For patients considering LASIK eye surgery, Dr. Raymond Fong and his team understand that cost may be a primary concern. While LASIK can seem like a significant expense upfront, it can also offer long-term financial benefits. Patients across New York City, including many Asian patients who require specialized eye care, have trusted Dr. Fong and his team with their vision and their investment in LASIK.

How Much Does LASIK Cost?

The average cost of LASIK is between $2,000 to $3,000 per eye. This price can vary depending on your prescription and your individual needs. When deciding on LASIK, it is important to consider how vision correction surgery can help you save money over time and how the price of LASIK compares to ongoing expenses of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as the different ways to pay for LASIK.

How LASIK Can Save Money Over Time

LASIK is a one-time investment that can lead to substantial savings in the long run. Here’s how:

  • Elimination of Recurring Costs: Once you’ve had LASIK, you may no longer need to purchase glasses, contact lenses, or the accompanying accessories and products—costs that can add up over a lifetime.
  • Reduced Eye Care Expenses: Regular eye exams and prescription updates for glasses and contacts can become costly over time. After LASIK, you will still need occasional eye doctor appointments, but they are typically less frequent..
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: LASIK can improve your quality of life, which is priceless, but can potentially lead to greater confidence and productivity at work.

Cost of LASIK vs. Long-term Cost of Eyeglasses and Contacts

To understand the true value of LASIK, let’s compare the cost of the procedure to the ongoing expenses of eyeglasses and contacts:

  • Initial Cost of LASIK: The average cost of LASIK in the U.S. ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 per eye.1 While this is a significant upfront investment, consider it a one-time expense.
  • Eyeglasses: A pair of prescription eyeglasses can cost anywhere from $200 to $600, with high-end frames and lenses reaching $1,000 or more. Most people need a new pair every one to two years. There may also be additional costs such as prescription sunglasses.
  • Contact Lenses: The cost of contact lenses can vary, but the average annual expense for daily wear contacts is around $500 to $700. This includes the cost of lenses, solutions, and cases.
  • Cumulative Costs: Over a 20-year period, the cumulative costs of eyeglasses and contact lenses can exceed $10,000 to $15,000, far surpassing the one-time cost of LASIK.2

Using a Flex Spending Account (FSA) for LASIK

One of the smartest ways to manage the cost of LASIK is by using a Flex Spending Account (FSA). An FSA allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars from your salary to pay for eligible medical expenses, including LASIK. Many people have an FSA account through their workplace. Check with your human resources to see if an FSA is available to you and get details on how to use it.

Benefits of Using an FSA:

  • Tax Savings: Contributions to an FSA are made with pre-tax dollars, which can help you save money on taxes.
  • Ease of Use: Most employers provide FSA options as part of their benefits package, making it easy to enroll and contribute regularly.
  • Immediate Access: Many FSA plans allow you to use the full planned amount right away, so you can schedule your LASIK procedure sooner rather than later.

Will my insurance cover LASIK?

Insurance does not typically cover LASIK, as it is considered an elective procedure. While LASIK is generally an out-of-pocket cost, there may be some coverage for your consultation or follow-up appointments. Our practice accepts most major insurance plans, so we can work with you if your plan does offer any discounts or partial coverage.

Contact Us

At Raymond Fong Eye Center, we are committed to high-quality eye care with transparent pricing. At your LASIK consultation, we will review all pricing with you and answer any questions you have. Contact us to schedule your appointment. Contact us.


1 Joffe SN. The 25th Anniversary of Laser Vision Correction in the United States. Clin Ophthalmol. 2021 Mar 17;15:1163-1172. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S299752. PMID: 33762815; PMCID: PMC7982707.
2 Foo LL, Lanca C, Wong CW, Ting D, Lamoureux E, Saw SM, Ang M. Cost of Myopia Correction: A Systematic Review. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021 Dec 3;8:718724. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.718724. PMID: 34926485; PMCID: PMC8677936.