Explore vision correction options with insights from Valley Eye Associates. Learn about LASIK, lenses, and treatments to improve your sight.

Why You Shouldn’t Rush Your Cataract Eye Surgery: Clarity Over Speed

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STOP! Take a breath. It is not an emergency.

If you’ve recently been told you have cataracts, your first instinct might be to get them out as quickly as possible. We live in a world of “instant results,” and the idea of surgery can feel like a looming deadline.

However, at Valley Eye Associates, we often tell our patients something that surprises them: Take your time.

In the vast majority of cases, cataract surgery is a non-emergent procedure. While it is life-changing, it is rarely an “immediate” medical necessity. Here is why waiting a month or two—and doing your homework—is actually the smartest move you can make for your vision.

This is a One-Time Decision

Unlike a prescription for glasses that you can change next year, the intraocular lens (IOL) you choose during cataract surgery is intended to stay in your eye for the rest of your life. Rushing into surgery without understanding your options is like buying a house after only seeing the front door.

You need time to consider:

  • Your Lifestyle: Do you drive a lot at night? Do you spend hours on a computer? Are you an avid reader?
  • The Lens Options: From standard monofocal lenses to premium multifocal or Light Adjustable Lenses (LAL), each technology offers a different “visual lifestyle.”
  • Your Priorities: Are you okay with wearing reading glasses, or is your goal to be completely glasses-free?

Getting to Know Your Surgeon

Choosing who performs your surgery is just as important as the surgery itself. Waiting a few extra weeks gives you the space to ask questions, review the surgeon’s experience, and ensure you feel comfortable with the team that will be caring for you. A good surgical outcome is a partnership between you and your doctor.

A Month or Two is Normal

Patients often worry that their vision will rapidly deteriorate if they don’t book surgery for next week. In reality, cataracts typically progress slowly. Waiting 4 to 8 weeks to schedule your procedure is perfectly standard and gives you time to plan your recovery, arrange transportation, and clear your schedule.

When Speed Does Matter

While we advocate for a measured approach, we are always monitoring for the exceptions. There are rare cases where a cataract becomes “hyper-mature,” causing increased pressure or inflammation in the eye. Our Promise: If your case is urgent or your vision loss is putting your safety at risk, we will work tirelessly to get you seen and scheduled immediately. Your safety is our only non-negotiable.

The Bottom Line

We don’t want you to just see better; we want you to see exactly how you want to see. By taking the time to understand the different lens technologies and choosing the right timing for your life, you aren’t “delaying” your health—you are “optimizing” your future. We want you to feel empowered, not “processed.” Whether you want surgery next month or six months from now, our goal is the same: ensuring that when you finally do go into the OR, you are 100% confident in the plan we’ve built together.

Ready to start the conversation without the pressure? Schedule an examination with us today, and let’s talk about your options together.

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EVO ICL Offers Minimal Down Time and Prompt Results

“It’s like I have new eyes!”

Those words were spoken by Chelsea, a patient who recently chose the EVO Implantable Collamer Lens to correct her vision. A permanent contact lens, EVO is changing the vision — and the lives — of patients who don’t qualify for other correction procedures.

Developed especially for patients who are extremely nearsighted, EVO is a straightforward, minimally-invasive procedure that requires little downtime. In fact, as Chelsea explains in her video, she was already experiencing noticeably improved vision the day after her surgery.

And her constant companions for years, her glasses? She, like other patients who’ve chosen this lens, is now completely free of them. Watch her video to hear about her life before and after EVO and how easy the process was.

Even better, schedule your appointment to discuss if EVO is right for you, too.

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How Much Is EVO ICL Changing Lives? Read One Woman’s Story

Jessica, a surgical technician with Valley Eye Associates, was so nearsighted that she didn’t qualify for any of the laser vision correction procedures she helped her patients experience each day. She was glad for her patients, some of whom could see clearly almost immediately after surgery, but really wanted the same experience for herself.

“I just wanted my turn!” she said. “But there was nothing.”

Jessica started wearing glasses in second grade. It’s not uncommon for young corrective lens wearers to continue to experience worsening vision for a few years, but for most patients, their prescriptions begin to level off with age. However, for Jessica, her vision just continued to worsen until she was legally blind without her glasses. Driving at night or during inclement weather had become almost impossible, something she really regretted as her children depend on her to get them places.

She discussed her vision with Dr. Vrabec many times over the years and grew to trust his expertise and recommendations. If he said there was nothing to be done, there was nothing to be done.

But one day, Dr. Vrabec had different news. He had been researching the EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), a permanent contact lens specifically designed for nearsighted patients. The EVO ICL procedure is minimally invasive and only requires a microscopic incision. Would Jessica be interested in trying it?

“I was so excited and I jumped at the chance!” she says. “I have been working with Dr. Vrabec for so long that I knew I could trust him. I’ve seen him give such great care to people.”

Watch this brief video to hear the rest of Jessica’s story and all the ways she’s rediscovered her independence with EVO. Even better, schedule your consultation to discuss if, like Jessica, EVO is right for you.

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Introducing the EVO ICL

Visual freedom is a gift — a gift that can seem just out of reach for those who aren’t candidates for refractive procedures like LASIK or PRK.

We also see patients who simply prefer to avoid surgeries that permanently alter the eye.

Whichever the case, the expert ophthalmologists at Valley Eye Associates may still be able to give you the visual freedom you want with the EVO Implantable Collamer Lens. An implantable contact lens (ICL), EVO is inserted during a minimally invasive procedure that only requires a microscopic incision. It is best-suited to patients who are nearsighted.

One of the reasons Valley Eye Associates uses EVO for its implantable contact lens procedures is because of what it’s made of. Collamer is a proprietary material known for its flexibility, stability, and compatibility with the eye’s natural fluids. Patients report excellent outcomes with EVO and that the lens is comfortable and reliable.

Implanting EVO is a brief procedure — 30 minutes or less — and requires very little downtime. Because an ICL is inserted behind the iris, it is invisible to you and to others. From this placement, ICLs work with your eye’s natural lens to improve your vision and they remain permanently in place, but if needed, can be removed by your doctor.

We value our patients and their vision. That’s why we’re always striving to offer more and better options for visual freedom. Interested in learning more about EVO? Call (800) 344-4443 or fill out our form to schedule a Free VIP Consultation.

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Valley Eye Associates Voted Best of the Best for 16th Year

We at Valley Eye Associates are committed to providing top-tier eye care that both improves vision health and furthers the ophthalmologic field. But this commitment is meaningless without you, our wonderful patients, and it is because of you that we are honored to be named this year’s Best of the Valley and Best of Winnebago County in several categories:


Every day, we strive to create long lasting relationships with patients that are built upon trust and a dedication to clear vision. We’re extremely thankful that you have allowed us to join you on your eye care journey, but we’re especially blessed to share in your lives; the stories you describe and your devotion to eye health fill us with joy and admiration.

For 16 consecutive years in the Valley and 6 consecutive years in Winnebago County, we have been awarded the Best of the Best, sponsored by Appleton Post Crescent and Oshkosh Northwestern. We consider these awards a tremendous honor. As we embark on another year with our incredible patients and team, we look forward to continuing relationships and bettering vision.

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Cutter’s LASIK Story

If someone asked, would you recommend having LASIK at Valley Eye Associates?

Yes, I would direct them to come to Valley Eye Associates to get that VIP Consultation, because it’s where you’re going to get all of your questions answered. The whole process is such a breeze that it’s really worth it to me. Even when comparing the cost measures of your glasses or contacts against the price of LASIK, it all comes together and works out in the end for your favor. I’d really highly recommend this to anybody.

Why did you choose to have LASIK at Valley Eye Associates?

Seeing the experience that Dr. Vrabec has as one of the first, if not the first, doctor in the area to do LASIK in addition to being so highly recommended is amazing. That’s really what stood out about Valley Eye Associates. Dr. Vrabec’s experience, knowledge, and level of comfort. Out of everyone I know that has ever come to Valley Eye Associates, nobody has said one bad word. That’s really amazing if you think about it.

Since having LASIK, how has your life changed?

It’s been a week at this point since I’ve had LASIK, and my life has already changed for the better. Just from the fact of not having to worry about glasses and contacts and things like that. There’s also the ease of shaving a couple of minutes off every morning, plus being able to see better. I can see better now than I did with my glasses. That is a real fact and that’s pretty incredible and, again, it’s because of Valley Eye Associates. I mean, you can’t go wrong with this place. There’s no doubt about it — Dr. Vrabec is hands down the best around.

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2021: The Year Your FSA / HSA Made LASIK Possible

Remember as a kid having a piggy bank that you tucked loose pennies and dimes into? On a really good day, there may have been a whole dollar to press through the slot. Over time, those contributions added up — and so did the ways you imagined spending them.

The same happens with your health savings or flexible spending account. Little by little your monthly contributions can build toward a tangible goal, either covering the cost or putting it within easy reach.

Is LASIK among your goals? Many of our patients have used their HSA or FSAs to finally get the vision correction they’ve dreamed of, and with the whole year still ahead, there’s no better time to start planning than January.

Consultation First

In a few instances patients aren’t good candidates for laser eye correction so we strongly recommend that you contact our office to schedule an initial consultation to ensure that you’re eligible. That said, because LASIK isn’t our only tool — there are a myriad of options — it’s rare that we can’t improve your vision. It’s advantageous for us both when together we formulate a best case plan before you begin earmarking your hard-earned dollars.

Covering the Cost

If you’ve considered LASIK or another laser eye treatment, it’s likely you already know that, because it’s discretionary, you’ll need to pay for it out of pocket.

This is where the HSA or FSA offered by your employer’s health insurance plan can help take the sting out of the final bill. Contributions to both are taken pre-tax, which means the government can’t take its usual cut, and you can save up to 20% more.

Generally, an HSA:

  • comes with health plans classified as high deductible.
  • can accrue as long as you wish; there’s no pressure to spend by year end.
  • could cover the entire cost of LASIK if you contribute long enough.

Generally, an FSA:

  • must be spent within a month of year end or you lose those dollars.
  • is spendable before all contributions have been made. In other words, if you budget to contribute $1,500 by December, but decide to have LASIK in June with only $750 of the $1,500 in your account, you can still spend the full $1,500.
  • is capped per family member. It’s $2,750 for 2021.

Because there’s much more to know about utilizing the HSA or FSA benefits that come with your work’s health insurance plan, we encourage you to discuss your options with your employer’s insurance representative. It can be confusing; however, understanding the basics could mean the difference between clear vision now and slogging through another year with eye concerns.

Let’s Get Started

Schedule your nocost, no obligation consultation today. Our friendly staff will assess your needs, explain your best options, and create a plan that fits your specific lifestyle and schedule.

Schedule a Free VIP LASIK Consultation
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How Can an HSA or FSA Save You Money?

A health savings account (HSA) or a flex spending account (FSA) is one of the best ways to save courtesy of Uncle Sam with triple tax benefits. You put money in on a tax-free basis (usually through salary deferrals), it builds up tax-free (you can invest it), and it comes out tax-free to cover out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Depending on your tax bracket, that can save you 20% or more on eyeglasses, contacts, or even medical procedures like LASIK or High Definition Laser Cataract Surgery.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

You can contribute to an HSA if you’re in a qualifying high-deductible health plan at work. For 2020, that means a plan with a minimum annual deductible of $1,400 for individual coverage or $2,800 for family coverage. At a minimum, you should contribute enough to cover your deductible. Do you have an unexpected doctor’s bill? You can put money into your HSA, take it out right away, and the government just paid 25% of the bill. (The higher your tax bracket, the bigger your savings.) An HSA is a savings account that goes with you and funds stay in the account as long as it is open.

Flex Spending Account (FSA)

FSAs are a great way to pay for elective and non-elective procedures and cover deductibles and co-payments for medical services and prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs that have been prescribed by a doctor, all pre-tax. The funds from an FSA can be used toward the payment of certain authorized dental and vision expenses, including for dependents and spouses. So, depending on your tax bracket, that could end up being major savings! The only problem is that you have to use your FSA balance by the end of the year or risk losing it. So if you have an FSA, be sure to check your balance and then look at your options for an eye exam, vision correction surgery or even eyeglasses before the end of the year.

The good news is that consumers can save ($2,700 per person in an FSA) and even save more in an HSA depending on your plan, to pay for procedures you want. Think of this as an opportunity to access the procedures you need and save 20% or more by using flex spending or health savings account dollars.

Why Is This Important?

Elective procedures, like LASIK, PRK, Implantable Contact Lenses, and Refractive Lensectomy, are discretionary medical expenses. FSA and HSA accounts can help lower the cost of better vision with or without glasses or contact lenses.

Schedule a Cataract Examination Schedule a Free VIP iLASIK Consultation
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Enjoying the Benefits of LASIK

There are many reasons why people are interested in LASIK, but one of the biggest is improving their vision with reduced dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Some—like pilots, first responders, and athletes—turn to LASIK for work. Others enjoy an active lifestyle and want to follow their passions. You may measure your LASIK success by the pure pleasure of having around-the-clock vision and the freedom to do without contacts—or never having to search the nightstand to find your glasses in the middle of the night again.

Here are some more reasons the convenience of LASIK may be right for you:

  • Participating in sports leagues
  • Hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities
  • Swimming or hitting the beach
  • Graduating from college
  • Getting married
  • Raising children 
  • Traveling the world
  • Pursuing a career (military, law enforcement, etc.)

LASIK can transform your life! No matter what your reason, there may well be a LASIK success story waiting for you.

Take the first step and come in for a Free VIP iLASIK Consultation. By talking with one of our surgery counselors, you can find out if you’re a good candidate for LASIK. They can help you understand what to expect from the procedure and what your experience will be like before, during, and after surgery.

Source: American Refractive Surgery Council

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Use It Before You Lose It: FSA and HSA Accounts

In addition to patient financing options, you may also consider using a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA) to pay for your vision correction procedure.

Did you know that up to 22% of employees are unaware of their FSA and HSA benefits? FSAs are a great way to pay for elective and non-elective procedures pre-tax. So, depending on your tax bracket, that could end up being major savings! However, you must use your FSA balance by the end of the year or risk losing it.

HSA accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars from your payroll for medical expenses. The main difference from an FSA is that an HSA is a savings account that goes with you and funds stay in the account as long as it is open.

The good news is that you can contribute up to $2,650 per person in an FSA and even more in an HSA (depending on your plan) to pay for procedures you want. Think of this as an opportunity to access the procedures you need by using flex spending account dollars.

Why Is This Important?

Elective procedures—like LASIK, PRK, Implantable Contact Lenses, and Refractive Lensectomies—are discretionary medical expenses. FSAs and HSAs can be just the ticket to a future of better vision without glasses or contact lenses.

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