LASIK eye surgery has helped millions of people worldwide trade their glasses and contacts for clear, independent vision.
It’s one of the safest and most effective elective procedures available today. But your results depend heavily on the surgeon you choose.
In Arizona, and especially here in Tucson, patients have several options when it comes to LASIK providers. Some offer bargain prices. Others focus on volume, treating as many patients as possible.
But the best LASIK outcomes come from surgeons who combine experience, advanced technology, and personalized care.
At Hodges Eye Care and Surgical Center, our board-certified ophthalmologists have built a reputation in Southern Arizona for delivering excellent LASIK results with a patient-first approach.
If you’re considering LASIK, here’s what to look for in a surgeon, and why so many Tucson residents trust their vision to our team.
Why Choosing the Right LASIK Surgeon Matters
LASIK is one of the most commonly performed elective procedures in the United States, with more than 700,000 surgeries performed each year, according to the American Refractive Surgery Council. Success rates are extremely high (over 96% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better), but outcomes depend on far more than the laser itself.
The skill, training, and experience of your surgeon directly influence:
- The accuracy of your vision correction
- The safety of the procedure
- The likelihood of side effects like glare, halos, or chronic dry eye
- How quickly and comfortably you recover
Even with advanced technology, LASIK is not a one-size-fits-all surgery. Careful pre-surgical testing, surgical precision, and personalized follow-up are critical for the best results.
The Risks of Choosing Poorly
While complications are rare, they are more likely when LASIK is performed by a less experienced or inadequately trained surgeon. Potential issues include:
- Undercorrection or overcorrection of vision
- Chronic dry eye symptoms
- Flap complications (if using outdated techniques)
- Increased risk of needing an enhancement or revision surgery
A recent 2024 study published in Clinical Ophthalmology found that patients treated at high-volume LASIK centers with board-certified surgeons reported significantly higher satisfaction and fewer complications than those treated in lower-volume, discount-focused centers.
Bottom Line for Tucson Patients
Your eyesight is too important to trust to just anyone offering LASIK. The best surgeons don’t just operate. They listen, evaluate thoroughly, and customize the procedure to your eyes.
Choosing the right surgeon in Tucson can mean the difference between decades of clear, comfortable vision and ongoing frustrations that could have been avoided.
Why Choosing the Right LASIK Surgeon Matters
The vast majority of LASIK patients (over 96%) achieve 20/20 vision or better, making it one of the safest and most successful eye surgeries available today.
But those results don’t happen automatically. The training, experience, and technology your surgeon uses directly affect your outcome, from how clear your vision is afterward to how comfortable your recovery feels.
The Risks of Choosing the Wrong Surgeon
While rare, complications are more likely when LASIK is performed by inexperienced providers or clinics focused more on volume than quality. Potential issues include:
- Undercorrection or overcorrection of your prescription
- Chronic dry eye that worsens without proper pre-op screening
- Flap complications with outdated technology
- A higher chance of needing an enhancement or secondary surgery
Bottom Line for Tucson Patients
Choosing LASIK isn’t just about finding a good price. It’s about finding a surgeon who combines skill, precision, and patient-centered care. In Tucson, that means trusting your vision to a specialist who treats your eyes as uniquely as your fingerprint, not just another number in a surgical lineup.
Key Factors to Look for in the Best LASIK Surgeon in Arizona
Not all LASIK surgeons, or LASIK centers, are the same. The difference between a life-changing result and ongoing vision problems often comes down to the surgeon you choose. Here are the most important qualities to look for when evaluating LASIK providers in Arizona.
Board Certification and Specialized Training
Always confirm that your surgeon is a board-certified ophthalmologist. This means they’ve completed medical school, residency, and passed rigorous national exams to specialize in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of eye diseases.
Board certification ensures that your surgeon has not only completed advanced training, but is also committed to ongoing education, staying current with the latest safety standards and technology. You can verify credentials through the American Board of Ophthalmology.
Proven Experience With LASIK
LASIK is a highly refined surgery, but it requires exceptional skill. The best LASIK surgeons have performed thousands of successful procedures and can show consistent results across a wide range of patients.
During your consultation, don’t hesitate to ask:
- How many LASIK surgeries have you performed?
- What is your enhancement (or retreatment) rate?
- Can I see before-and-after results from patients like me?
Experience matters, especially if you have higher prescriptions, thinner corneas, or other unique eye conditions.
Advanced LASIK Technology
Modern LASIK is safer and more precise than ever, thanks to bladeless femtosecond lasers and custom wavefront-guided technology that maps the unique shape of your eye.
Upgrading from traditional LASIK to bladeless has dramatically reduced flap complications and improved patient outcomes. In fact, a 2023 study published in Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery showed lower rates of night-vision problems and higher satisfaction scores among patients treated with wavefront-guided, femtosecond laser LASIK compared to older methods. Source
If a clinic isn’t transparent about the technology they use, that’s a red flag.
Transparent, Thorough Consultations
A trustworthy LASIK surgeon will never rush the consultation process. Expect a detailed evaluation that includes:
- Corneal thickness measurement
- Prescription stability check
- Dry eye testing
- Screening for eye diseases like keratoconus or glaucoma
Red flag: clinics that say “everyone is a candidate” or gloss over testing. The best surgeons will actually turn some people away from LASIK if it isn’t safe, and recommend alternatives like PRK or ICL instead.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Real patient experiences say more than marketing ever can. Look for reviews from Arizona patients, not just generic ratings.
According to a 2024 survey by PatientPop, over 70% of patients say online reviews directly influence their choice of doctor.
Reading testimonials (like the ones from Hodges Eye Care patients in Tucson) can help you gauge not just results, but also the level of care, comfort, and support you’ll receive throughout the process.
Checklist for Choosing the Best LASIK Surgeon in Tucson, Arizona
When it comes to your eyes, you want to feel confident you’ve made the right choice. Use this checklist as a guide when comparing LASIK surgeons in Tucson and across Arizona. The more boxes you can check, the closer you are to finding the right fit.
✔ Verify board certification in ophthalmology through the American Board of Ophthalmology
✔ Ask about experience — thousands of LASIK procedures performed is a strong indicator of expertise
✔ Confirm technology — bladeless, femtosecond lasers, and wavefront-guided LASIK should be the standard
✔ Expect a thorough evaluation — corneal thickness, dry eye testing, and prescription stability checks are non-negotiable
✔ Read local reviews — look for Tucson-based patient stories, not just generic testimonials
✔ Meet the surgeon directly — not just a coordinator or sales rep
✔ Ask about enhancement rates — how often patients need retreatments, and what’s included if you do
✔ Check for transparent pricing — no hidden fees, clear financing options available
✔ Look for continuity of care — the same surgeon should oversee your consultation, surgery, and follow-up care
✔ Consider community reputation — a trusted local provider with long-standing ties to Tucson is often safer than a chain focused on volume
Why Tucson Patients Choose Hodges Eye Care for LASIK
Choosing a LASIK surgeon isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about trusting someone with your vision. At Hodges Eye Care and Surgical Center, patients across Tucson and Southern Arizona consistently choose us because we combine advanced technology with compassionate, personalized care.
Board-Certified Expertise You Can Trust
Our LASIK surgeons are board-certified ophthalmologists with years of experience performing advanced refractive procedures. That means every patient benefits from the highest standard of medical training and surgical precision.
Advanced, Bladeless LASIK Technology
We use the latest bladeless femtosecond laser technology paired with wavefront-guided treatments to deliver the safest, most precise outcomes. This allows us to customize every procedure to the unique shape and characteristics of your eyes.
Personalized Care. Never a One-Size-Fits-All Approach.
Unlike national LASIK chains that focus on volume, our team takes the time to:
- Meet with you directly during your consultation
- Perform detailed diagnostic testing
- Explain your options clearly
- Guide you through surgery and recovery with continuity of care
Patients are never rushed, and you’ll always see your surgeon, not just a coordinator.
Trusted in Tucson and Southern Arizona
As a locally owned and operated practice, Hodges Eye Care is deeply rooted in the Tucson community. Our reputation is built on referrals, long-term patient relationships, and outstanding surgical results.
Here’s what our patients have to say:
“Excellent surgical eye care center with a nice environment, friendly staff, and best technical experts. Would recommend this service with a promise to receive the most comprehensive and specialized eye exam you will ever have.”
— El R.
“I had LASIK a week ago. I am very happy with my results so far. Dr. Hodges and his team are amazing! Courtney the (Patient Counselor) is so knowledgeable and thorough. She made me incredibly comfortable throughout the entire process. Dr. Hodges did a great job explaining to me everything he was doing during the procedure. Hearing him talk me through it was comforting. He is incredibly experienced. Everyone I encountered was very personable, professional and kind. I wish I did it sooner. Thank you!”
— Kenya M.
When it comes to something as important as your vision, patients across Tucson trust Hodges Eye Care to deliver results that are both safe and life-changing.
FAQs About Finding the Best LASIK Surgeon
Have questions about LASIK at Hodges Eye Care? We have answers:
How much does LASIK cost in Arizona?
In Arizona, LASIK typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 per eye, depending on the surgeon’s experience, the technology used, and whether enhancements are included.
Be cautious of discount ads promising LASIK for a few hundred dollars. These often come with hidden fees, outdated technology, or limited eligibility.
Does the cheapest LASIK mean the best value?
Not always. Cheaper isn’t necessarily better when it comes to your eyesight. In fact, a 2023 survey by the American Refractive Surgery Council found that patients who chose LASIK based primarily on price reported lower overall satisfaction compared to those who prioritized surgeon experience and technology.
What’s the recovery like with modern LASIK?
Most patients notice clearer vision within 24 hours, and full recovery typically takes just a few days. With bladeless LASIK, downtime is minimal; many Tucson patients return to work the next day. Temporary dryness or light sensitivity is normal but usually improves quickly with eye drops and follow-up care.
What if I’m not a candidate for LASIK?
Not everyone qualifies for LASIK, and that’s a good thing. It means your surgeon is putting safety first.
Alternatives include PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), which is better for patients with thinner corneas, or ICL (implantable contact lens) for those with very high prescriptions. At Hodges Eye Care, we’ll guide you toward the best vision correction option for your unique eyes.
How long do LASIK results last?
LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea, meaning the correction is long-lasting. Most patients enjoy clear vision for decades. Age-related changes like presbyopia (the need for reading glasses in your 40s or 50s) are natural and affect everyone, whether they’ve had LASIK or not.
Take the Next Step Toward Clear Vision
Finding the best LASIK surgeon in Arizona isn’t just about who offers the lowest price. It’s about choosing a trusted expert who puts your vision and safety first. With board-certified surgeons, advanced bladeless technology, and a patient-first approach, Hodges Eye Care has earned its reputation as Tucson’s choice for life-changing LASIK.
If you’re ready to enjoy the freedom of clear vision without glasses or contacts, the next step is simple: book a consultation with our LASIK team. We’ll evaluate your eyes, answer your questions, and help you decide if LASIK is right for you.
Your vision is too important to wait. Let’s make it clear, together.
