Laser Eye Surgery Now More Affordable Through Health Funds
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Laser eye surgery in Israel is now more affordable for individuals with supplementary health insurance, with subsidies often exceeding 50% of the total cost. Assuta Optic has partnered with major HMOs to offer reduced prices on procedures like Trans PRK and Z-Lasik, with costs varying by health fund and insurance plan. An additional fee is required for treatments by elite surgeons, and initial suitability tests are free, as about 30% of potential patients are not medically eligible.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Laser eye surgery costs in Israel are significantly reduced for those with supplementary health insurance.
- Subsidies from HMOs can cover over 50% of the procedure's total cost.
- Different HMOs offer varying levels of discounts and specific treatment options.
- An extra fee applies if opting for treatment by one of Israel's elite eye surgeons.
- About 30% of eyeglass wearers are medically unsuitable for laser eye surgery.
- Initial suitability tests for laser eye surgery are provided free of charge.
Laser eye surgery, once a costly procedure, is becoming more accessible in Israel due to improved financing arrangements between Assuta Optic and major health maintenance organizations (HMOs). These agreements offer significant subsidies, sometimes exceeding 50% of the treatment cost, for individuals with supplementary insurance, with initial suitability tests provided free of charge.
The cost difference between the full price and the subsidized price can amount to thousands of shekels. Two primary surgical methods are discussed: Trans PRK, a surface treatment where the laser reshapes the cornea directly without creating a flap, and Z-Lasik, a variation of LASIK that uses a laser to create a thin flap in the cornea. Wavefront technology, which maps individual eye aberrations to guide the laser for enhanced precision, particularly in low light, is also highlighted.
For the combined Trans PRK + Wavefront treatment, the full price is NIS 9,300, with subsidized prices ranging from NIS 4,450 to NIS 7,236 depending on the HMO and insurance tier. Maccabi members with "Maccabi Sheli" insurance pay the lowest rate among options without a referral form. Clalit members with "Platinum" insurance have a unique option for basic Trans PRK at NIS 2,978, less than half the full price. Meuhedet and Leumit members with premium plans, "Meuhedet Si" and "Leumit Zahav" respectively, benefit from the lowest prices for combined treatments.
An additional fee applies for treatments performed by elite surgeons. For Clalit, Maccabi, and Meuhedet members, this surcharge is NIS 1,000 for specific professors like Irit Bachar, Yoav Nachum, or Eitan Livny. For Leumit members, the surcharge is NIS 1,180 for Professors Bachar or Livny.
Assuta Optic emphasizes its use of the "No Touch System" technology, which avoids physical contact with the eye, reducing patient anxiety and allowing for a quicker return to routine. The company also notes that approximately 30% of eyeglass wearers are not medically suitable for laser eye surgery, hence the provision of a comprehensive, free suitability test conducted by a qualified optometrist and an ophthalmologist.