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| - I just had my LASIK procedure completed at BDPEC on 19 Jul 2013. So far, so good. My vision is still a bit hazy but I checked out at 20/20 during my post-op the following day. AMAZING!
I got off to a shaky start with this clinic. The person who performed the consultation exams was extremely friendly and professional. She did seem to want to push me toward the ICL but when the doctor (Dr. Schiff) came in to review my results, he said there was absolutely no need for that and said I was an excellent LASIK candidate. (I did not feel that he tried to steer me into a procedure that I did not need.) His 'bedside manner' was perfectly acceptable and I felt he was thorough. He reviewed my results with me, explained the procedure, and then popped in a demonstrative video for me for me to watch.
After meeting with him, I was directed to a person I refer to as 'The Closer.' He explained my surgical cost, what the day of the procedure would be like, and then asked if we could get the surgery scheduled. The cost was higher than what I was expecting and when I questioned the cost, I felt that he became a fast talker - 'their technology is the best, they have been around the longest, other vision correction centers are basically hacks, etc.' He also seemed to insinuate that my reservations about the cost somehow diminished what should be my ultimate concern - my vision. I found that a bit insulting. This felt like a sales tactic to me and made it feel a bit like a purchasing a car versus a medical procedure. I couldn't help but wonder what his commission was on this 'sale.' My recommendation to BDPEC would be to review this portion of the consultation.
Where I was most disappointed in BDPEC was that I left this appointment with no pre-arranged ride home. I was told I wouldn't need one despite the fact my eyes would be dilated during the appointment. I do assume personal responsibility for this but I had NO business driving myself home this day. My vision was horrendous - I slowly worked my way from Phoenix to Chandler using as many side streets as possible. I admit that I should have pulled over and waited it out but, as it turns out, it would have made little difference. My vision was still blurred 24 hours later! When I called to ask if this was normal, they said it was and that it could take up to 48 hours for normal vision to return. If that is the case, why would they not tell you to arrange transportation on your consultation day? I considered that a strike against their care for their patients.
After talking with several friends who have had the LASIK procedure, weighing their experiences, what they paid, etc., I chose to go ahead with the surgery at BDPEC. I was told I would be called with my surgery time for the following Friday. By Tuesday afternoon the week of surgery, I had not received a call and had to call them to find out when I was scheduled. Perhaps I was being impatient but I did have the schedule of my husband (who was driving me there and taking me home) to consider and wanted him to be able to arrange his day with as much notice as possible. So, that was another little strike as far as I was concerned.
The day of the surgery, everyone was quite nice except for maybe one person who administered the Valium - she just wasn't very friendly. No biggie. The surgeon sat down with me for a moment to review any questions I had. Despite a full waiting room, I did not feel that he was rushed and did feel that he was engaged in our pre-op meeting. The staff were thorough about plastering my name all over me - I assume to avoid mixing up prescriptions and patients. I appreciated that! They told me to expect to be there for about 90 minutes and I was. During the surgery, Dr. Fintelmann and another gentleman assisting him were both very calming. I was quite nervous and they really did what they could to keep me focused and relaxed. I am so grateful for that! The procedure took minutes and when I sat up, though very blurry, I could see! Dr. Schiff took a quick look before I could go home and he was kind and excited for me.
At my post-op the following morning, everyone again was friendly and welcoming. Though I am sure they experience this multiple times each week, they seemed genuinely excited for me as they congratulated me on my 'new eyes.' On a personal note, it is a very moving moment to hear someone tell you that you have perfect vision after a lifetime of being dependent on vision correction.
I would recommend BDPEC based on my overall experience.
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