• EyeHealth Northwest is the largest ophthalmology group in the Northwest with nine clinics in the Portland area.
  
• We have a medical staff of 21 ophthalmologists and 5 optometrists. EyeHealth Northwest has over 200 employees, including certified ophthalmic technicians, opticians, laser technicians, and administrative personnel.
  
• We have eight on-site, full-service optical shops, staffed by certified opticians and frame stylists in our clinics
  
• Your total eye health is our first priority. Our Doctors will tell you if you can achieve the results you are expecting from laser vision correction.
  
• You have the same expert physician for your pre-operative exam, your surgery and post-operative care.
  
• We offer professional and comfortable facilities, keeping your needs in mind at all times.
  
• We openly share our outcome history and patient testimonials.
  
• Our fee is all-inclusive. There are no hidden costs, and we provide all pre- and post-operative care for one full year.
  
• We offer flexible, affordable payment plans. EyeHealth offers an "interest free" option as one of its many alternatives to finance your surgery. There are no application or loan fees. In addition, we bill your insurance company so you don't have to worry about paperwork.

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Leading the medical community with clinical excellence

• EyeHealth Northwest physicians are past presidents of the Clackamas County Medical Society, the Oregon Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Multnomah County Medical Society.
  
• EyeHealth Northwest has fellowship-trained specialists in pediatrics, cornea and external disease of the eye, glaucoma, and oculoplastics.
  
• Several EHN doctors are also clinical instructors at Oregon Health Sciences University.

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Using the most up-to-date, technologically advanced equipment

• EyeHealth Northwest doctors specialize in LASIK care and use the most advanced technology approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Doctors follow the FDA's high standards and will only perform techniques that are proven safe and effective.
  
• EyeHealth Northwest uses a VISX STAR S4™ ActiveTrak™ Excimer Laser System-this laser has 3-D active eye tracking and Variable Spot Scanning (VSS)-to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
  
• EyeHealth Northwest doctors perform a safety and accuracy test on all laser equipment after each surgery. Doctors perform quality control calibrations more often than manufacturers recommend.

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Working to improve the vision of underprivileged people all over the world.

• Throughout the year, several of our ophthalmologists travel with Northwest Medical Teams, donating their medical talents in areas of the world that do not receive regular vision care.
  
• EyeHealth Northwest doctors help people in China, Mexico, Romania, and Guatemala.
• We believe your vision is your most precious attribute-one that should last a lifetime. Imagine living without glasses or contact lenses. In less than 30 minutes, with laser vision correction procedures, it can happen. See your future more clearly by calling EyeHealth Northwest today at 503-52-LASER (52737) to set up a FREE vision consultation.

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Why our Doctors choose VISX STAR S4™, with Active Trak™ and Variable Spot Scanning (VSS™).

EyeHealth has been helping people see more clearly since 1954. Our Laser Vision Surgeons have been performing refractive surgery for over nine years.

You will find knowledgeable EyeHealth Laser Vision Coordinators at each clinic to meet with you and answer any individual questions. Call EyeHealth Laser Center to schedule a free vision correction consultation at 503-52-LASER (52737).

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Vision Correction Procedures

What is LASIK?

LASIK is an acronym for Laser In-situ Keratomileusis, which simply means, "to shape the cornea within, using a laser." It corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea (outer window of the eye) so that light rays focus more precisely on the retina, thereby reducing or eliminating refractive errors. Using the remarkable technology of an Excimer laser, the cornea is reshaped to conform to your glasses or contact lens prescription, thereby reducing or even eliminating a lifetime of dependence on corrective lenses.

Understanding refractive errors:

Clear vision in the normal eye is the result of light rays passing through the cornea, pupil and lens and focusing directly on the retina.

• Nearsightedness occurs when the cornea is too curved or the eye is too long. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurry distance vision.

• Farsightedness occurs when the cornea is too flat in relation to the length of the eye. This causes light to focus at a point beyond the retina, resulting in blurry close vision and sometimes blurry distance vision as well.

• Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is shaped like a football (more curved in one direction than the other) and often occurs with nearsightedness and farsightedness. This causes light to focus in more than one point on the retina, resulting in blurry and distorted vision.

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What is PRK?

PRK or photo refractive keratectomy, is laser surgery to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. With PRK, a device called the Amoils brush is used to disturb the outer surface of the cornea. EyeHealth surgeons then use the VISX STAR S4™ with Active Trak™ and Variable Spot Scanning (VSS) to remove a precise amount of tissue from the cornea. The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes form start to finish.

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Your steps to clearer vision

• Consultation
  
• Pre-Operative Exam
  
• Your Surgery

It's simple to get started.

1. A no obligation, free consultation is available to you. Meet with a coordinator to discuss your options. Making your decision to have laser vision correction is much easier if you are comfortable with the information and the people you are dealing with. You can set an appointment with one of our coordinators or ask to speak with one our Laser Vision Correction surgeons to get the information you need to fully understand your options.

2. You will have a thorough pre-operative exam. This exam takes about two hours and is a comprehensive exam done by the Doctor to determine whether you will achieve the results you are looking for. EyeHealth Northwest surgeons take pride in being candid with their patients and will not perform surgery on an individual that is not a good candidate for the procedure.

3. You are now ready to schedule the date for your surgery. We try to make it convenient for you and your busy schedule. There is no need to take much time off from work, but we do recommend you take the day of your surgery to rest up.

Now that you know how it all works, it's time to give us a call. We'd love to get you started on your way to better vision.

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Payment Options

If you're considering the advantages of refractive surgery, EyeHealth Northwest can help you make it more affordable than you may think.

As a service to our patients, we are pleased to offer the CareCredit card. Begin your vision care today and conventiently pay with low, monthly payments.

Option 1: Interest Free Payment Plan: 6,12 or 18 months
Now you can take 6, 12 or 18 months to pay and not owe a penny of interest. Interest does accrue at 22.98% APR but will be waived if you pay the principal within the term and make minimum monthly payments.

> No initial payment       
> No pre-payment penalty

> No initial payment
> No pre-payment penalty

> No initial payment
> No pre-payment penalty
> Low, fixed interest of 9.9%

If you have any questions regarding financing, please call 52-LASER for further information.

Other Payment Options

Use your Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125)
If your employer offers a flexible spending account as part of your employee benefits, you may be able to add your laser surgery to your account. This convenient savings plan allows you the option of pre-tax payroll deductions for non-covered medical expenses, resulting in immediate tax savings.

Health Insurance
Many health insurance companies cover a portion of laser vision correction or provide a discount. Call us at 503 52-LASER and we will be happy to call and verify if you have a benefit.

We also accept cash payments, personal checks, and Visa, Mastercard and Discover credit cards.

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Frequently asked questions

What kind of refractive errors can be helped with laser vision correction?

Currently, most degrees of nearsightedness and astigmatism can be treated with laser vision correction. Mild to moderate degrees of farsightedness can also be corrected.

Who is a candidate for laser vision correction?

At EyeHealth you will undergo a thorough pre-operative exam to determine if you are a good candidate. Our surgeons will not perform laser vision correction on a patient unless they believe they can achieve the patient's desired outcome.


What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?

LASIK and PRK use the Excimer laser to reshape the cornea.

LASIK reshapes the internal surface of the cornea after a thin flap has been made using a microkeratome. Because the flap is placed back into its original position, the eye heals much more quickly. After LASIK most patients have little or no discomfort within a half day and notice a remarkable improvement in vision the next day. Final visual results generally occur within one to two weeks after LASIK.

PRK was the first procedure using the Excimer laser to be performed in the United States. This procedure reshapes the outer surface of the cornea after the outer cell layers have been removed with a special instrument. After the laser treatment, the outer surface of the cornea re-heals over three to four days and final visual results are usually attained in three to four weeks after PRK. Both LASIK and PRK correct vision for nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness.


Is there pain during the laser vision correction procedure?

Patients experience no pain during the procedure because their eyes are numbed using anesthetic drops. After the procedure, some patients report slight discomfort.


Is laser vision correction permanent?

LASIK and PRK are considered to be permanent procedures with little or no change in refraction after the first month. Having laser vision correction, will not change the normal aging process of the eye called "Presbyopia".


Does insurance pay for laser vision correction?

Currently, there are insurances that offer discounts for vision correction. Call your insurance company or talk with one of our laser vision coordinators to see if your insurance offers discounts.


Is financing available?

There are several different financing options available to our patients, including no interest, no payment for six month plans. Our laser vision coordinators can review the choices with you to find one that best suits your needs.


What will I be able to see the next day?

Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision and can resume their normal daily activities, including driving and exercising. Most patients will notice continued improvement in their vision over the next 7-14 days.


How long does laser vision correction surgery take?

The surgery for both eyes takes less than 30 minutes. You will be at the EyeHealth Laser Center for less than two hours.


Will I need to miss work?

Most patients can resume their normal activities, including work, the day after surgery. During your no-cost consultation, your EyeHealth laser vision coordinator will advise you what can be expected based on your type of work.


Can LASIK surgery be performed on both eyes the same day?

Most patients can have laser vision correction performed on both eyes during the same visit. This is a choice that you and your EyeHealth surgeon will make depending on your individual needs.

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