LASIK

PEORIA, IL - September 3, 2003 - LASIK is everywhere. From the participants on ABC's hit TV show "Extreme Makeover" to our own co- workers, neighbors and family members, LASIK is being discussed and sought out by people of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles.

Bond Eye Associates, a local full-service ophthalmology practice, established the first Laser Vision Correction site in Central Illinois in 1996. The Illinois Valley Eye Laser Institute (IVELI) was involved in the FDA study for the approval of LASIK during 1997 and 1998. Since that time, the doctors and staff of Bond Eye have seen a steady increase in the number of people interested in the procedure and in the number of patients who choose LASIK to correct their vision.

"As people learn more about Laser Vision Correction, they are less afraid and more excited," says Dr. William Bond, founder and director of Bond Eye Associates and IVELI. "And that's exciting for us - LASIK can help a wide range of people to see clearly without glasses or contacts. There's minimal risk and discomfort involved, a high success rate and the procedure itself only takes three to five minutes per eye. It's truly amazing and ultimately life-changing for many individuals."

Of course, some considering LASIK are initially deterred by the price. LASIK can cost up to $2500 an eye, and most insurance companies do not cover it. However, with the development of longer-term results, LASIK is gaining in popularity and has come down some in cost since it's premiere.

Nevertheless, Dr. Bond warns against "waiting out the trend" in order to get a rock bottom price. "With new technology in lasers and surgical instruments being rapidly developed every day, the procedure is becoming more accurate than ever and able to help those who would've been turned away a couple years ago. But, the demand to keep current with technology and provide the most up-to-date treatment modalities will only at best require providers to keep prices where they are in the coming years."

Such technology includes new types of lasers being studied and tested by the FDA, a variety of innovative microkeratomes (the instrument that ` creates the flap in the LASIK procedure) and different kinds of machines used in the testing and measuring the eyes of LASIK patients.

Bond Eye Associates is a medical group practice that brings full- service eyecare to Central Illinois. Bond eyecare services are provided by four physicians, three optometrists and a staff of more than 40. Bond has offices located in Pekin, Peoria, and Bloomington, as well as satellite locations in Canton, Clinton and Eureka.

If you are a member of the media, please contact Traci Carson at (309)353-1581, or e-mail tcarson@bondeye.com.