Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's - Updated: Dr. Kelly (Garden City)

Sorry if I'm posting this on the wrong board, but I wasn't really sure where it belongs as it's considered a "cosmetic" surgery (beauty & fashion?) but it's in regards to doctors (Health?).

I was referred to TLC by my eye doctor for Lasik, and it's scheduled for next Thursday. It's about $4800 with the $500 coupon/discount they're running until the end of January. It'll be done by Dr. Speaker, whom I've met and feel so very comfortable and confident with. I also found out that quite a few (5+) friends/colleagues/clients have also had their lasik with him, and have glowing reviews.

My mother (she has lasik done 10+ years ago and she's paying for the surgery for my 30th bday) is now referring me to where she went b/c she's convinced it's cheaper. I haven't called her place yet b/c I can't find their information online, and the Manhattan office number is disconnected! They're called Infinity Laser Center, and there's an office in Paramus and Garden City. I've done a search online by the name / address / telephone number and came up with NOTHING.

That concerns me quite a bit, especially since it looks like they've changed names/doctors/locations, etc, but since my mom is paying, I feel obligated to call up tomorrow and see if they'll give me an estimate to pricing.

So, my question is for those who have done lasik:
1) When did you have it done, where did you have it done, who was your doctor?
2) How much was it?

I'm having Custom Lasik done (all laser - incision of the flap, and correction (scratching) of the cornea. I am NOT getting PKR done since I'm a perfect candidate for the Lasik method.

UPDATE:
- I called the number for the Garden City Location, and it's now called the Kelly Laser Center, as Dr. Kelly owns/operates the business on his own. I asked them to look up my mother's information (just to be sure this was the right doctor) and they had everything!
- I told them how much I was paying and what I was getting w/TLC, and it looks like they'll be almost $1K less!

They're going to call me back with availability to come in and with the exact $$.

Has anyone had experience w/Dr. Kelly?

Message edited 12/2/2010 2:55:12 PM.

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

I would love to know this as well. I am sick of my contacts and have been contemplating this surgery the past 6 months.

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

One warning about Lakik: if you have any history of dry eyes think carefully about doing that procedure. It was greatly worsen the dryness post surgery. I'm just throwing that out there as something to discuss with your doctor.

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

I had it done about a year and a half ago and I wonder why I waited so long. it was the best thing I did.

I had it done at Lasik+ in Westbury but they have since closed that office. I think the closest one is in Conn.
It cost me about $4k.

I didnt have any major problems, at the beginning for about 2-3 months it felt like something was in my eye, but i guess as everything finally healed up completely, its totaly fine now.

One side effect for me is that I needed reading glasses but that is what made me go get this doen anyway. I didnt want to wear bi-focal glasses. I could have had both distance and reading corrected but I chose just to have my distance corrected.

i was amazed at how fast the procedure was and recovery was just a day.

Good luck!

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

DH had it done almost 3 years ago now. He loves it! He went to the the Stahl Eye Center in Hauppauge, but they do the surgery itself in Garden City.

His eyes were sore that night (had the surgery around 6pm), but he drove himself to work the next day and worked in front of a computer. Has no issues with dry eyes.

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

I had it done about 14 years ago. I think it was TLC in Garden City - right by the mall. My surgery was done by Dr. Donnenfeld. I still have fantastic vision (around 20/20 & 20/25 I think.)

At the time I think it was around $5000 for both eyes.

Side effects - hard to say. Sometimes my eyes feel a little dry or almost blurry - but I don't think it has to do so much with the Lasik as with other issues I have.

Overall, I could not be happier that I had it done!! I had such horrible vision and hated to wear glasses b/c I felt vulnerable and contacts were suck a PITA.

Good luck with your surgery!

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

Thanks so much ladies for the fantastic feedback.

I'm going to call the other place my mother recommended and just see how much it is. I will then let her know that I'm already set on TLC b/c of my comfort level and if she's not comfortable paying the entire amount, that I'll gladly split the cost.

Thank you so much!!! I'm SOOOOOO excited!!!

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

I had mine done in June - best thing ever. Mine was custom. My vision was horrible (-7 in contacts). I now have 20/15 (better than 20/20)!

Lasik Plus - Westbury

Dr. Pettinelli

Mine was around $3000 - $3500 and I got interest free financing for 2 years through Care Credit.

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

Posted by Lisa

I had it done about a year and a half ago and I wonder why I waited so long. it was the best thing I did.

I had it done at Lasik+ in Westbury but they have since closed that office. I think the closest one is in Conn.
It cost me about $4k.

I didnt have any major problems, at the beginning for about 2-3 months it felt like something was in my eye, but i guess as everything finally healed up completely, its totaly fine now.

One side effect for me is that I needed reading glasses but that is what made me go get this doen anyway. I didnt want to wear bi-focal glasses. I could have had both distance and reading corrected but I chose just to have my distance corrected.

i was amazed at how fast the procedure was and recovery was just a day.

Good luck!

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

i just found out our health insurance/eye care covers it we just have to pay $200 per eye so i just have to find out who i can go too. I really hope to get it soon!

Edit: i looked it up just to see i was wrong:
Laser Vision Program: Davis Vision offers eligible members and dependents the opportunity to
receive Laser Vision Correction Services at significant discounts through a network of credentialed surgeons. By using the laser vision program in-network providers, members will save up to 25% on the provider’s regular rate or 5% off any advertised rate.

I still think that is awesome gotta move before they take away that benefit!

Message edited 12/2/2010 10:20:08 AM.

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

DH had the PRK surgery done almost 6 years ago. He says it was the best decision he ever made and he wished he didn't wait so long to do it.

He paid $1500 per eye, but we had an insurance discount and coupon (and it was 6 years ago).

He used Stahl Eye Center. Had his regular appointments in Hauppauge by the procedure was done in Garden City and the doctors name was Hufenagel, or something to that affect.

Good luck!

Message edited 12/2/2010 9:22:59 AM.

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

Posted by MrsSchwags

Posted by Lisa

I had it done about a year and a half ago and I wonder why I waited so long. it was the best thing I did.

I had it done at Lasik+ in Westbury but they have since closed that office. I think the closest one is in Conn.
It cost me about $4k.

I didnt have any major problems, at the beginning for about 2-3 months it felt like something was in my eye, but i guess as everything finally healed up completely, its totaly fine now.

One side effect for me is that I needed reading glasses but that is what made me go get this doen anyway. I didnt want to wear bi-focal glasses. I could have had both distance and reading corrected but I chose just to have my distance corrected.

i was amazed at how fast the procedure was and recovery was just a day.

Good luck!

The office is still there.

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

I had it done a year & a half ago by Dr. Moadel in NYC. I don't know why I waited so long before doing it. It's been an amazing visual transformation

I didn't and haven't experienced any side effects. The fees were $4K but my eye care plan covered half and I financed the other half for 8 months.


Good Luck.

Dr. Moadel

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

I can't recommend my doctor because I am out of state. I had my surgery 9+ years ago. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. It was worth every penny.

Regarding your situation, I would go with the original doctor that you researched since you have a more comfortable feeling. Go with your gut!

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

This is a great question! Its great to see all the good feedback on this proceedure. I have been putting it off in fear of it screwing my eyes up rather than making them better.

Can those of you who have had the surgery, what was it like? Were you knocked out or were you awake? If you were awake was it weird seeing them work on your eyes? lol Did you get any painkillers?

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

The surgery is pretty painless... The only pain I experienced was afterwards when I went home... They tell you to try to go to a sleep for a few hours for a very good reason- Its bc your eyes will be tearing up alot and once the numbing meds wear off, they will sting... I unfortunately couldnt get to sleep afterwards and was in horrible pain for like 4-6 hrs after surgery... So do anything you can to get to sleep!!! LOL

During surgery, you do lose vision for a sec, but it comes right back... you dont feel anything being done to your eye, you just smell the laser burning your eye... sounds gross but its def worth it!!!!

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

Posted by Lisa

Posted by MrsSchwags

Posted by Lisa

I had it done about a year and a half ago and I wonder why I waited so long. it was the best thing I did.

I had it done at Lasik+ in Westbury but they have since closed that office. I think the closest one is in Conn.
It cost me about $4k.

I didnt have any major problems, at the beginning for about 2-3 months it felt like something was in my eye, but i guess as everything finally healed up completely, its totaly fine now.

One side effect for me is that I needed reading glasses but that is what made me go get this doen anyway. I didnt want to wear bi-focal glasses. I could have had both distance and reading corrected but I chose just to have my distance corrected.

i was amazed at how fast the procedure was and recovery was just a day.

Good luck!

The office is still there.

I got a letter in the mail last week that it is closing....

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's - Updated: Dr. Kelly (Garden City)

i had it done 6 years ago when i was 20, i wish i would have waited though. i didn't like my doctor, but in any case my vision has since weakened over the years and now i def need glasses to drive and if i go into a restaurant i have to squint to see the menu.. it just sucks b/c it was so much $! they say though if you wait longer your vision tends to stop getting worse so maybe i was too young? not sure..

Re: Have you had Lasik? - feedback/reco's - Updated: Dr. Kelly (Garden City)