How is 3D LASIK different?
Do you use a blade for 3D LASIK?
Do you take insurance?
Who does better with 3D LASIK?
How much does 3D LASIK cost?
What kind of laser do you use?
Is Dr Hunter Board Certified?
Is 3D LASIK permanent?
How long does the procedure take?
What are the risks?
How many appointments are involved?

Q: How is 3D LASIK different?
A: 3D LASIK combines the 3D imaging collected in the unique and comprehensive Hunter Vision Analysis and the capabilities of the Wavelight Allegretto laser to maintain the natural 3D shape of your cornea during surgery. This thorough, 90-minute pre-surgery exam is able to detect the subtleties and nuances of your eye down to the micron level prior to the actual procedure. This allows Dr. Hunter to view a uniquely complete picture of your eye before your customized correction is ever programmed into the laser.  The more your surgeon knows about your eye health before your surgery, the better he is able to customize the best plan for you.

Q: Do you use a blade for 3D LASIK?
A: No.100% of the 3D LASIK procedures we do are bladeless.

Q: Do you take insurance?
A: We will be happy to cooperate with your insurance company if they cover any portion of laser vision correction surgery. However, most plans do not cover laser vision correction surgery. The pre-surgery Hunter Vision Analysis is hundreds of dollars worth of testing on your eyes. We do it free of charge so that we are comfortable that our plan for your vision correction is the absolute best it can be. Partnering directly with insurance companies would hamper our ability to provide the Hunter Vision Analysis as a standard for every patient. We think you deserve better.

Q: Who does better with 3D LASIK?
A: There are older generations of diagnostic equipment and laser technologies available today that are sufficient for some people. However, many people have subtle differences about their eyes that would be better detected by our more comprehensive imaging, and that would particularly benefit from our latest generation of laser. We believe that the 3D nature of the technology offered at Hunter Vision makes a significant difference in your final outcome. Comparing our patient results to the national averages has shown this to be true.

Q: How much does 3D LASIK cost?
A: Oh, if only that answer were as simple as it could be. The real answer is that it greatly depends on your needs and your desires. We have been deliberate about creating options for patients that would like to take advantage of what we offer, but are on a tighter budget. Hunter Vision provides interest-free and traditional financing options to make monthly payments affordable enough for most candidates.

Q: What kind of laser do you use?
A: The laser that we use to correct vision is the 400 Hz Wavelight Allegretto. It is currently the latest generation and fastest excimer laser approved and available for use in the United States.  That matters to you because a faster laser means less procedure time and less corneal dehydration during the procedure. Ask any LASIK surgeon that you visit how old their laser technology is. Make sure they are talking about the laser they will use for your procedure. It’s important.

Q: Is Dr Hunter Board Certified?
A: Yes, Dr. Hunter is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is also a member in good standing of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, The International Society of Refractive Surgeons, The American Medical Association and was fellowship-trained in Cornea and Refractive Surgery with the world-renowned Dr. Daniel Durrie. The year-long Durrie Fellowship accepts one applicant per year and is regarded by many in the refractive community as the best in the world.

Q: Is 3D LASIK permanent?

A: The changes made to your cornea during any LASIK surgery are permanent and can only be changed by another procedure. However, when we get this question, the patient is usually asking if they will have to have this surgery more than once. While the changes to correct your vision are permanent, the lens inside the eye will inevitably change over time and cause a loss of near vision. This is the reason almost everyone over the age of 45 requires readers or bifocals, or takes off their glasses off to read. Whether you’ve already had this change, or it is far in the future for you, we can fix this problem as well when necessary. It brings us great joy to see the euphoria our patients have with their ability to see near and distance without glasses, no matter what their age.

Q: How long does the procedure take?

A: We tell patients that they should expect to be here no more than 90 minutes on surgery day. The final prep for surgery (a one-on-one final measurement with Dr. Hunter) takes about 15 minutes, the time in the laser room is about 15 minutes, and the post operative instructions take approximately 5-10 minutes depending on questions you may have.

Q: What are the risks?
A: While there is inherent risk in any surgical procedure, laser vision correction is among the most common and safest elective procedures available today. Each year over 1 million people elect to undergo laser vision correction. Classic LASIK performed with a blade was trusted by tens of millions of people (including Dr. Hunter himself). Now, with the femtosecond laser that uses a layer of bubbles to separate the natural layers of the cornea (instead of a blade to cut through) it is safer than ever before. Approximately 50% of today’s LASIK procedures are still performed with a blade. Hunter Vision uses bladeless technology exclusively. Dr. Hunter will discuss your particular risks with you at your consultation.

Q: How many appointments are involved?
A: Most clinics do a “free” consultation, have you back for a “not free” further qualification, then have you in for surgery. At Hunter Vision, we combined the first two appointments into one 90-minute consultation. And, it costs you NOTHING for one of the most advanced, comprehensive, 3D diagnostic testing exams in the world. We do it because we believe it’s best for you. We schedule your surgery at that appointment and then have you come in at your scheduled surgery time. Your time is valuable and we know it, so we are deliberate about taking the least amount of it possible. Hunter Vision is built around our patients, not the doctor.