Elective Vision Network Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to the Elective Vision Network Vision Correction Program. Below are answers to common questions from health and vision plan members exploring their options for refractive surgery.
Getting Started
Elective Vision Network (EVN) is a credentialed network of refractive surgeons. We make it easy for health and vision plan members to see better and save by comparing today’s vision correction options, accessing member pricing, and getting connected with trusted local surgeons.
Call 1-855-215-2020. A representative can answer questions, confirm participating locations near you, and help schedule a free consultation.
Yes. Use the Find a Provider tool and select a participating provider. If that location offers online scheduling, you’ll be able to book directly through their site.
Understanding the Procedures
Options vary by location and provider, but may include lens-based procedures like RLE and EVO ICL™, and laser vision correction options like SMILE®, LASIK, and PRK depending on provider capabilities.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is an outpatient procedure that uses the same core surgical approach as modern cataract surgery. In RLE, the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL) to improve vision.
RLE is often considered for adults with presbyopia, farsightedness, or higher refractive errors. Recovery is typically quick with minimal discomfort for most patients.
EVO ICL™ (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a reversible, additive procedure where a biocompatible lens is placed behind the iris to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK or PRK, EVO ICL™ does not remove corneal tissue and can be a strong option for patients who may not be ideal candidates for laser procedures.
SMILE® (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure that treats nearsightedness and, in many cases, astigmatism. Instead of creating a corneal flap like LASIK, the surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a tiny lens-shaped piece of tissue inside the cornea and removes it through a small incision, reshaping the cornea to improve vision. Many patients return to normal activities quickly, and SMILE® may be a good option for people who want a flap-free procedure.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a proven laser vision correction procedure that treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not create a corneal flap. Instead, the surgeon gently removes the thin outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) and then uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea to improve how light focuses in the eye. The surface layer grows back over several days, so recovery is usually a bit longer than LASIK, but PRK is often a great option for patients with thin corneas or certain corneal surface concerns.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a widely performed laser vision correction procedure that treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During LASIK, the surgeon creates a thin flap on the cornea, uses an excimer laser to reshape the underlying tissue to improve how light focuses on the retina, and then repositions the flap to heal naturally. Most patients notice clearer vision quickly and return to normal activities within a day or two.
A Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is a premium intraocular lens used in refractive lens exchange (RLE). After the lens is implanted, your doctor can fine-tune your vision with a series of quick, in-office light treatments. This adjustability helps personalize your final prescription based on how your eyes heal and what you prefer, often improving distance and/or near vision. Your surgeon will explain how many adjustments you may need and what to expect during the adjustment period.
Costs, Discounts & Payment Options
Costs vary by procedure and provider. Members may be eligible for 10%–25% discounted pricing, representing $700–$1,600* in savings through participating providers. Your free consultation is the best time to ge
Vision correction can be an eligible expense under most HSA/FSA plans. Check your plan rules for details.
Many participating providers offer financing, including 0% promotional plans or longer-term payment options. Availability and terms vary by provider.
Candidacy and Safety
Candidacy depends on age, prescription stability, corneal thickness, eye health, and lifestyle goals. A consultation is the best way to confirm eligibility.
Vision correction procedures like LASIK, SMILE®, PRK, EVO ICL™, and RLE are widely performed and have strong safety records when you’re properly screened and treated by an experienced surgeon. Like any medical procedure, there are risks, and the best option depends on your eye health, prescription, and lifestyle goals. Your surgeon will review your candidacy, explain benefits and risks, and recommend the safest approach for you.
Vision can change over time. Depending on the procedure and your eyes, enhancement or adjustment options may be available. Provider policies vary.
Often, yes. Astigmatism can be corrected with several options depending on your prescription and eye measurements. Many patients can be treated with LASIK or SMILE® (when appropriate), and lens-based options may include toric IOLs with RLE or a toric EVO ICL™ for qualified candidates. Your surgeon will confirm what you’re eligible for and recommend the best approach based on your goals.
Some providers offer lifetime assurance/retreatment programs that may cover certain future retreatments when medically appropriate. Availability and terms vary by provider.
Scheduling and Support
Usually, yes. Contacts can temporarily change your measurements. Many providers require stopping contacts before your consultation and procedure. Your provider will give the exact timeline.
The procedure itself is typically brief, but the full visit can take longer. You’ll need someone to drive you home, and a follow-up appointment is commonly scheduled the next day.
Vision can naturally change over time. If needed, retreatment options may be available depending on the procedure and your provider’s policy. Lifetime Assurance Plans can offer added protection for future adjustments.
Elective Vision Network Doctors & Member Benefits
Elective Vision Network connects members to independent refractive surgeons not a network owned and operated by the largest national LASIK chain. That independence matters because it supports a true, patient-specific recommendation instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. EVN includes both laser and lens-based options, including LASIK, SMILE® and PRK, as well as EVO ICL™ and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). At your consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your eyes and recommend the best option based on your age, prescription, eye health, and lifestyle goals, then walk you through expected outcomes, pricing, and next steps.
Elective Vision Network works only with NCQA credentialed refractive surgeons who meet rigorous national quality standards. All providers are independently verified by a third-party credentialing organization, Gemini, and have demonstrated experience in performing thousands of procedures. Patients are offered a curated list of approved surgeons in their area.
Still have questions?
Call 1-855-215-2020 or email providers@electivevision.com and we’ll help you understand options and next steps.