Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Laser Vision Correction (ASA Surgery) cost at Moskowitz Eye Care?
We offer two types of Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) at Moskowitz Eye Care:
One is a regular ablation that corrects you exactly like your glasses and contact lenses do (to the nearest .25 of a diopter (D)) and will only correct for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. That type costs $4,600 for the two eyes.
The other type is a more precise, Wavefront-guided custom correction which corrects you prescription to the nearest .01D and also corrects for multiple higher orders of aberration (causes of blurry vision). Think of it like you would a custom suit compared to one bought off the rack. The cost of this correction is $5,600 for the two eyes.
Laser Vision Correction is almost never covered by insurance, regardless of which surgeon or procedure you choose. You can, however, use HSA/FSA dollars to help fund your procedure.
Read more our pricing and how you can also use CareCredit to help finance the procedure over time if you would like.
How do I choose between all the different surgeons in New York City?
I get it… there are hundreds of ophthalmologists in Manhattan alone. And most LASIK centers have big marketing budgets, putting their surgeons front and center on the internet and on subway ads.
At the end of the day, you have to choose the one with whom you'll be most comfortable and in whom you have the most confidence.
No one likes a pushy surgeon. Good judgment is essential. Availability is also a must. Does this surgeon give you his cell phone and is available day and night? Does he or she delegate your care with others in the office, sometimes to non-MD's who may lack the experience that an MD has?
Explore the “Considering Correction” section of my blog to review some of the key considerations you should account for when making a decision.
What services at your practice are covered by insurance, and which are not?
Most in-office eye exams are covered by your medical insurance. Most medical insurances do not cover refractions (eyeglass prescriptions) or contact lens fittings. Very few insurances cover Laser Vision Correction. This is considered an elective and not an essential service. Laser Vision Correction consultations are complimentary in the office. Please be aware that copays are often required at the time of your visit and that you may have a deductible that has to be met before your insurance starts to pay.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for ASA Surgery?
If you have a stable prescription and testing shows that your cornea has enough healthy tissue and also is regular in steepness and shape. There are some contraindications like systemic collagen issues, uncontrolled diabetes, very dry eyes, a planned pregnancy in the next six months, pathology in the eye like a cataract that would make you a poor candidate. These are the major ones, but Dr. Moskowitz can discuss others during your consultation.
To read more about health qualifications for ASA, check out this blog post.
Do you also perform PRK, LASIK, or SMILE surgery? How do these procedures compare to one another?
No, I solely perform ASA (Advanced Surface Ablation), which is like a modern version of PRK. I stopped performing about 10 years ago and view ASA is a better option than PRK.
ASA shares a lot in common with PRK, but there are meaningful distinctions. But it uses newer technology and methods than PRK and results in less haze, scarring, post-op pain and a quicker recovery. To learn more about these distinctions, click here.
If you’re wondering why I stopped performing LASIK and recommend against it for most patients, check the “LASIK SAFETY & RISKS” section of my blog.
Is ASA the same as LASEK? What about SMILE?
ASA is similar to LASEK in that they're both done on the surface of the eye and not at a deeper level like LASIK. LASEK by definition involves replacement of the surface of the eye at the time of the procedure, but this is seldom done any longer. ASA is very different from SMILE which is a relatively new procedure in which lenticule of corneal tissue is removed from the cornea. This requires an incision, unlike the non-cutting ASA. Removing this lenticule changes the shape of the cornea correcting the myopia.
What Laser is used in your ASA procedures?
We use a Star S4 IR Excimer Laser by Johnson & Johnson.
Unlike many LASIK Mills, we don’t upsell you or assign your care to a tiered marketing package. We use one of the most trusted lasers in the field and we always prioritize safety, accuracy, and long-term quality.
We offer both conventional and custom (wavefront-guided) treatment options with the Star S4 IR.
We’re transparent about those options – including how they affect your outcome and your cost. You can see our full pricing breakdown here.
Where are you located?
My office is located in Manhattan on the Upper East Side – between Park and Lexington on East 72nd.
114 E 72nd St.
New York, NY 10021
Is that where you perform your surgeries?
I perform surgeries at the world-famous New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai. Their equipment is state-of-the-art and their facilities are top-notch.
I’m interested in Laser Vision Correction. What’s my next step?
Simple – contact me for a free consultation!