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Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley
Categories: Health and Medical Doctors Ophthalmologists Health and Medical Laser Eye Surgery/Lasik Ophthalmologists, Laser Eye Surgery/Lasik [Edit]
606 Saratoga AveSan Jose, CA 95129
(408) 984-1010
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 8 am - 5 pm
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
Alex B. said: "I would give 10 stars if I could. Dr. Bindi was absolutely wonderful from the very first appointment to the last. I went in for a FREE consultation on a Monday. I met with 3 different people to first check to see if I was a…" read more »
30 reviews for Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley
30 reviews in English
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Review from Alex B.
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I would give 10 stars if I could. Dr. Bindi was absolutely wonderful from the very first appointment to the last. I went in for a FREE consultation on a Monday. I met with 3 different people to first check to see if I was a candidate for LASIK, and then discuss costs. All of the staff members I encountered were friendly and helpful. Dr. Bindi answered all of my questions and addressed all of my concerns during my initial consultation. By the time I met with the accounts person to discuss my payment options, I was ready to sign up. Dr. Bindi offers so many different options for LASIK surgery (with different prices) because he offers so many different technologies. He uses the newest wavefront LASIK technology as well as the older technologies (if you prefer).
The initial consultation (on Monday) was about 1.5 hours. The actual surgery appointment (on Friday) was about 2 hours. The day-after appointment (on Saturday) was about 30 mins. The month-after appointment (on Saturday) was about 15 mins.
I was in absolutely NO PAIN during or after the procedure. I was awake the entire time. Dr. Bindi talked with me throughout the entire procedure. I was in the surgery room for about 15 minutes. The LASIK machine was applied to each eye for only about 1 minute. My vision was slightly blurry after the procedure, so I went home and took a nap. After waking up about 4 hours later, I was able to watch TV (across the room) with no problems. By the next morning, I could see perfectly clear.
If you're not sure if LASIK is a good option for you, I recommend that you at least call Dr. Bindi and schedule a FREE consultation. There really is no charge... they just want to see if you're a LASIK candidate. Even if you weren't a candidate 5 years ago, you might be a candidate now (since the technology has improved).
Honestly, it was worth every penny. I spent about 5 years wondering if I should go through with it. Now that I have, I am soooooooooo happy. No glasses, no contacts, no contact solution, no wondering "Where did I put my glasses?", no changing from glasses to contacts whenever I work out or swim. SO AWESOME!! -
Review from William S.
Sunnyvale, CA
6/9/2011
I got my LASIK procedure done in April of 2007. After 4 years, my vision is still excellent. There has been no change in my left eye, and just a minor change in my right eye (I'm not getting any younger ya know).
I always tell everyone that getting LASIK is the best money that I have ever spent. It is just amazing to be free from having to put on glasses to go anywhere or do anything. And I had some thick coke-bottle glasses too!
Dr. Bindi is very professional and does everything he can to make you relaxed and comfortable with the procedure. He provides all of the information you need to make an informed decision, and once you do, he guides you through each step of the procedure as it is being done.
I highly recommend LASIK to those stuck with glasses or contacts, and especially the Laser Eye Center for their high level of professionalism and dedication to what they do best. -
Review from Judy P.
6/17/2011
"Great facilities, wonderful doctor, excellent results and really good marketing."
After years of waiting, researching, and asking others who had gotten LASIK, it was my co-worker's referral of Dr. Bindi at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley that finally got me on the path to LASIK...and I'm soooooo glad I did it! Two weeks after my surgery, I'm living life with the sheer freedom of glasses and contacts.
I highly recommend Dr. Bindi as he is very attentive, an expert in his field, and his demeanor is friendly and calm. Under Dr. Bindi's care I did not feel pressured to do anything at all...I felt very well informed and armed with the options I needed to make my own decision. During my surgery, Dr. Bindi was again, very calm and friendly and took my through the procedure with no hiccups whatsoever. Any sign of nervousness or anxiety I had, Dr. Bindi was there to explain and let me know what to expect. Truly a professional! The procedure itself literally took 15 minutes. I'm so happy I decided to go with Dr. Bindi.
I also liked my patient counselor, she took care of my appointments and paper work and was fun to chat with. The only thing I found weird was that I never got a call a couple days before my surgery to prep me for the day of surgery (which I was supposed to get from a patient educator). Perhaps it was pretty straight forward, but since it was eye surgery, I was a little nervous and would have appreciated a prep call.
My recovery time was 1.5 days (I took the weekend to relax). This place is on the higher end, but definitely worth it.
What I also really liked was that a lot of thought was put into the entire experience of it all: immaculate and modern facilities, the reading materials (both promo and research based), the informational/testimonial video, the use of an ipad to show procedural visuals, followup surveys and raffles. They got their approach down to a science while keeping it all professional and making sure that care was priority one.
Would I Recommend It? Yes!!! -
Review from Cynthia P.
Alameda, CA
3/5/2011 4 Check-ins Here
It's been two months, and so far, getting PRK done has been one of the best decision I've made! It's hard to describe the convenience of having good eyesight out-of-the-box.
I dig this place because appointments are served on time (so far, I've had a handful), everyone is really courteous, and they are serious about collecting feedback to make sure that you are satisfied. Dr. Bindi and his staff have been wonderful at setting expectations (the first week of PRK recovery is miserable fo' sho', but there were no surprises of any kind).
Like most people, I shopped around before I decided whether to get the procedure done at all. I went to three places -- they were all comparable in price and services offered, and I'm sure that I would have been happy with the results regardless of where I went. I ended up doing the procedure here for several reasons:
-- Dr. Bindi's bedside manner. He was the most upfront about the risks and side effects, and was the most through with managing my expectations. He highly recommended PRK (the most "conservative" diagnosis of the bunch I visited), which I really appreciated as a risk-averse person.
-- the helpful nature of the patient counselor (she answered all of my questions promptly over e-mail and I never felt like she was trying to "sell" me the procedure)
-- the amount of information that was available on their website regarding concerns about laser eye surgery.
-- they knocked out all of the necessary exams and gave me the needed prescriptions during the initial consultation . Though I wish the reception staff let me know ahead of time that I was going to get my pupils dilated (I would have arranged for someone to drive me home!), in the end, it saved me the trip for another exam between the consultation and the surgery.
And the facetious reasons:
-- the facility is close to my house
-- Carlos Santana and Linus Torvalds are on their list of patients! -
Review from Leanne P.
6/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
We went here recently because I was hoping that my hubby could get Lasik. My brother got his Lasik here back in 2005ish(?) and I got my Lasik done here in 2008.
I just really like the Laser Eye Center because they make the procedure as simple as possible. They explain to you the steps you'll need to take to get the test done, to get the procedure done, and to get the financing completed. They make the experience painless and you just feel comfortable getting everything done here!
And of course, my favorite thing: Both Drs Bindi and Kawesch are UC Davis grads :) Aggies all the way! -
Review from Dana P.
3/11/2011
I would describe this location as the: Happiest Place On Earth.
Here are the reasons:
1) When walking in, the place is outstandingly gorgeous and clean.
2) The staffs are kind and they are always smiling!
3) The staffs make the procedure easy and fast.
4) The staffs treats you as if you're a family.
5) The atmosphere of the location makes you feels calm (even though you're getting your eyes cut open! Ha, just kidding.)
6) I was fully satisfied from the begging to the end. Beginning from the phone call that I had made to set up the appointment with a woman named Linda and to the last time of my visit to see how my eyes were doing.
7) Love the doctor. He's the nicest doctor I have ever met. -
Review from Jonathan T.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
While all the staff at the office were friendly and knowledgable, Dr. Bindi was the star of the show. I was wary about having to drive down to San Jose a few times (I live and work in SF - so it's kind of inconvenient). But after meeting Dr. Bindi - I knew that's where I wanted to have my LASIK.
They are honest about having 'middle of the road' pricing. Not the cheapest, and not the most expensive. I'd say they are a fantastic value for the level of service I got.
Now, the important part. My vision. In less than 36 hours, I was already seeing 20/15. Better than I was with my glasses or contacts that I had worn for 17 years.
Best decision I've ever made for myself. Highly recommend them and Dr. Bindi! -
Review from Jesse S.
San Jose, CA
1/15/2011
I had the wavefront LASIK done here a week ago. Very happy with the procedure and the results. Dr. Bindi did the operation and it was uncomfortable but there was no pain during or after.
My vision is really good now.
I have dry eyes and trouble seeing at night due to the halo and star-burst effect, but hopefully this will go away in a few months.
I highly recommend Dr. Bindi -
Review from Amy Y.
Updated - 10/25/2010
I'd like to write an update as Dr Bindi discussed my experience and let me know that he has now taken over 100% of the surgery and patience care, including everyone that Kawesch has operated on in the past 18 years. Also, on the issue of pain, he helped me understand that some patients do experience pain but that's only because the eyes were not fully numb- he would test for complete numb-ness before he operates to make LASIK a pain free 5-star experience.
Dr Bindi's sincerity and openness to my very pointed questions and commented in my first post has restores my confidence in Laser Eye Center- this is really how it's suppose to be, it's a top notch facility and this should be where you get not notch care for a very scary procedure such as LASIK.
But for those are you still on the fence about LASIK, don't hesitate! I stand behind my words that t was a superb decision and its wonderful to lead a hassle free lifestyle in every way. I still remember the magical moment when I opened up my eyes the next day after operation and I could SEE with my naked eyes. It's a wonderful feeling don't wait!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/25/2010
First let me say Lasik was a superb decision and I lead a hassel-free lifestyle afterwards. However,… Read more »
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Review from Gary P.
Cupertino, CA
9/23/2011
I've been wearing glasses ever since 4th grade (-2.75 left, -2.50 right.). I can remember first being prescribed glasses and thinking how cool it was. Well now that I'm 26 and have had them for the majority of my life, I can say that they are a pain in my backside. I've driven by the eye center many times, since it's always en route to many of the places I go to. So, one day out of the blue I decided to go there and get a free evaluation. They were very professional and courteous. They said I was a good candidate and gave me all the info regarding policy and procedure. After thinking it through I decided to go with the wavefront PRK. I scheduled an appointment. The whole processes of coming in getting medicated and doing the surgery was fast and easy. The doctor, Dr. Bindi, was simply amazing. He guided me throughout the procedure, I was very nervous, he was very professional and knew exactly what he was doing. I sat back up after the procedure and could see clear without the need of my glasses, it was simply amazing. The next day I came in and they did a vision check, 20/15 in one eye and 20/20 in the other. Over all I'd say that's amazing. Its been a week and I'm super satisfied. I do get the occasional eye dryness, which is part of the healing/ side effect, but get a quick fix with the eye drops. Overall, I am very pleased with Laser eye Center, Dr. Bindi and the staff. They are amazing and for anyone who is considering a procedure, I highly recommend them, it was the best decision I have ever made.
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Review from Cindy W.
2/3/2010 ROTD 5/23/2010
It's been less than 24 hours and I can see 20/20!! I had traditional LASIK done yesterday and I have to say that it was one of the best decisions I've made.
For those of us like myself that have had glasses since our early adolescence, being able to see without glasses and contacts is the most wonderful freeing feeling.
The office is very clean and the staff is extremely organized. All of the files were up-to-date and orderly; appointments were kept; reminder and follow up calls were made; and they were extremely friendly to boot!
I currently don't have medical insurance through my employer. One of the ladies asked because I needed to get prescription antibiotic eye drops for after care. When she heard that I didn't have insurance, she told me that it would be pretty expensive and I was bummed. Instead, she offered to provide that for me at no additional cost!!
They go through all of the pre and post op information thoroughly by showing you informational videos and instructions to take home. Every last detail was planned and presented to you in an easy to understand manner.
There was a bit of a wait on the actual day of my surgery but it could've just been that my nervousness made it appear longer. They do offer Valium at no additional cost to calm your nerves. Sweet! Free drugs! JK :)
During my post op appt, they gave me two $100.00 gift certificates to give to friends and family that choose to have LASIK done. How awesome is that??
I could not have asked for anything more. I will be referring everyone to the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley & Dr. Craig Bindi. Feel free to message me with any questions!!
NOTES:
1. Don't forget to ask for the card for the DMV to show that you have had refractive surgery done!!
2. Here is the review for my actual doctor, Dr. Craig Bindi: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
3. They have monthly drawings for free LASIK but I'm guessing A LOT of people enter but best of luck! -
Review from Brian B.
San Mateo, CA
4/12/2010
I got a lasik surgery done at this place last July after doing a lot of research online and saw a lot of yelp 5 stars reviews.
Well... the quality of the surgery is so far so good...however, I am not pretty happy with the service that I got from them.
1) First, they push around my follow-up appointment which has been preset with me, without too much explanation for the inconvenience that caused to me.
2). In the follow-up check-up , the doctor (the owner) that checked for me is not in a polite manner, he ignore the questions that I asked. Not sure if he is bad mood that day or what... but it's a frustrating experience to be ignored anyway...Comment from Craig B. of Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley 10/17/2011
Brian, I am glad that you are happy with your vision results… More » -
Review from David K.
9/25/2006
The staff is very friendly and helpful. I have been there several times for the initial surgery, enhancements, post operation checkups, and routine checkups. My experience there has overall been a good one and I recommend it to anyone who wants to get laser eye surgery.
The main doctor there is Gary Kawesh, but his understudy Dr. Craig Bindi does a great job as well. After doing some research, I have concluded you can have the same quality work done as Dr. Kawesh for approximately 20% less if you go with Dr. Bindi.
Important Tip: After surgery you will be required to have two prescription eye drops (different depending on type of surgery). They may or may not provide these to you, so consult the office and find out so you can buy them ahead of time if needed.
Also buy a large pack of "preservative free" (* important!) lubricating eye drops. They are individual vials of eye drops that you use for one day and throw away (CHEAPEST AT TARGET, trust me). Buy in quantity of 48 or more. Keeping your eyes lubricated is VERY important to healthy eye recovery since your eyes will not be able to create tears efficiently during the recovery period.
Good luck! -
Review from Bo R.
Fremont, CA
11/22/2010 4 Check-ins Here
First off I would like to let everyone know that I won FREE LASIK surgery through a health fair that I attended. And that I think it is an amazing gift that the team at the Laser Eye Center gives away a LASIK surgery EVERY month!
NO Catches- My Standard LASIK procedure was completely FREE, both eyes! And I was treated exceptionally well! In fact, Dr. Bindi didn't even know that I had won the surgery.
With that said, the service before, during and after my surgery has been top notch all the way!
I have been wearing corrective lenses for almost 20 years and while my eyesight has never been horrible, wearing glasses and contacts and being a VERY active person is a pain and the feeling of waking up and not having to put on my glasses to see is AMAZING!
Dr. Bindi is very good at what he does and makes you feel completely comfortable during the entire experience, all 10 minutes of it. Getting a full narration of your surgery as its happening is a bit surreal but comforting all at the same time.
Post-op was quick and no complications at all. I'm only 4 days off of my surgery and everything is clear and comfortable.
I will update this review in a few months as my vision stabilizes. -
Review from Adam D.
3/22/2010 3 Check-ins Here
It's been 9 days since I had PRK done on my eyes at the Laser Eye Center, and I'm beginning to forget that my eyes were ever bad. It's really a weird feeling the first time you wake up and can see your alarm clock. In an awesome way.
I chose PRK over LASIK because I was scared the LASIK flap would come loose (even though it's rare) and the result of PRK is much closer to what a natural eye is like. Believe everything they say about the pain though, and give yourself the full 5 days to recover! I had the procedure done on a Friday afternoon, and was able to drive (with some discomfort) to the follow up appointment that Tuesday. Saturday through Monday were terrible, try to sleep through it all if you can. By Wednesday I was back in work (slightly uncomfortably) but by Friday my eyes felt normal again.
The weirdest experience was around day 5 when I went into work. I noticed the room was more clear when I left at the end of the day than when I got in. I can't tell you how cool that feels.
Dr. Bindi is a pro. Let him re-give you the gift of vision! -
Review from Raquel d.
San Mateo, CA
8/20/2008
I will start by saying that this is the best thing I've EVER spent my money on. Better than any vacation, better than any restaurant experience, better than anything. And I would do it again in a heartbeat.
I had my custom wavefront surgery in April 2005. My cousin had her surgery done 4 months before me so she did all the research for the both of us. It's been a while but I remember my experience to be very pleasant the whole process through.
It's funny to read all the reviews because it's true that Dr Kawesch isn't the most friendly or welcoming doctor. I almost wish that I had given Dr Bindi a chance but I think at that time I was just most concerned about correcting my vision and having "the best" (most experienced) doctor do it.
Two weeks before the procedure you are supposed to stop wearing your contacts so I remember feeling weird in my glasses but it made everything so much more real. Come surgery day I was so excited and understandably nervous. I remember the nurse looking at my chart, reading my prescription and saying, "Wow, you must be really excited for this surgery. Your eyes are bad!" They gave me a valium and started numbing my eyes, drop after drop after drop. Finally I get called in and they begin.
You can't see crap so they are guiding you to wherever you need to be. They prop your eye open with this instrument that looks like a big eyelash curler, tell you to keep your focus on the red light and do their thing. Just when you think you've had enough, the girl on the computer is counting down the seconds and you're done. They they repeat on the other eye.
I remember leaving the office wanting so bad to open my eyes but I followed instructions, kept them closed and slept for the next few hours. Just about dinnertime I got up and my cousin put the first set of drops in. I thought it would sting but it wasn't so bad. I found myself looking at the TV and getting excited because it was clear... hazy but clear enough. Yay, it worked!
The next day I got up and was able to see for the first time in I don't know how many years without glasses or contacts. Aaaahhhh! I was able to drive myself to the post op appointment and it was just amazing to be able to see clearly.
Anyway, the recovery time wasn't as bad as I thought. Most important is to keep putting the drops in for as long as they tell you to and to keep the lubricating drops on hand because you will need them for the dryness. For me, there was no pain and that's probably why I'd do it again.
One month after the surgery my vision was 20/15 and a month and half after I went on a cruise to the Caribbean and I was able to swim in the ocean!
If you're contemplating LASIK, do it. Even if you don't choose to go with Dr Kawesch, choose whatever doctor you feel most comfortable with and DO IT. It's seriously the best thing I've ever done. -
Review from Rosalind S.
San Francisco, CA
8/23/2010
This place is awesome! I went in a little nervous but came out a superstar! lol
The procedure was super quick, about 30 sec per eye for the whole thing. There was a little discomfort about 20 mins into the drive back up to SF but the drops they gave me took care of that right away. Later that night I was able to watch a dvd fine without any problems with perfect vision. It felt like a miracle to me, ahh science, how I love thee.
I just got my post op appt and I have 20/20 vision. Dr. Bindi said there's a chance it will get even better over the period of the next month. I'm just happy I'm seeing better than I did before!
If you have any doubts, don't, this place is awesome. And the staff is super nice too. They're all very informative and they will answer any questions you might have. Dr. Bindi is great and I would recommend him to all my vision challenged friends. :) -
Review from Rohan D.
8/23/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Great service. It's been a month since I've had the Lasik, like actual Lasik surgery.. It was a super quick surgery, less than an hour spent there, less than 30 minutes spend at the actual surgery. The pain was a little bad the first day but it was fine the rest. I had basically recovered the next day. If you're like me and you're in the Bay Area you might not need the drops, when I went to the desert though my eyes hurt like hell and I was so glad I had lubricating drops with me.
The only issue I had was a last minute pushing of my follow up appointment to a later time which makes my half day at work slightly longer now since I have to come in later, kind of annoying and I wish they had called sooner ahead, but I guess they couldn't help that. Thankfully Zipcar allows for me changing rentals quickly. -
Review from Quan T.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/25/2009
I had PRK in April 08 and was several months late for a check up with Dr Bindi. I went this February and my visual acuity is 20/20 in both eyes. They're actually closer to 20/15 but let's not brag here. The money spent is still the best investment so far! Sure my eyes feel grainy sometimes so Dr Bindi recommended using eye drops more frequently. I was using them once or twice a day and I'd recommend the thicker drops like Systane. My eyes are sensitive to bright light but that's expected.
It'll be 2 yrs before I need to come back although I wouldn't mind it if I need to come back sooner since Dr B is a great guy!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/15/2008
I was referred to Dr. Kawesch by 2 of my relatives who praised his work as they still see perfectly.… Read more »
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Review from Steve L.
6/3/2008
I had Lasik done for both eyes back in 2004 by Dr. Kawesh. The initial check up was very thorough, as was the consultation with the options presented. Because I was right at the border of requiring reading glasses for close-up vision, I chose to have my eyes corrected for monovision, with one eye corrected for distance, the other for close up. I was hesisitant at first, but the brain is able to process information from both eyes, resulting in clear vision.
I've been pretty happy with the surgery, with no side effects noted. It's been a nice lifestyle change, being able to do more active sports without worrying about my contacts drying up, or securing my glasses and making sure they don't steam up. Also nice not needing to pack up my contact lens solution and case everytime I travel.
Laser Eye Center has a pretty good track record, state of the art up equipment, and a good, professional staff to operate them. -
Review from Kristine N.
Los Angeles, CA
8/16/2011
This is a long overdue review for Dr. Bindi. I had my all laser lasik done in March of 2010 and it was by far one of the best things ever. To be able to wake up in the morning and SEE is truly an amazing thing. The last time I was able to do that, I was in the 1st or 2nd grade! I went in for consultation and interviews with 3-4 of the top lasik surgeons in the area and ultimately decided to go with Dr. Bindi. His staff is NOT pushy at all. I felt the other places had pushy staff and would continually call and email me about scheduling a time to come in for the procedure. Dr Bindi is a warm and friendly doctor who answered all of my questions and even emailed me a response within 24 hours. He has excellent bedside manners and walked me through the entire procedure as he was doing it. I was immediately able to see after the surgery but things were a little hazy (like trying to see through fog). It has now been over a year and my vision is pretty darn perfect. The halos and glares went away and whatever remains, those were the halos and glares I had even before Lasik. I'm truly happy with the procedure and one of the most amazing things ever!
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Review from Sarcastic T.
San Francisco, CA
12/17/2007
For a long time I was not considered a candidate for Lasik due to a condition called nystagmus. However, Laser Eye Center invested (early) in some great lasers that track the movement of the eye. I visited Dr. Bindi and he was confident I was a candidate!
I had the surgery 3 years ago and have never been happier. Dr. Bindi was fantastic - very through in explaining the procedure and personable. During the surgery he talked me through each step and kept talking to me during the procedure.
I highly recommend Dr. Bindi!Listed in: People who stab me with…
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Review from Marianne W.
Santa Clara, CA
10/7/2008
I chose Dr. Craig Bindi for my PRK surgery after a few reviews from women I met on The Knot. Although I didn't know these women well, they couldn't say enough good things about Dr. Bindi and I figured that the free consultation was worth it.
This was the best choice I could have made for my eyes. As a glasses/contacts wearer since the 3rd grade, I figured I was destined to wear them forever. The staff at this office are professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. They treated me as a guest every time I came for a pre- or post-surgery visit.
On the day of the surgery, I was nervous, but Dr. Bindi did a fantastic job of calming my fears and letting me know that the surgery was going well. Yes, it's difficult to have laser surgery done while awake, and many people talk about their discomfort with it. Dr. Bindi did everything he possibly could to make it easier for me, and I appreciated that.
The bottom line: go for a consultation if you're curious. You have nothing to lose and this office is THE BEST place to go. -
Review from Tif W.
Santa Clara, CA
3/8/2010
4 Stars for the facility environment. 5 Stars for Dr. Bindi. All the praises for Dr. Bindi are on point so I'll spare you the repeat.
Here's my personal experience for lasik with Intralase:
I chose Laser Eye Center because my friends have had their eyes done here. Everyone had great results ... reading the reviews online made me even more hopeful. The free consultation was easy enough. You are put through several tests to determine corneal thickness, vision and everything else, followed by a quick consultation with the doctor advising you of his recommendations for surgery. I had thick cornea which made eligibility for traditional lasik. The doctor was honest and didn't try to up sell me on the more expensive wavefront. I decided to also get Intralase. After talking with the doctor, you meet with financial consultant, informing your payment options and discounts (VSP - 15% off) - Intralase/lasik came out to be around $3655 after insurance discount. If you don't have insurance or have Kaiser, they will give you the aftercare eye drops for free. Surgeries are performed Wednesdays and Fridays, followup is the next day. I called to make an appointment for surgery two months later (after figuring out FSA, of course).
Arrived at 12:45 P.M. for surgery, waited until 1:30P.M. to pay at the front desk, then the financial consultant had me sign the consent form and handed out eye shields/ three different eye drops for post-surgery (4 times a day - meal times and before bed). I was given 5 mg Valium to take the edge off of nervousness and then some numbing eye drops before surgery. Intralase was in a room separate from the lasik room. It's a very cold room, so dress appropriately. Intralase procedure pretty much felt like suction cups to the eyeballs. All I felt was a little bit of pressure. I was left in the Intralase room for them to prep for lasik. After about 5 minutes, I was then guided to the lasik room, could see (same vision as without glasses) ... Once on the surgery chair, I was instructed to stare at the red lights, then a green light, then some star bursts, then finally came the smell of burning eyeballs ... which oddly reminded me of the Korean dry squid my grandma used to grill and eat. No big deal. In a matter of fifteen minutes, the surgery was over.
Got home, slept for 3 hours, woke up being sensitive to light but could see middle distance fairly well with sunglasses on. Near vision was almost nonexistent though. Put in the eye drops, ate, slept. Woke up early for 8:30 A.M. appointment. I was told that I could drive by then. The truth was ..., not really. I couldn't tolerate light very well but managed to drive there (good thing there weren't many cars on the road. I drove with only right eye slightly open and had to close my eye at every light to let it rest). If you have the option of having someone else drive you, you should do so, especially after Intralase (it causes photophobia in some people. Oh, and your eyes may be bruised for up to two weeks). The followup appointment was slightly impersonal. The technician guy talked fast and wasn't very comforting when my eyes measured at 20/25 and 20/30 (very blurry - I know it's routine for you guys but it's usually the patient's first time. Please be a little more reassuring.) Dr. Chu took a quick look at how the eyes had healed. Left eye healed slower than the right. I couldn't see well in lighted situations, things far away were blurry, near vision was still nil, I started wondering if lasik was a good decision. Thankfully, my vision gradually improved throughout the day. Google "lasik recovery time" for more realistic expectations. Not everyone experience great vision right away or heal at the same rate.
Overall, things were good. Aside from out-of-place advertisements for botox/laser skin resurfacing, overload of pictures of celebrities I didn't really know or care about and the TV interviews (made the environment feel gimmicky), the staff were professional, the facility was clean/updated and Dr. Bindi was great. Most importantly, I see well enough to come to work three days later and write this review.
FYI, free wifi is available for the kind soul who is willing to play your chauffeur for the day.
03/24/10 Update
2-3 Week Aftercare Appointment:
Eyes - See well, sensitive to light (not severe), dry eye only occasionally, halos are significantly reduced. The technician was a lot more personable this time. Check revealed 20/25 in both eyes. Dr. Bindi told me that light sensitivity could be reduced by using one of the two eye drops previously given (2 times a day for two weeks) and the eyes will stabilize/improve in three months. I'm crossing my fingers. -
Review from Julie K.
7/11/2009
Please see my review of Dr. Craig Bindi. I had WaveFront LASIK performed and am thrilled with the outcome. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
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Review from V T.
San Francisco, CA
6/28/2010
The establishment is top notch, clean and well kept. I'll call it a facility because it looks like a business, rather than a doctor's office. I don't know about you but I personally feel eerie/queezy when I'm at a doctor's office with white walls, and the odd smells that come with a doctor's office.
There is zero hassle in regards to trying to sell you by the time you get to the finance specialist. She tells you how much it will cost, gives you all the meds you will need for pre and post op care, sends you on your way home, and when you want, you call them back to make a date for surgery.
Dr. Bindi is straight forward with the results you can expect, and gave me his opinion on the best and safest approach for my eyes specifically. He explained the many different kinds of Lasik that are good for specific patients, and I like many others Yelping here was best suited for PRK due to my awful vision, and thin corneas.
All the nurse assistants are very friendly, and you can tell they enjoy their job, which is re-assuring (again it really doesn't feel like you are at a doctor's office). I forgot the name of the one that was in charge of taking care of me on the day of my surgery (she was of Asian decent, but until I get her name, she will be known as the nameless nurse) but she was good looking which calmed my nerves and had a great sense of humor which made me comfortable, or vice versa? Whichever.
After surgery I was re-greeted by the nameless nurse, and to my surprise, she was even more beautiful after the surgery. I was glad that she happened to be the first person my new eyes saw. So the nameless nurse will also hold the title of "the first female my eyes saw post-Lasik". To me she will always be TFFMESPL.
Aside from that PRK hurts like HELL. I don't want to scare you folks, but let me be realistic with you for a quick second. IT HURTS! From the first antibiotic drop you put in your eye, till about the 8th one you are in pain. They tell you to keep your eyes closed as much as possible, don't worry it won't be hard because you won't be able to open your eyes for longer than a second anyways. And IF you try to open your eyes by chance, a pail of water will seem to spill out of your eyes. (one of the stranger experiences of my life) I wanted to claw my own eyes out at one point. I started questioning God, the meaning of life, if I put in the wrong drops, if the drops were expired, it was that sort of pain.
I'm sure you've heard it everywhere else that after lasik, you'll feel like a new person, or it was the best investment ever. So you can chalk another one of those testimonials for me.
This center is the absolute best though. I live in San Francisco, and made all the long drives to my surgery, and post-op visits because I trusted this place far more than any place in the city. Still worth the extra drive, once you do proper research, the Yelp reviews of other centers in San Francisco will tell it all. -
Review from Kim C.
San Jose, CA
8/6/2008
I just went in for my checkup today, and.......20/15 vision. Thats better than 20/20. Yeah, pretty f-ing cool. Dr. Kawesch did my PRK procedure back in June and I couldn't be happier with my results. He's the best in the bay area. And thats who I wanted working on my eyes, the BEST! I will recommend the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to anyone who will listen. I love, love, love not having to deal with contacts and glasses anymore!!! Why didn't I do this years ago????
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Review from John T.
San Jose, CA
7/17/2009
I had consultations at two places, here with Dr. Kawesch and with Dr. Scott Hyver. I chose Dr. Hyver by a long shot. This center is nice, but is more like a shrine to Dr. Kawesch with all the photos and memorabilia of his famous patients.
I felt like a cow being herded from one station to another, and the nurses weren't friendly at all. They use a freaking video to explain the procedure to you at one station. If I'm having lasers shot into my eyes, I want someone to explain it to me, not a video. When I finally reached the station where I got to see Dr. Kawesch, he was rude and curt. He seemed like he was mad at me for wearing my glasses for a little bit previous to the appointment, and told me to come back in a couple weeks.
Lastly, the counselor lady here did not know what she was talking about. She quoted me time frames that weren't in line with the other consultation I had (which turned out to be correct). I had two other friends come here for consultations and they both went elsewhere for the surgury (on to Dr. Hyver, and the other to Dr. Furlong). I would definitly get multiple consultations and see who you like best. -
Review from Mark M.
Palo Alto, CA
2/26/2008
I have not yet had the procedure done, but I did get an exam (free and VERY comprehensive including corneal topo mapping) and was impressed by Dr K's qualifications: Yale undergrad, UCLA MD,and highly experienced. The place is a trip, like a sports and rock museum. You'll see signed jerseys from mega athletes, guitars from Carlos Santana and also one from the Doors guitarist, Robbie Krieger. With all that flash and bling I expected a high pressure sell, but it never happened, which impressed me greatly. Even his closer, Julie, just gave a straightforward presentation of costs and options with zero pressure. I liked that a lot. Dr. K has testimonials hung all over the place from pilots, sports stars, actors, rock stars etc etc. That stuff does not impress me but the basics do: a really smart guy (they don't let dummies into his school (Yale), well... on second thought maybe one who is currently in the White House) and getting into UCLA medical school, which is hella competitive, is a big deal, so you know he has the brains. With all the hype and marketing I kind of expected a less qualified doctor, but that was not the case at all. He even has a pending US patent for an improved surgical method for corneal inlays: http://www.google.com/...
I may decide against LASIK, but I still recommend Dr. K. if you are considering it. He will help you fully consider all the benefits as well as the disadvantages and allow you to make an informed decision. -
Review from J T.
San Jose, CA
4/30/2009
I just had the Visian ICL procedure done with Dr. Bindi. Through several consultations, I found that I was not a good candidate for LASIK due to my high correction. Dr. Bindi is actually one of only a few doctors in the Bay Area that performs this procedure. Dr. Bindi is a very personable guy, always smiling, and eased my fears by honestly answering my questions. Unlike other doctors, he tries to get to know his patients and its not all about business. Though the price was a bit steep, I felt it was truly worth it: don't be cheap on your eyes! You only have 1 set.
On the day of the surgery, I was super nervous. Unlike LASIK, for the Visian procedure, they implant a contact lens behind your iris. Dr. Bindi was great the entire time. They place a microscope-like contraption over your eye that shows you kaleidoscope shapes, so you can't see what they're doing. Because he was very calm and explained what he was doing every step of the way, this helped ease my fears. There were a few times when suddenly the room would darken and the kaleidoscope images would disappear. If this happens to you, don't freak out! You're not going blind! Later when I told my fears to Dr. Bindi he said he had turned off the lights to make it less bright and more comfortable for me. There wasn't a time when I felt any fear or questions was too dumb to express or ask.
Its only been 1 week and I am so impressed with how great my vision is! The recovery time for me was only 1 day. I still cannot believe that I can see without glasses or contacts! When I come in for follow up check-ups, the staff is very courteous and always smiling. I could not be happier with my experience at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley and highly recommend Dr. Bindi!
