During your LASIK evaluation, or consultation as we call it, our specialty LASIK teams do advanced testing to not only determine if you are a good LASIK candidate, but to gather your customized measurements for surgery. 

Unlike other LASIK providers, your Wolfe Eye Clinic LASIK surgeon takes the time to personally review your test results and hear your vision goals to help you understand what you can reasonably expect from the LASIK procedure. Fortunately, if you are not a candidate for LASIK, you may qualify for other types of refractive surgeries which makes seeing an ophthalmologist at Wolfe Eye Clinic all the more important as they can advise you on all options.

At your appointment, your eyes will be dilated for advanced testing. We are gathering your custom data to not only evaluate your candidacy for LASIK and other refractive surgeries, but to determine your precise eye measurements for surgery. We perform a corneal evaluation to examine your cornea’s curvature, thickness, topography and tomography. Additionally, you receive a retinal exam (inside of your eye), an eye pressure check and we measure your refractive error. Following this advanced testing, you meet with your surgeon to discuss your vision goals, testing results and questions. The LASIK evaluation takes about two hours to allow your eyes to dilate, complete all the advanced testing and meet with your surgeon. From there, you may schedule your procedure, or you may just want to think about it some more, no pressure!

Hear why our surgeons at Wolfe Eye Clinic are voted some of the best in Iowa for LASIK surgery!

Preparing for Your LASIK Evaluation Appointment  

To prepare for your appointment, you will need to arrange for a driver as your eyes will be dilated and you will not be able to drive following the consultation exam. Dilation affects each patient differently, lasting from a few hours up to twenty-four hours. Additionally, you cannot wear contacts before your LASIK consultation. Patients are required to remove contacts one to three weeks prior to the consultation appointment, depending on the contact lenses you wear. Contact lenses can change the shape of your cornea over time and provide inaccurate results to determine whether or not you are a LASIK candidate and how much correction you would need with LASIK surgery. It is important to us to have the best information about your eyes. When you call to schedule your consultation, your dedicated LASIK coordinator will review with you how long you need to be without wearing your contacts prior to your appointment.

It’s easy! Call (833) 532-8809 to speak with your dedicated LASIK coordinator who will help you get set up and prepare you for your appointment. You may also request an evaluation online, here. We have experienced LASIK surgeons near you. We offer free LASIK consultations in Iowa at our Ames, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids (Hiawatha), Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, Marshalltown, Ottumwa, Pleasant Hill and Waterloo clinics. 

Are LASIK consultations free?

Yes! LASIK consultations at Wolfe Eye Clinic are free, no-obligation appointments. However, if a medical diagnosis (e.g., cataracts) is made which changes the direction of your visit, your medical insurance may be billed accordingly.

Can I wear contacts before a LASIK consultation?

To ensure eye measurements taken during your evaluation are accurate, you are required to remove your contacts for one to three weeks prior depending on the type of contacts you wear. When you set up your free LASIK consultation, your dedicated LASIK coordinator will help you determine when and for how long you will need to be without contacts.

What do they do in a LASIK consultation?

Many advanced tests are performed during the LASIK consultation including a corneal evaluation (curvature, topography mapping and thickness), retinal exam, glaucoma screening and measurement of refractive error. These tests are different than those during your regular annual eye exam or a contact lens fitting with an optometrist.

How long does a LASIK evaluation take?

You can expect to be with us for about two hours in order to complete all testing and meet with your LASIK surgeon.

Do they dilate your eyes during a LASIK consultation?

Our specialty teams dilate your eyes during a LASIK consultation. The dilation you receive is stronger than your annual eye exam to ensure thorough visibility into your eyes. Dilation can affect each person differently and last a few hours up to twenty-four hours. For your safety, you will need to bring a driver with you to your LASIK consultation.

Can you drive after laser eye surgery consultation?

You are not able to drive immediately following your LASIK consultation. Dilation affects everyone differently, lasting from a few hours up to twenty-four hours. Your safety is important to us which is why we require a driver pick you up following your LASIK consultation. Your driver is not required to stay with you for the duration of your appointment.

To find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, please call one of our LASIK Coordinators at (833) 532-8809 or request an appointment online here to schedule a free LASIK consultation near you. Wolfe Eye Clinic has experienced LASIK surgeons across the state. We offer free LASIK consultations at our Ames, Ankeny, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids (Hiawatha), Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, Marshalltown, Ottumwa, Pleasant Hill and Waterloo clinics.