The 5 Best Places to Get LASIK in Winnipeg
Still on the fence about pushing through with getting LASIK surgery? Fortunately, in Winnipeg, there are a bunch of places and options to look into if you’re still undecided.
Since it is a surgical operation, it will definitely take some time and research. Good thing we’ve already prepared a list for you to get started on your decision-making!
How much does LASIK cost in Winnipeg?
Like any other type of surgery, LASIK can be expensive.
It’s considered an elective procedure, too. Therefore, it won’t usually be covered by standard insurance policies.
Good news, though! In Canada, it’s an elective procedure that’s considered an eligible expense under your Health Spending Account (HSA), and so that can give you a deduction as a pre-tax expense.
LASIK costs can vary in Canada. Below is a cost table that can give you an idea.
| Product/service related to LASIK | Price |
| LASIK | Average of $1,000 per eye |
| PRK (involves corneal mapping) | Average of $1,000 per eye |
| Laser blended vision correction (optimizes one eye for vision and one for reading) | Average of $1,400 per eye |
| SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) | Average of $2,500-$3,000 per eye |
Important things that affect the cost are the vision prescription strength, surgeon expertise, laser technology used in the procedure, and pre-operative and post-operative consultations and treatment.
Hence, it is crucial to inquire about what clinics’ packages include.
The Best Eye Care Centers in Winnipeg Offering LASIK
Still with us? Now that we’ve visualized how much it’ll cost, let’s dive deep into the top eye care centers in Winnipeg that offer it as a service.
If you’re still at a crossroads with regards to actually pushing through with the procedure, don’t worry! After this list, we’ll also be providing you with some more info and answer FAQs about LASIK.
1. Image Plus Laser Eye Centre
| PRODUCTS | Image Plus laser eye surgery |
| WEBSITE | https://www.imageplus.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 306-400 St. Mary Avenue Winnipeg, MBR3C 4K5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: 204-943-6287 Toll-Free: 1-800-362-8711 Fax: 204-943-8599 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Weekdays only, 8:00AM to 5:00PM |
For years now, Image Plus Laser Eye Centre has been widely praised for their top-notch technology. Their blade-free procedures are made possible by technology and facilities approved by the Canadian Health Protection Branch (HPB) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
They also received positive reviews from patients about how hands-on their customer service is. Led by internationally recognized Dr. Weins, they’re said to walk their patients through procedures, step by step.
They offer a complimentary eye assessment upon visit too. This is where they tell you about the different technologies they have available and walk you through your options even beyond LASIK – from their standard iLASIK to PRK with iDesign WaveFront to Visian and others.
Be sure to book your appointment immediately when you’ve decided though! Given their long history and well-known reputation as a technology leader in the field, you may be left waiting weeks before your appointment.
Pros
- World-class technology and facilities
- Commended for hands-on customer services
- Complimentary personal assessment upon visit
Cons
- Can often have a lot of patients to process given their popularity
Customer Reviews
Great customer experience – Nevada Kehler
“I had a great experience at Image Plus! I was referred by my optometrist. The staff are friendly and helpful. I wasn’t sure if I’d be a candidate, I was thrilled to hear I was! Everything was explained by the videos, staff and Dr. Weins. The procedure was quick and easy. It’s so wonderful to be able to see clearly with no glasses. This really was a dream come true for me! I’d definitely recommend Image Plus!”
Easy and quick procedure – Lori Crampton
“I had my iLasik procedure ten years ago and it is one of the best things I have ever done! The procedure was so easy and quick and I was 20/15 at one day post and 20/10 at one week. Still better than 20/20. Can’t say enough about Dr. Wiens and the staff. Invest in your eyes it is worth it!”
2. Aqua i Laser Eye Surgery Winnipeg
| PRODUCTS | TransPRK (Trans-epithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy) |
| WEBSITE | https://www.aquailaser.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 234 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB R3C 0B1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: 204-560-AQUA (2782) Toll-Free: 1-844-729-5788 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Weekdays, 8:30AM to 4:30PM Saturdays, 10:00AM to 4:00PM (hours may change) |
One good thing that’s unique to Aqua i Laser is the fact that their touch-free procedure is relatively quick. The process will only take 60 seconds or even less per eye.
You read that right. Aside from being really quick, Aqua i Laser implements no-cut, no-touch laser eye surgery that is generally non-invasive, safe, and easy on the eye.
Their advanced TransPRK procedure has been highly recommended by Winnipeg locals. Their staff – from the optometrist to the surgeons – are all locals, so that’s a plus should you want quick accessibility to them at any time.
If you happen to be a Medicard client, here’s another plus for you. They’re partnered with Medicard Financing, so they offer a variety of financing options with $0 down payment at that if you wish to avail of their services.
One downside to the offered services lies within the nature of TransPRK as a type of laser eye surgery. If you go with this type, it will take relatively more time for your vision to recover compared to other types.
Pros
- Touch-free, non-invasive, safe, and easy on the eye procedure
- Quick vision correction process (60 seconds or less per eye)
- Advanced procedure is highly recommended by locals of Winnipeg
- Partners with Medicard Financing for financing options with $0 downpayment
Cons
- Visual recovery is relatively slower with TransPRK
Customer Reviews
Professional staff – Gary Hill
“I had cataract surgery by Dr Gdih. It was great. After had no pain whatsoever. The Dr and staff were very professional. They explained everything and answered questions. Would highly recommend them.”
3. Clarity Vision Centre
| PRODUCTS | Comprehensive eye exams, LASIK & refractive surgery co-management |
| WEBSITE | https://www.clarityvision.ca |
| ADDRESS | Unit 1, 3 Mary’s Road Winnipeg, MB R2H 1H2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: 1-204-691-2245 Fax: 1-800-607-2010 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mondays, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Tuesdays, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Wednesdays, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Thursdays, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Fridays, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
Clarity Vision is known not just for LASIK but for their comprehensive roster of products and services for young and old patients alike. Whether you’re pushing through with LASIK or not, Clarity Vision probably has what you need for vision care.
Clarity Vision has branches all across Canada. Despite the wide scope of business, they have this very patient-centric, trust-based philosophy that gears them to cultivate long-term relationships with their patients.
From what we’ve heard, this equips them with the ability to provide more substantive advice, diagnosis, and treatment. Another plus is the fact that their products and services are relatively more affordable compared to others.
On the other hand, having an extensive offering of products and services can be a double-edged sword. Since LASIK is one of many services they have available, the quality may be affected since it’s not exactly their top specialty.
Pros
- Has a wide range of eye services available for young and old patients
- Has a very patient-centric, trust-based philosophy that affects how they treat and maintain relationships with patients
- Is relatively affordable compared to others
Cons
- LASIK is just one of many services, not their actual speciality
Customer Reviews
Professional service at an affordable cost – Joey Ron
“I love this place. Dr Sung was very detailed and professional. The exam was well priced. Much better value than Costco.”
Needs improvement in the layout of the office and staff service – Basia S.
“I gave two stars because of my experience with two separate receptionists. I would definitely rate the doctor 4-5 stars if there was an option here. This place could use better staff and/or better training.”
4. LASIK MD
| PRODUCTS | Laser procedures and LASIK alternatives |
| WEBSITE | https://www.lasikmd.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 220 Portage Avenue Suite 440 Winnipeg, MB R3C 0A5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: 204-989-2221 Toll-Free: 1-866-961-2020 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Weekdays only, 9:00AM to 5:30PM |
If you’re one to look into national standards before anything else, you might want to look into LASIK MD. They’re a long-time entry on Canada’s Best Managed Companies.
What’s more, they also have a Consumer Choice Award under their belt.
The good thing is that despite all the accolades and awards, LASIK MD still strives to ensure affordability in all offered services.
Patients we talked to also cited their attentiveness and dedication to providing the best solutions, even if it means not pushing through with LASIK or being ineligible for the procedure. They even have ready alternatives for anyone who can’t proceed for any reason.
Don’t let the multiple reviews of esteemed and famous people completely shape your judgment about LASIK MD, though. Amid all these, back in 2019, a number of former patients actually filed a class action lawsuit against the company due to rare and painful complications they got from their treatment.
While we haven’t heard of any other issues similar to this one since, it’s still worth noting, in our opinion. That being said, all of the feedback we’ve gotten about them in our survey has been positive, so we think they still belong on this list.
Pros
- Highly recommended on a local and international level
- Provides alternatives for ineligible candidates for laser procedures
- Ensures quality and affordability in all services
Cons
- Some former patients filed a class action lawsuit against them in 2019
Customer Reviews
Great customer experience – Frank Harder
“This surgery changed my life in such a great way. I was talked into only doing one eye, so I don’t have to wear glasses at all. It is the best not to have to wear glasses or contacts anymore. The staff in Winnipeg were all great from the front clerk right to the surgeon. Excellent if you wanna live a more care free life you have to do this. I’m so happy I did, you should too.”
Efficient processing of patients – Eleanor Thiessen
“My experience was great. I had both my eyes done in one day over a 4-hour period. Test after test after test until the 2 minutes of surgery. They are very efficient at getting through so many patients in one day. However, because they are so efficient, some techs and doctors run through what’s going on so quickly that you don’t absorb all the information they are giving you – while you are in a high anxiety situation to begin with.”
5. Eyes in the Village Optometry
| PRODUCTS | Comprehensive eye exams, laser eye surgery |
| WEBSITE | https://www.eyesinthevillage.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 134 Osborne St Winnipeg, MB R3L 1Y5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: 204-477-1636 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mondays to Thursdays, 9:00AM to 5:00PM Fridays, 9:00AM to 4:00PM |
Eyes in the Village has a comprehensive service offering for vision care. In case you’re still not decided on getting LASIK, Eyes in the Village is well-equipped to present to you alternative correction methods and treatment to better your eyesight.
One good thing about Eyes in the Village is the fact that it can service your eye emergencies quickly. In case you need any immediate consultation or treatment, this is one place to consider.
Past patients have also noted reasonable pricing for the available services.
One major downside to this option, though, is the fact that the Winnipeg branch is not able to facilitate the actual surgical operation. The particular branch can only provide medical recommendation and connection to other sites that can facilitate it.
Pros
- Has a wide variety of services and products suited for your needs
- Is able to accommodate eye emergencies quickly
- Ensures quality and affordability in all services and products
Cons
- Winnipeg branch cannot facilitate actual surgical operation
Customer Reviews
Welcoming environment and quick service – Katie L.
“Very friendly staff. Helped me find glasses I needed promptly. Knowledgeable optometrist. Nice modern waiting lounge. Quick service. Reasonably priced. Overall great experience and highly recommended. Excellent location right in the village. If you need an optometrist close by, I suggest going here.”
How to Choose the Best Clinic to Get LASIK
Over the decades, the options for LASIK in Winnipeg have actually been multiplying. This means that the market is on the rise, so if one of your concerns is of the budgetary nature, it might be worth it to wait a bit longer and see if you get even more options soon.
On the other hand, if you’re keen on getting it now, here’s a quick rundown of things to be mindful of when studying your options.
1. Inquire further about the offered service packages
As mentioned above, the service packages offered by these eye care centers can vary in what’s included. You will want to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, especially if the price range is that high.
Make sure to know if pre- and post-surgery care will be included in the packages.
2. Pay attention to the price and financing options
Some pricing schemes may be the way they are because of special and advanced components of the procedure, so make sure to look into these as well when weighing your options.
Since it might not be totally covered by standard insurance policies, make sure to ask about what financing options they offer to give you the lowest price possible for your surgery.
3. Be open to alternatives
Since you will be tested for eligibility, know that LASIK may not really be for everyone and there may be a better option for vision correction out there for you.
On the other hand, be conscious and research about the status and condition of your eyes in order to avoid being forced to agree to something that may not be the most apt for you.
FAQs about LASIK in Winnipeg
Still contemplating where to get your LASIK? If you think we missed anything on our list, reach out to us!
And whether or not you’re pushing through with LASIK, you might want to check out our list of best ophthalmologists in Winnipeg if you’re still keen on having those eyes checked.