Refractive Surgery Beyond LASIK: Premium Options and Financing

Ophthalmology practices looking to scale are expanding beyond LASIK by offering advanced surgical options like refractive lens exchange (RLE) and implantable collamer lenses (ICL) — while also improving the patient journey by introducing financing options earlier.

Misinformation about refractive surgery is rising on social media, and today’s savvy patients, especially Gen Zers, want clear guidance on options. While advancements in technology may have lessened demand for LASIK, it’s still important to educate patients on the full spectrum of vision correction procedures.

Learn how to present a full range of personalized, premium vision-correction treatments and lens upgrades — supported by patient financing — to emphasize long-term value, lifestyle benefits and affordability, as well as to drive higher-value adoption.

The Future of Vision Correction: What’s Driving Demand

CareCredit’s Vision IQ Study found that patients are taking longer to convert to long-term corrective solutions but continue to spend in optical categories like contacts, sports lenses and fashion frames. It also revealed that 59% of surveyed consumers who qualify for LASIK cite cost as their biggest barrier to pursuing treatment.¹

At the same time, refractive surgery — which includes procedures designed to reduce dependence on glasses or contacts, such as LASIK, RLE and ICL — is often driven by lifestyle goals. According to U.S. refractive market research, the No. 1 reason patients choose these procedures is the desire for visual freedom, with future cost savings ranking much lower.²

The takeaway: Practices can increase adoption by leading with outcomes and lifestyle benefits while also addressing affordability concerns. CareCredit’s study also points to a financing gap: Patients are far more open to pay-over=time options than many practices may realize — 43% say they’re comfortable using a healthcare credit card for vision care, yet only 7% typically do, a nearly sixfold gap between openness and usage.1.¹ Closing that gap through a financing-forward approach can improve the patient experience by introducing cost transparency earlier and helping patients confidently explore a wider range of treatment options.

RLE and ICL Alternatives to LASIK for Presbyopic Patients

LASIK has long been a cornerstone of refractive care, but many patients who present for LASIK evaluation may be better served by lens-based solutions. Adding RLE and ICL can broaden your treatable population while positioning your practice to deliver comprehensive refractive outcomes across a wider age and refractive range.³

RLE growth: Marketing intentionally to presbyopic patients

RLE is increasingly being positioned for presbyopic patients who may not be ideal candidates for corneal-based procedures but are seeking a solution to age-related vision changes.³

Rather than treating these patients as marginal LASIK candidates, practices may shift their approach to position RLE as a primary pathway, especially when presbyopia is the dominant driver and long-term spectacle independence is a key goal.

This shift often requires rethinking how candidacy is framed during the consult process, moving from a LASIK-first mindset to a broader refractive strategy that aligns the procedure to the patient’s stage of life and visual priorities.

ICL as an alternative to LASIK

ICL continues to gain traction as an important option within the refractive toolkit, particularly for patients with moderate to high myopia or corneal characteristics that make laser vision correction less ideal.

In practice, ICL is increasingly positioned as a parallel pathway to LASIK, offering a different risk/benefit profile that may better align with certain patient preferences and clinical considerations.

Published research and clinical experience point to strong patient satisfaction and visual quality outcomes, which can support broader adoption and more consistent positioning within refractive consult conversations.⁴

Refractive Surgery Patient Education Facilitates Better Adoption

One of the biggest challenges of introducing additional vision solutions isn’t awareness; it’s perception. Many patients may have heard of newer procedures but aren’t sure how they compare to traditional options or whether they’re right for them.

Thoughtful positioning can help bridge that gap, translating clinical capabilities into clear, relevant benefits that resonate with patients’ everyday lives.

Align treatment with lifestyle goals

When discussing vision correction options, a collaborative, patient-centered approach is key. This means evaluating not just clinical needs but also lifestyle factors, expectations and personal goals.⁵

For example, when discussing ICL, providers can highlight benefits like reversibility — in case new technology is developed in the future that the patient is interested in exploring — and that ICL may be associated with fewer dry eye symptoms than some laser vision correction procedures (including LASIK) for certain patients.⁶

Introduce premium IOL options as part of cataract care

Premium intraocular lens (IOL) options are advanced lens upgrades used during cataract surgery that can improve vision outcomes and may reduce patients’ dependence on glasses.

Positioning this option effectively requires refractive-style counseling — connecting clinical recommendations to real-life benefits. For example, if a patient struggles with night driving, you can frame premium lens options around improved clarity and reduced glare.

Route patients to the right procedures

Practices can improve conversions by guiding patients into the most appropriate treatment pathways early. Structured intake forms, pre-consult questionnaires and well-trained staff can help surface key indicators — such as age, lifestyle needs and vision goals — to direct patients toward LASIK, RLE/ICL or cataract consultations.

Taking this more intentional, front-end triage approach helps ensure patients are matched with the right consultation from the start, making conversations more relevant and increasing the likelihood of treatment acceptance.

Refractive Surgery Patient Journey: Steps That Improve Conversion

Once patients understand their options, the next step is guiding them through a straightforward journey from initial interest to treatment.

Key stages to focus on in the patient journey

A clear, consistent patient journey can help reduce drop-off between interest and treatment:

1. Start with diagnostics. Translate diagnostic findings into simple, relatable language (e.g., “This is why you’re seeing a glare when it rains.”).
2. Outline treatment options. Tie recommendations directly to patient goals (e.g., “If your goal is to not wear glasses anymore, your best options include … ”).
3. Educate and listen. Address concerns and explain trade-offs to reduce uncertainty.
4. Streamline scheduling. Secure the next appointment before the patient leaves to maintain momentum.

Throughout each stage of this journey, it’s important to have consistent messaging so that patients can feel confident and well positioned to choose the best treatment plan.

Reducing patient drop-off at critical decision points

Addressing common friction points can help more patients move forward with care:

• Minimize sticker shock. Frame costs in terms of long-term value and lifestyle improvement. For example, point out that the perceived high costs of IOLs may be overstated when compared to the lifelong improvement in near vision.
• Introduce financing options. Forty-three percent of those surveyed in the Vision Care study said they are comfortable using a healthcare credit card to finance vision care expenses.1¹ Explain how patient financing works and what’s available to ease patients’ concerns. Learn more about introducing financing options.
• Reduce uncertainty. Complex medical decisions can be stressful, which is why some patients may default to less invasive options like wearing glasses. Preoperative counseling can help allay fears by giving patients all the information they need to make an informed decision.

Better Refractive Consult Conversations for Higher Acceptance

If you’re looking to help more patients move forward with non-LASIK treatments, consider using empathy-based communication, such as:

• Asking open-ended questions about the patient’s goals, lifestyle and concerns
• Using active listening and “teach-back” methods (asking patients to repeat key points to confirm understanding)
• Addressing fears around cost or procedures
• Introducing financing as a supportive solution
• Providing well-defined next steps and treatment timelines without pressure

Eye Surgery Financing: Expand Access to RLE, ICL and Premium IOLs

Out-of-pocket costs can be a barrier, especially for higher-value options like RLE, ICL or premium lenses. Among CareCredit cardholders who received vision care in the past 12 months, 77% reported paying out-of-pocket costs. These costs were mainly driven by services (61%) and copays (31%).⁷

Introduce eye surgery financing early

One way to help overcome that roadblock is by introducing affordable financing pathways early in the patient journey — and then reinforcing those payment options at subsequent touchpoints.

For example, affordability discussions can happen during:

• Initial inquiry responses
• Patient intake or pre-consult conversations
• Surgical counseling

Frame payment options effectively

Framing costs as manageable monthly payments (e.g., “less than $200 per month if approved”) can make treatment feel more manageable compared with a large expense up front.

Indeed, CareCredit’s Vision Care study found that 55% of patients surveyed are more likely to choose a vision care provider that offers a variety of payment options.¹

Work with your team to establish clear roles in terms of who discusses what and when:

• Who introduces financing
• Who explains options in detail
• Who follows up

Providing staff with training, scripts and educational materials, such as those available from a third-party financing partner like the CareCredit credit card, can help ensure a seamless and supportive experience.

Adopt a financing-forward approach for vision correction services

For an ophthalmology provider, shifting to a financing-forward approach — where affordability is integrated into the care conversation — can help more patients move forward with premium services.

Best practices include:

• Lead with the care plan. Anchor recommendations to patient goals, then introduce payment options as a way to support that plan.
• Position value, not just cost. Frame RLE, ICL and premium upgrades as long-term lifestyle investments supported by flexible financing.
• Follow up thoughtfully. Provide clear next steps and check-ins without creating pressure, helping patients feel supported rather than rushed.

Supporting Practice Growth With Vision Financing

Embracing emerging industry trends in vision care can help your practice stay relevant and on the cutting edge, but it requires helping patients clearly understand their options and how to pay for them.

Integrating financing into the patient journey can make higher-value treatments feel more accessible, supporting both patient outcomes and practice growth.

A Patient Financing Solution for Ophthalmologists

Cost may be a barrier to care for your current and prospective ophthalmology patients. You can help them manage the cost of the care they want or need by offering the CareCredit credit card as a financing solution. CareCredit allows patients to pay for their eye exams, LASIK, surgeries and other treatments over time while helping to enhance the payments process for your practice.

When you accept CareCredit, patients can see if they prequalify with no impact to their credit score, and those who apply, if approved, can take advantage of special financing on qualifying purchases.* Additionally, you will be paid directly within two business days.

Learn more about the CareCredit credit card as a patient financing solution for your ophthalmology practice or start the provider enrollment process by filling out this form.

Author Bio

Dawn Papandrea is a journalist with more than two decades of experience covering personal finance and consumer issues. She has written for leading financial publications and organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, Investopedia, BankRate and others.