Lasik MD – Winnipeg, Manitoba
My name is Janie and I would like to share my experience with you. My dad is the one who heard about this website on the radio and encouraged me to write to you. This is regarding the Lasik MD in Winnipeg, Manitoba…or any of them for that matter.
Long story short, I want to become part of the police force here in Winnipeg. My vision was not up to their requirements seeing as I have been wearing glasses since the age of 14. My only option was to get laser eye surgery. In January 2009, I went for a consultation at Lasik MD and on January 15, 2009, got the recommended eye procedure done. I was recovering well and everything was going great until June 2009. I noticed my vision was diminishing and I had to wear my glasses at times. They told me that was normal as my vision would be “up and down” for about 6 months after my surgery. It is now December 2009 (nearly a year later…) and I am STILL wearing (now often) my glasses to drive, watch tv, etc…
Unsatisfied with my procedure, I sent them the following letter on November 4, 2009:
Dear Madam, Sir:
In 2008, I applied with the City of Winnipeg to join the Police force. One of their requirements, as I’m sure you know, is to have20/20 vision. As I had been wearing glasses since the age of 14 and of course, did not meet the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) vision requirements, Lasik eye surgery was my only option at having a chance to get on board with the WPS. Given Lasik MD’s positive promotion advertisements, I made an appointment with you. On January 2, 2009, I went in for a pre-operative assessment and you confirmed that I was a candidate. After some discussion with you, I opted for the most recommended surgery by you which was the Advanced Custom Wavefront Lasik. On January 15, 2009, I had my surgery.
The following are dates on which I returned for the usual follow-ups. I made the other appointments indicating that I still could not see correctly. You had also confirmed that I did not have 20/20 vision…
Jan 16/09: 24 hr follow-up
Jan 19/09: 3 day follow-up
Jan 27/09: 1 week follow-up
Feb 17/09: 1 month follow-up
June 19/09: Made appointment myself, need to wear glasses to drive
Sept 17/09: Made appointment myself, need to wear glasses to drive
Oct 6/09: Made appointment myself, need to wear glasses to drive
As you know, the amount for the surgery is $3,580 and is due in total January 15, 2010. Your websitehttp://www.lasikmd.com/2020/ confirms a 20/20 vision or money back guaranteed. So does your sign in your reception office:“20/20 or it’s free!”
At every appointment, I indicated that I could not see correctly. Your response has been, “in time” or “we have to wait”…. I stillwear my glasses.
I believe that your company’s advertisement is false. The results of my surgery are certainly not 100%.
I do hope that you will stand behind your promotion selling ad: 20/20 vision or it’s free.
Respectfully,
Janie (last name removed for privacy)
c. Better Business Bureau of Manitoba
cc. The Physicians & Surgeons College of Manitoba
After sending this letter, I was called by the Executive Director Christina to come in and “have a chat”. To make an even longer story short, she basically said to me: “because at some point in time after your surgery you did have 20/20 vision, our commitment has been fulfilled and you do not get your money back regardless if your eyes have regressed”.
As you can imagine, I was furious. I now have to get the surgery done AGAIN to have a chance at making it in with the Winnipeg Police Service AND do not get any money back whatsoever. Perhaps I would not make such a big deal of this if the surgery had only cost me $1000 instead of $3580. I was and still am incredibly frustrated and disappointed on how they handled this matter. She told me she would send my papers to the head office in Montréal and see what they say. I have not heard back from neither the head office, nor the executive director here at the Winnipeg Lasik MD location.
If anyone wants to get eye surgery done, definitely make sure to read the fine print and make sure THEY read it over WITH you and insure that you understand, because clearly from my experience that was not the impression I, nor my mother who came with me during the consultation, had when I decided to get the procedure done. One sign says “20/20 or it’s free!” the other says “20/20 or it’s free…….commitment”. I REALLY suggest the advertising company/Lasik MD to revise ALL their ads so that no other client EVER has to go through something like this. If anyone has a similar story, please let me know! Maybe we can help each other out in better solving this ridiculously horrible experience.
Disclaimer
This article was submitted by one of our readers. Penciltrick cannot make any claims as to its authenticity but the article was accepted on a good faith belief that it is an accurate and truthful account of the events listed.
February 18th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
I live in Edmonton and they did the same to me.
June 7th, 2010 at 6:26 am
I understand your frustration i had my eyes done at the edmonton clinic.. at first i could only see four feet in front of me and they told me my eyes had over corrected themselvs. I could not drive or basically go anywhere bc i could not see past 4 feet. then after about 6 weeks they corrected themselves and for a whole 3 months i could see. then my eyes started failing…. of course when you go for the check ups they tell you you have 20/20 vision but funny i cant read a book.. see my computer or even see the letters on my phone… so they tell me to go see an optometrist to get reading glasses… Honestly for the 2800 I spent I could have purchased many pairs of nice glasses….. Biggest Scam i think ….i would not have spent the money for SUCH A LITTLE TIME NOT wearing glasses…..
June 9th, 2010 at 10:49 am
Hi guys, I’m also considering the surgery at Lasikmd. I’ve been doing research, went to a few clinics…I’m still thinking. But what I think happened in your cases is that you both regressed due to whatever your eye condition was(changeable..etc). So what they did wrong is that they accepted you as patients. You should have gone to a few clinics first.
June 21st, 2010 at 10:52 pm
I just called to cancel my free consultation. I think I’ll just stick to my glasses. Also, the woman I spoke with was rude… So ya I am not rescheduling. Those are my eyes I only get 2.
June 23rd, 2010 at 6:57 pm
I had Custom Lasik with LASIK MD in Edmonton. Two other surgery centres wanted to charge me 1000 dollars more for the exact surgery – with a less experienced surgeon. One Optometrist even wanted to have me fly to a place in Langley with a less advanced lazer and no surgeon follow up in Edmonton!!!! I asked LASIK MD about the 20/20 and they were very upfront. I know that my vison changes when I am tired or its really dry out. Something about humidity and my not blinking when reading or driving? I was 20/20 at one week at month I was 20/25 and at 6 month in the summer I was 20/15 better then perfect. I was gunning for a refund or discount and even asked myself how many people can fake not being 20/20- especialy when the Desjardens bills started to come in. I tried to tell them that I did not think I was 20/20 and learned from them and competitor that one of the diagnostics is legaly certified to tell your prescription and can’t be faked. So far 3 of us at work have been through it with LASIK MD. My advice, do not think it is worth the stress to try and get the money back if you acheived 20/20. Vision does fluctuate and they are use to some “fakers”.
June 24th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
Stick with glasses and contacts – lasik is not like a bad haircut – once they cut you your screwed.
My eyes are totally screwed as a result of lasik, eyes hurt all the time, glare during the day and halos and starbursts around all lights at night. Took a year off work and had to take a job that involves almost no reading or any type of work that involves concentration. Can’t socialize because my eyes hurt to much and a simple conversation is too much for me (can’t concentrate because of the pain) and my eyes are always bloodshot. Went to 4 opthamologists and none have been able to fix me. I had lasik 1.5yrs ago and lasikmd says that my eyes are fine and I should be happy. They don’t care about people just money.
June 24th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
So So Sad that I trusted LasikMD and Dr. Keon Nia with my eyes – my eyes and life are now ruined.
July 8th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
I think ill stick to getting nice glasses and trying contacts instead of getting lasik eye surgery,i have someone i work with wants to but now after reading all this im going to warn him..Thanks everyone..
From montreal
July 13th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
I had my lasik done by LasikMD in Edmonton. Like some others have said already my experience has also sucked! My surgeon was also Keon Nia – he did not do a pre-op or post-op exam – is this right? does he reallys, care about his patients? I don’t think so. I’ve had constant pain ever since and can no longer drive at night – its way to dangerous with all the halos and startbursts. Their so called manager Jesse Smith is only concerned with money and treats you like an idiot for getting the surgery and not liking the results. He does not care about patients, just making money and dealing with people who they have completely screwed up does not make them any money.
August 6th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
thelasikreport.com/
It’s a shame so many people have to suffer for other peoples greed. There are much safer alternatives to lasik but lasik people won’t tell you about them because they want cash – lasik is cash first peoples health is not considered.
September 8th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I also have had the lasik procedure by Lasik MD and I have 15/20 vision in both my eyes! I have very bad stigmatism in my right eye and had to receive a ‘touch-up’ surgery which was very straight forward and was covered under the initial costs of my surgery. Eyes, like the rest of your body, will continue to age and become less elastic over time so for people to think they may never ever require glasses again isn’t logical.
So quit your complaining, if you didn’t get a pre-op how do you know what they were doing to your eyes and why the hell did you let them? Take some responsibility for your own lack of action!
September 9th, 2010 at 3:11 am
I had my free consultation with Lasik MD and it was NOT A GOOD EXPERIENCE! I emailed penciltrick my story, but I’m going to post it here as well:
I went to Lasik MD here in Winnipeg for my free consultation last week.
BAD, BAD EXPERIENCE.
The girl that did my first set of exams seemed like someone that had been pulled off the street; she was nice, but not very professional and seemed like she wanted to just get me in and out of there asap. After that first set of exams had been completed, she told me to have a seat in the waiting area so she could “finish filling out my chart.” I had no idea what that meant, but whatever. So I sat down. Texted a friend at 3:28. Then waited. And waited. And waited.
Finally, someone came and called me in for another set of exams. I asked her what time she thought I would be done by, as I only had a 2 hour time limit on my parking. She told me that I should go and plug the meter again, I would still be another 30-45 minutes. I check the time.
4:12!!!! They made me wait over 40 minutes before I was called in. Had someone let me know that I’d be waiting that long, I would have plugged my meter while I was waiting. This office is on the 20th floor of this building! Not impressed.
I got back and asked if there was always this long of a wait in between exams. She says no. ” Today, one of the girls had to go home early because her mother was sick.” Fair enough. But there was no apology. I was very irritated.
Then I went to see one last girl to talk about pricing. She gave me her schpeel. Then asked if I wanted to book my appointment. I said that I had to think about it, as I was not impressed by the service I had received. She apologized for the situation, and told me that if I do decide to go ahead with the surgery, the price she had quoted me was guaranteed for 6 weeks. That did not sound right to me and I grilled her with questions. She proceeded to explain to me that prices always change due to advances in technology, equipment, etc. Prices just went up last week, she says, and also last March. I told her that it did not make sense to me. She excused herself and returned with another woman.
“Hi Vanessa, I understand that you have concerns about the cost?”
I told her that I didn’t understand why the price would go up after 6 weeks. Before I could finish what I was saying, she interrupted me and said “No, that is not what she said.”
NOW i’m angry. You weren’t even there, do not tell me what was and was not said.
Basically, she told me that what the girl was trying to say was that the price I was given was MY price. That is what is written in my chart, so it is my price. I can call and book in December if I wanted to, and it would still be the same price. Ok, my bad. I apparently need laser ear surgery, too? Whatever.
Then I say that I was told prices change because of technology and equipment. Apparently, I got that wrong, too. Cost is based on prescription, she says, not technology and equipment. Gee, I wonder where I got that from?
Then she goes on to to tell me that she had heard about my long wait. She apologized, but said that I, as a hygienist, should know how it is: some patients just have a milllllion questions and you don’t want to rush them out. And that was exactly what had happened today: the 2 patients before me just had a ton of questions. Yes, I say, I know it happens, but I also almost always let my patients know when I am running behind to let them know that I haven’t forgotten about them, WITH an apology.
“Oh! Nobody came to you? Well, I will have to talk to the girl up front for you.”
Sure you will.
These people clearly have no idea what they are doing or what they are talking about. They can’t even keep their stories straight about what goes on in that office or what to tell people when they’re pissed. The truth is usually the best way to go. But not to them, apparently.
They will NEVER receive my business.
October 4th, 2010 at 2:32 am
I got mine done in New Westminster by London Eye Center. They have a guarantee that they will re-do my eyes if they ever regress (up until I become near-sighted in old age).
So many people hear 10 or so stories about failed eye surgery (halos and etc) but if you actually check the statistics, most are successful. I had dry eyes for the first year and that is it. My dad got the surgery over 22 years ago (same place) and has had no problems.
The only regret I have is that my dad and I both thought you had to be 20 years old to get it done. I could have got it done two years earlier!
October 7th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
starting to get worried. went for my consultation today. Very professional and not pushy. I have a very high prescription -6.75 in both eyes so was told that chance of regression is 25%. Must say, I was surprised to learn that it is opticians doing the exam – not optometrists. Money is one thing, but pain and worse night vision is another…hmmmm any suggestions on how to do further research?
October 13th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Janie in Winnipeg – don’t give up your dream. One clean medical is all it takes to get in the door. Alternatively, could consider the Canadian Forces Military Police. I’m military – its a great start. Get trained in the CF and then transfer to WPS when you are ready. Just another door open to you. Cheers.
Ottawa
November 10th, 2010 at 2:23 am
I was strongly considering having Lasik surgery done at LasikMD in Winnipeg and after reading the above comments, I will stick with my glasses.
November 25th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Triathlete in Ottawa – thanks! I really appreciate that! Definitely not giving up on my dream, never will!
January 28th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
I had Lasik in Moncton. I was looking here to see other peoples BAD experienced and am not completely surprised, yet mine was not too bad. I have been independantly assessed as 20/20 which was a mild surprse as I have some minor fine focus issues, but see fine. I didn’t have any night vision issues Other than the Stars. They are finally, after a year showing up in my sky.
February 15th, 2011 at 11:02 am
I had Lasik in Calgary. that was the worst decision i ever made. the lasik wasnt cheap back to 2007, i paid $3500 for that. wasted my money and ruined my eyes. Dr. Richard was the guy who did my eyes. im so disappointed…..
March 14th, 2011 at 11:31 am
Hi All,
My name is Brennan Leffler, I am a producer with a TV news magazine program in Canada. We are looking into the safety and effectiveness of Lasik.
Right now, we are interested in people’s experiences with this procedure, so if you think there’s something everyone shoiuld know about it, please email me at [email protected].
Thanks.
March 20th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
I had commented earlier about my bad experience with Lasik MD. I ended up having my laser eye surgery done at Image Plus in Winnipeg. I could not have had a better experience. One of the best parts about it was the fact that they do two, not just one, consult before surgery. The second consult is actually done with the eye surgeon himself. On top of that, they had me come in 20 mins early for my surgery so they can triple check my prescription before heading into the OR.
It was a great experience. I highly recommend Image Plus.
April 2nd, 2011 at 9:08 pm
After waiting for more than an hour and half to see the doctor so I can do my last follow up and get my prescription for reading glasses on April 1, 2011, only to find out from the doctor who insisted that I had to paid for this eye examination to have my check up. Even though the technician who checked my eyes an hour and half ago, told me that next year I need to pay for this service. I guess my time does not worth a cent!!!
May 4th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
Janie,
could you tell us what Dr. you had at lasik?
June 7th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
I didn’t have a bad experiance with Lasik MD as my eyesight is now 20/15. I use standard store bought reading glasses (1.25) for up close work but don’t need them for the PC. However…
Lets tlak ‘lifetime’ insurance shall we. At no time was I aware that the extra $250 per eye insurance fee that I paid would only cover 5 years of ‘mandatory’ eye check ups to maintain this ‘lifetime’ coverage in case I need a ‘touch up’ proceedure. Guess what? I am now into the sixth year after I had the treatment and NOW they want $90 per check up EVERY year thereafter! Think about this for a moment? Within a 10 year period I will have given them $900 bucks (no garantee the rate won’t go up in the future) to maintain this promise of any needed ‘touch up’s’. At NO TIME do they tell you this fact – that you get ‘free’ check ups for only five years. They go on and on about the ‘lifetime’ part of the fees but don’t bother to tell anyone your going to be paying $90 bucks PLUS HST EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER.
The results are so far so good for me after 6 years – but please be aware of the eye check up after 5 years insurance scam. Had I known this I would have just put the near $100 bucks in a savings account and risked it.
July 19th, 2011 at 11:36 am
So far, my experience with LasikMD is fine (one year).
Contrary to DOUG, for me, they told me about the 5 years cover. Then, they CLEARLY mentioned that after that, it is MY responsibility to make appointment once a year which I will have to pay (similar to regular check up) and if I don’t… well the lifetime guarantee will be null. I think that 5 years fallow-up it pretty good. When I was wearing glasses, I had to pay for my glasses and for my check-up.
I do think that I didn’t take the same plan as Doug though… (mine cost 3500$ and I didn’t have to pay extra for lifetime) But they mentionned to me that other plan I will have to pay extra fees for the additonnal covering and then have to pay after 5 years…
Be cautions when you read comments here because habitually, satisfied customer don’t make comment so it can be Biais for unhappy people which represent less then 5% and that doesn’t mean 5% of failure just 5% of people that are unhappy for sometime good sometime bad reason
From Montreal
August 14th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
The simple fact of the matter is that LasikMD and other Lasik docs are harming people through this procedure. Lasik has left me with pain at all waking moments and had deeply effected all aspects of my life negatively. Is it ok for a doc to perform this procedure when he knows a significant number of his patients will have similar outcomes to mine – 1-5% possibly more?
Everybody has some type of side effect from lasik no matter how small – some complain of dry eyes and night vision problems but say that they would get the procedure again. Lasik is not close to be being perfect and not nearly as safe as contacts or glasses.
November 6th, 2011 at 11:36 am
If you’re thinking about it and have not done it yet DON’T! I paid over 4000$ and 8 months later I still cannot see clearly, am BARELY legally able to drive and on Friday the surgeon told me I need glasses again! All this after 4000$, 4 surgeries and 8 months – they cannot fix my eyes! Don’t do it – your vision may wind up worse than before and you’ll be out money.
November 8th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
I had this done in August 2008 for the first 2 weeks it was the best thing I spent my money on then it started. Started having trouble seeing clear and could not see clear at night I went back and they told me that I regressed they then re did my right eye and told me that I now had momo vision close in 1 eye far in the other this has been the toughest 3 years of my life. prior to the procedure I was a
-6.75 and now I need to wear glasses which are a 2.75 even with the glasses I have problems driving at night. Im sure it is a money scheme they love to screw with peoples vision.
January 27th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
I just went for a consultation to Laskim MD in Toronto (the vaughan Mills location) and my experience was pretty bad. First of, they are dishonest about their prices. At the time that I was booking the consultation, their advertisements stated that prices range from $490 per eye to $1190 an eye. I was however quoted over $4000 for the procedure! I was quite upset that they would advertise a false ceiling price when in fact the procedure could cost much more.
The girl who spoke to me about prices told me that at least I got to have this free consultation whereas everyone else in Toronto charge $200 for the consutlation. Well, that too was a lie as I did some reserch today and all the other clinics in Toronto similarly offer free consultations.
Further, I found that at the clinic everyone were very young, unprofessional and inexperienced. I spend two hours having all sorts of eye tests performed by a very young and clearly inexperienced girl who at the end told me that she is not certain whether I am a candidate and requested that I return in a week for a second consultation with someone else.
Lastly, I found their staff to be somewhat rude and unfriendly. Overall I really did not have a positive experience at the centre. I will most certaintly not be booking my procedure with them.
January 31st, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Guy Says:
At 46 years old I started to lose clarity with distants, so I went to Lasik MD in London ont. they recommended that I only do the right eye, so in 2008 I had the right eye done. This certainly made a difference and so for 3 years all was well. Made my yearly visits. Last year it was suggested that I have an enhancment and they showed how much better I would see. I let them do the enhancement, no charge to me included in the extented warranty program. A week later I complain about seeing double, I was asked to come 3 times in one week, even asked their specilist from Toronto to see me. Finally they told me this happens to 1 in every 1000 patients. As off today Jan 31st, 2012 I have new prescription glasses because of the condition of my eyes. This is and was the biggest mistake I have made about my health. I understand that I agreed and I am not crying over spilled milk. But buyer beware, they sing a great song but failed to produce the results.. The anxiety that this situation causes is real and changes you and the life you live. Be very careful with your eyes