type of lasers each facility uses. All of them use the femtosecond excimer laser. The main difference between LasikPlus and the Eye Institute of West Florida is just the brand difference of the laser they use to cut the corneal flap. Eye Institute of West Florida uses a VICTUS brand laser which from my understanding even though it can be used for LASIK it is usually used for patients being treated for cataracts. LasikPlus uses an Intralase brand laser to cute the flap. In my research I learned they are both really good and essentially do the same thing just in a slightly different way. I did not find out what brand Updegraff uses. If you feel the need to have further understanding of this I'm sure a doctor can explain it much better than me.
The reason I was so detailed about my research is because my particular career depends heavily on my ability to see well.
Another difference I noticed at LASIKPlus vs. the other two locations (which seems to bother some people) is I didn't get to meet Dr. Groden during my consultation. I took this into consideration and I figured that everything else about the LASIKPlus experience was so spot on, that not meeting him wasn't that big of a deal. He does introduce himself in the DVD you watch when you get there. They also give you so much literature about him as well. I did read reviews about him online and everyone said he is really nice, which he is. He will come in and speak with you right before the procedure. He will even coach you through the procedure. Dr. Groden at LASIKPlus has all kinds of awards on the wall. He was recognized in a magazine as being one of "The Best Lasik Surgeons in America." I recognize the article because I recall seeing them in many beauty magazines, as well as in the back of the magazines they often put in the setback pocket on commercial flights. In order to be recognized in a magazine like that, the doctors are peer-nominated and/or selected by top doctors or providers.
Dr. Groden did a great job on my surgery. 4 hours after my procedure I could see great. I went from a -6.00 to seeing 20/15 with both eyes. I WORE glasses for about 25 years.
Thanks to Dr. Groden, Dr. Dao, Lisa, and the rest of the friendly staff at LASIKPlus for changing my life for the better! You're the best! read more