Amazing Detail With LASIK

Are you a candidate?
Let's find out.

Why Choose Us

AAAHC Logo - Expert Care - We Are an AAAHC Accredited Facility

All LASIK procedures are performed in our AAAHC Surgical Center, unlike many centers that perform LASIK in an exam room.

100% Satisfaction - Dedicated to 100% Patient Satisfaction

Our doctors include fellowship-trained corneal specialists who have performed thousands of laser procedures. They are available 24/7, 365 days a year, for the lifetime of your eye care.

98.4% of Patients Said They Would Choose the Procedure Again

The Alcon Ex500 laser system with CONTOURA® is the most advanced laser available. The latest technology in expert hands achieves the best results.

Grand Rapids Premier Vision Correction Surgeons

The Team To Help You Choose The Best Option For Your Unique Eyes

Thomas Cowden, MD

Thomas Cowden, MD

Cataract, LASIK, Cornea

Learn More
Marcus Muallem, MD

Marcus Muallem, MD

Cataract, LASIK, EVO ICL, Glaucoma, Cornea

Learn More

Schedule a consultation with our expert Grand Rapids Ophthalmology team today to see if you qualify for LASIK eye surgery or alternative refractive surgery options, including EVO ICL.

Get More Out of LASIK with Contoura

LASIK is not the same at every center. Grand Rapids Ophthalmology uses one of the most advanced systems available for LASIK surgery. Contoura Vision's topography-guided technology maps your eye using 22,000 points, creating a custom experience for your unique eyes.

DOWNLOAD FREE LASIK INFOGRAPHIC

The Wavelight® EX500 Excimer Laser

Grand Rapids Ophthalmology performs LASIK using the WaveLight® EX500 Excimer Laser. We know that no two eyes are alike—so why should your treatment be any different? The WaveLight® EX500 Laser tracks the unique shape of your eye and allows your surgeon to perform an individualized Laser Vision Correction treatment just for you. The result? Vision that’s as clear and crisp as possible.*
The WaveLight® EX500 Excimer Laser offers a wide range of customization options for your unique eyes. This one-of-a-kind technology is one of the most advanced laser systems available and is trusted by surgeons all over the world. It is designed to deliver consistent and effective results based on your specific vision needs:
  • Smooth treatments

  • Great accuracy

  • Proven reliability

  • Multiple treatment options

  • Excellent outcomes

*Individual results may vary.

See How Much You Can Save With Laser Vision Correction

Laser vision correction may be more affordable than you think!

Laser Vision Financing

$0 Down 0% Interest 24 Months LogoCareCredit Logo
Our goal is to make Laser Vision Correction affordable. CareCredit provides our patients with:
  • Interest Free Plans up to 24 months

  • No Down Payment Requirements

  • Affordable Low Monthly Payments

  • No Early Payoff Penalties

Applying is easy! An application is required for this special financing option and subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments are required.
Apply Now

Read Our Reviews

4.9 Average Rating

Four and a Half Star Review

3000+ reviews

Jan G.
Five Stars
11 months ago

Very caring staff as well as Dr. Cowden. They were all very professional as well as competent. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this office. Great about followup. Couldn't have asked for better.

David C.
Five Stars
11 months ago

Grand Rapids Ophthalmology does a great job. I have been going to David Barrett for 15 years and he is an outstanding Ophthalmologist. I have been very happy with the care he has provided over those years. As much as Grand Rapids Ophthalmology is a large practice,I feel the care I have received there has far exceeded much smaller practices I have worked with in various parts of the country over many years

Debra S.
Five Stars
11 months ago

The doctor was knowledgeable, and very helpful he explained what was going on. What I could expect. This is always helpful. I've been coming to Grand Rapids Ophthalmology for many years now for my diabetic eye test. I won't go anywhere else.

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LASIK FAQ

Q.

Am I a candidate for LASIK (Laser Vision Correction)

A.

To be a good candidate, you must be between the ages of 18-60, have healthy eyes with a stable prescription, and wear corrective lenses for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. Learn more about our alternative refractive surgery options.

Q.

Is there a charge to find out if LASIK is right for me?

A.

We offer LASIK screenings and evaluations at no charge to you.

Q.

Where do I go for my LASIK appointment?

A.

LASIK appointments and procedures are performed at our 750 East Beltline office. It is conveniently located in Grand Rapids just North of I-96 and off the East Beltline right before Frederik Meijer Gardens.

Q.

What is a LASIK screening?

A.

A screening is ideal if you are unsure if you are a good candidate for LASIK. The screening consists of

  • Vision testing

  • Mapping the shape of the cornea

  • Measuring corneal thickness

The LASIK screening will take approximately 30 minutes. You will not be dilated.

A LASIK screening is the first step for you if you

  • Need near correction only

  • Are seeing objects as faded or yellow

  • Have a history of eye injury or eye disease

  • Have previously been told you may not be an ideal candidate for LASIK

Schedule your LASIK screening

Q.

What is a LASIK evaluation?

A.

A LASIK evaluation is right for you if you are a good candidate for LASIK. The evaluation usually consists of:

  • Vision testing

  • Mapping the shape of the cornea

  • Screening for eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy

  • Measuring corneal thickness, eye movement, and pupil size

  • Assessing the back of the eye

The LASIK evaluation will take approximately two and a half hours due to the thorough diagnostic testing, scans, and exam required for surgery.

Please be aware that your eyes are dilated during a complete LASIK evaluation. Dilation causes sensitivity to light and blurry near vision. Dilation may last between 24 and 36 hours. Please bring sunglasses to the appointment, or we will provide disposable sunglasses for your convenience.

Take our LASIK self-test to find out if LASIK is right for you, or call 616.274.0092 to schedule your LASIK evaluation.

Q.

What if I wear contact lenses?

A.

In preparation for your appointment, you will be asked to discontinue contact lens wear and go into glasses only. This allows for the corneas to return to their natural shape. For soft contact lens wearers, 1-2 weeks is recommended. If you wear hard or rigid gas permeable contacts, you must discontinue wear at least 3-4 weeks prior to your LASIK screening or evaluation.

Q.

Why do I have to remove my contacts prior to an evaluation appointment?

A.

In order to have accurate testing results, you must be in glasses to ensure the cornea is in its most natural shape. Contacts may reshape the cornea and create irregularities.

Q.

What if I don't have glasses?

A.

If you have a current eyeglass prescription and do not have eyeglasses to wear prior to your scheduled evaluation, we do offer loaner glasses. Due to timing, arrangements must be made with LASIK and Optical at least 3-4 weeks prior to your scheduled evaluation appointment.

Q.

How long do I need to wait after pregnancy, nursing, or fertility drugs/treatment before an evaluation?

A.

The body’s hormone levels may cause vision to change or fluctuate during and after pregnancy, nursing, or fertility drugs/treatment. Our doctors recommend waiting six months before the evaluation to ensure the most accurate testing results.

Q.

Does insurance cover LASIK?

A.

Insurance companies often consider LASIK an elective surgery because eyes may be treated with glasses or contacts to correct vision. We recommend that you check with your insurance company to see if LASIK surgery is a covered benefit under your plan.

Q.

How much does LASIK cost?

A.

At Grand Rapids Ophthalmology, all our laser procedures are blade-free, performed with the latest technology, and our prices are all inclusive. There are no hidden fees based on the strength of your prescription or on your corrective needs such as astigmatism or hyperopia. We understand that cost is a factor but safety, outcomes, and satisfaction are our primary concerns.

Q.

Do you offer a financing option for payment?

A.

Our goal is to make LASIK affordable. We accept the CareCredit heathcare credit card.
CareCredit provides our patients:

  • Special interest-free plans up to 24 months

  • No down-payment requirements

  • Affordable low, monthly payments

  • No early-payoff penalties

The application process is quick and easy. Visit CareCredit.com to apply.

Q.

What can LASIK correct?

A.

LASIK will correct for nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism within FDA and laser treatment guidelines.

Q.

Does having LASIK mean, I’ll never have to wear reading glasses?

A.

No, LASIK changes the shape of cornea (the clear outer portion of the eye) to correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Presbyopia, or the need for reading glasses, is the natural aging process of the lens inside the eye. The lens becomes more rigid as we get older, losing its ability to change focus on objects up close. These lens changes typically occur between the ages of 40 and 50 and is easily correctable with reading glasses.

Q.

Laser vs. blade technology: what’s the difference?

A.

Grand Rapids Ophthalmology’s laser vision correction procedures are all blade-free, meaning a blade or scalpel never touches the eye. We use laser light to gently create flaps that are customized to be of uniform thickness, accurately sized, and precisely centered.

Some laser centers still use blade technology to create the flap for LASIK. They are often trying to save money on laser costs or their surgeons are uncomfortable using the laser. Blade technology may put patients at higher risk for flap complications.

Q.

What laser does Grand Rapids Ophthalmology use?

A.

Grand Rapids Ophthalmology performs LASIK using two lasers, the iFS Advanced Femtosecond Laser® for precision flap creation and the WaveLight® EX500 Excimer Laser to sculpt the cornea for personalized treatments. This state-of-the-art laser combination means faster treatments, greater accuracy, proven reliability, and excellent outcomes.

Q.

Do I need a driver for surgery?

A.

Yes, you will need a driver on the day of your procedure.

Q.

Will my eyes hurt after surgery?

A.

Patients may experience some mild discomfort following the procedure. Discomfort may include tearing, burning, mild irritation, and light sensitivity. These symptoms are normal and should subside within 2-6 hours. An over-the-counter pain reliever may be taken as needed.

Q.

Do I need to keep my eyes closed after surgery?

A.

Yes, you will need to take time to rest and recuperate. Keeping your eyes closed after surgery, on the day of your procedure, will aid in the healing process. This means avoiding all near-vision activities like reading, computer work, texting, and watching television. We advise going home and napping after the procedure, and resuming near-vision activities the following day.

Q.

Are there restrictions after LASIK surgery?

A.

A comprehensive list of post-procedure restrictions will be provided for you to take home at your evaluation appointment, as well as on the day of surgery. For the short time required for your eyes to recover, exercise, eye makeup, immersing the eyes in water, and rubbing the eyes will need to be avoided. This will ensure that during the healing process your eyes are protected from injury, infections, and flap complications.

Q.

How long will I be off work for LASIK?

A.

You will need to plan to be off work the day of your procedure. Many patients may feel ready to return to work and driving the day after their procedure. Keep in mind, healing times may vary by patient.

Q.

How long will I be off work for PRK?

A.

PRK patients having surgery on both eyes, on the same day, should plan to be off work and not drive for one week.

Q.

How much access will I have to my surgeon, if I have questions?

A.

Our surgeons at Grand Rapids Ophthalmology are available to you, not only on the day of your procedure, but 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They are directly involved in your care before, during, and after your procedure.

Contact Us

Please do not include personal identifying information such as your birth date, or personal medical information in any emails you send to us. No one can diagnose your condition from email or other written communications, and communication via our website cannot replace the relationship you have with a physician or another healthcare practitioner.

616.274.0092
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