Frequently Asked Questions
Plain answers about LASIK, PRK, cataract surgery, lens implants, corneal disease, insurance, and logistics at our Walnut Creek office.
Answers from Dr. Feiz
How do I know if I'm a candidate for LASIK?
You need to be 18 or older with a prescription stable for a year, healthy corneas of adequate thickness, and no significant dry eye or eye disease. The only way to know for certain is an evaluation with corneal tomography — and it is free. Take the 60-second self-test first if you like.
Do I need to stop wearing contact lenses before my evaluation?
Yes. Soft lenses: stop 1-2 weeks before. Toric soft lenses: 2-3 weeks. Rigid gas-permeable lenses: at least 4 weeks, sometimes longer. Contacts change the shape of the cornea and would distort the measurements that determine your treatment.
What does LASIK cost?
$2,650 per eye, all-inclusive — and PRK is the same price. It covers the free evaluation, twelve months of follow-up, and enhancements within twelve months. CareCredit and HSA/FSA accepted. Details.
Which lasers do you use?
The WaveLight FS200 femtosecond laser creates the corneal flap, and the Alcon WaveLight Allegretto excimer laser performs the vision correction. The procedure is entirely bladeless.
Which is better, LASIK or PRK?
They produce the same long-term vision. LASIK recovers in a day; PRK takes about a week but has no flap and is safer for thin corneas and contact sports. They cost the same here, so the recommendation is purely clinical. Full comparison.
I'm over 50 and want to get rid of glasses. What are my options?
LASIK can correct distance vision but would leave you dependent on readers. Refractive lens exchange replaces the eye's lens with an implant that corrects distance and near, and it prevents cataracts entirely. Dr. Feiz will explain which fits your eyes and habits.
How do I know if I have a cataract?
Common signs are glare from headlights, faded colors, blurry vision that glasses do not fix, and needing more light to read. A dilated exam confirms it and grades how much it is affecting your vision.
Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?
Yes — the surgery, the standard lens, and the surgeon and facility fees, minus your deductible or copay. Premium lens implants are an out-of-pocket upgrade.
Which premium lenses do you offer?
PanOptix and Vivity (Alcon), TECNIS Odyssey and TECNIS PureSee (Johnson & Johnson), enVista Envy (Bausch + Lomb), and toric versions from all three for astigmatism. Compare them.
Can I have cataract surgery if I had LASIK?
Yes, with more careful lens calculations. This is a routine part of Dr. Feiz's refractive and cornea practice.
Which corneal transplants do you perform?
DMEK and DSEK — partial-thickness transplants replacing only the inner cell layer — and PKP, a full-thickness transplant. DMEK & DSEK · PKP
Do you perform corneal cross-linking?
No. Dr. Feiz diagnoses and manages keratoconus and refers to a cross-linking provider when that treatment is indicated, then continues your care afterward.
Where is surgery performed?
LASIK and PRK at InVision Laser Center in Concord. Cataract surgery, refractive lens exchange, and corneal surgery at Aspen Surgery Center. All consultations and follow-up at our Walnut Creek office.
What insurance do you accept?
Most major medical plans including Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Health Net, Hill Physicians, Brown & Toland, Sutter, John Muir Health, and Tricare. VSP is accepted for routine vision exams. We do not accept Medi-Cal. Laser vision correction, lens exchange, and premium lens upgrades are self-pay, with CareCredit available.
Do you see children?
No. The practice sees patients 18 and older.
What about after-hours emergencies?
Established patients have access to an on-call doctor after hours. We are not able to provide emergency care to new patients; please go to an emergency department.
Where are you located and is there parking?
100 N. Wiget Lane, Suite 270, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 — in the Shadelands area off Ygnacio Valley Road, with free on-site parking. Directions.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed for a consultation unless your insurance plan, such as an HMO, requires one for covered visits.