Financing the Costs of ICLs
At GW Eye Associates, our eye doctors offer a comprehensive range of eye care services, ranging from eye exams to monitor eye health, to surgeries to treat eye diseases and improve impaired vision. One vision correction procedure that is growing in popularity is the use of implantable contact lenses, or ICLs. ICLs are implanted contact lenses that permanently improve vision. This treatment offers long-term correction of myopia (nearsightedness) without altering the shape of the patient’s cornea. ICL is an excellent alternative to LASIK surgery, especially for those patients who have extremely thin corneas or those who are at risk of suffering from dry eyes. Here we discuss ICL costs and financing options to our San Diego patients.
How Much Do ICLs Cost?
The costs of an ICL procedure will vary for each patient. There are a number of factors that can affect the final cost of surgery. Amongst these are the type of implantable lens that is used, the area where the surgery is performed, and the experience of the ophthalmologist performing the surgery. Because of all the variables, ICL surgery can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000, with the average falling around $3,500 per eye. This fee may be overwhelming initially, but this cost includes the surgeon fee, the facility fee, and the cost of a follow-up visit. Patients should also consider the long-term costs that will be saved once the need for glasses and/or contact lenses is eliminated. Again, ICL costs will vary, so the only way to get a precise estimate for the cost of ICL is to schedule a consultation with one of our eye doctors.
Financing Options
Even though ICLs correct a patient’s vision, most insurance companies consider this an elective procedure and, therefore, do not provide coverage to patients. However, this does not mean that patients need to wait to undergo surgery until they have cash to cover the costs of the procedure. There are many financing options available to patients considering ICL. Below are some of the options that patients may consider:
- Personal credit: Patients may want to use their personal credit cards or a personal loan to pay for the costs of ICLs. While this may be an easy way to finance ICLs, patients should consider the high interest rates and other fees (late fees, over-the-limit fees, etc.) that are typically associated with personal loans and credit cards.
- Medical credit: There are several private companies that offer patients loans and lines of credit to cover the costs of medical procedures. Although these accounts also are likely to have interest rates and other fees, many offer promotional offers to new customers, which may include an interest-free period.
- Flex spending accounts: If your employer offers a flex spending account, it will likely approve the cost of ICL. These accounts allow you to take a set amount of money out of your paycheck each year (pre-tax) in order to pay for medical costs.
Contact Us
If you are interested in undergoing ICL surgery, do not let the cost dissuade you from getting more information. This is an effective surgery that offers permanent results and, with financing options that are available, can easily fit into most patient’s budgets. Contact us at GW Eye Associates to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you.