Laser Eye Surgery Center

Premier LASIK Eye Surgery Chicago Services for Addison Residents

When you're considering vision correction surgery in Addison, finding the right surgeon can feel overwhelming. While your neighborhood offers various healthcare options, sometimes the best choice means traveling a short distance for truly exceptional care.
 
Kraff Eye Institute, located in downtown Chicago's medical district, has been the trusted choice for Addison residents seeking LASIK eye surgery Chicago services for over three decades. Dr. Colman Kraff pioneered laser vision correction in the Chicagoland area, becoming the first ophthalmologist to perform the VISX Excimer Laser procedure locally.  

This downtown location provides convenient access from Addison via major expressways, making your journey to clearer vision remarkably straightforward. Many Addison residents appreciate the central Loop location's accessibility and the peace of mind that comes from choosing a practice that has successfully performed over 70,000 laser procedures since 1991.

Consultation Appointment

To schedule a consultation, please call (312) 444-1111. To inquire about other services, please fill out our Vision Correction Consultation form.

Schedule Consultation

Advanced Vision Correction Treatments Available

Your journey to visual freedom begins with understanding the comprehensive treatment options available at our Washington Street facility. LASIK eye surgery remains our most sought-after procedure, utilizing the state-of-the-art VISX laser technology to reshape your cornea with remarkable precision. Beyond traditional LASIK, we offer PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) for patients whose corneal thickness or lifestyle factors make them better candidates for surface ablation procedures.  

Custom wavefront LASIK provides an even more personalized approach, mapping your eye's unique imperfections to deliver superior visual outcomes. For those dealing with presbyopia, our monovision LASIK technique can reduce your dependence on reading glasses while maintaining excellent distance vision. Each treatment plan is meticulously tailored to your specific visual needs and lifestyle requirements, ensuring optimal results whether you're commuting from Addison for work or enjoying Chicago's cultural attractions.

Why Addison Patients Choose Downtown Excellence

The decision to travel from Addison to downtown Chicago for your vision correction reflects a commitment to exceptional outcomes that local clinics simply cannot match. As one of only ten centers nationwide selected for FDA clinical trials of new laser vision technology, Kraff Eye Institute offers access to cutting-edge treatments before they become widely available.  

Dr. Kraff's national recognition for successfully performing hundreds of advanced laser corrections annually means you're entrusting your vision to proven expertise. The combination of experience and innovation creates an environment where precision meets compassion. Our team understands that Addison residents value both convenience and quality, which is why we've structured our practice to minimize your visits while maximizing your results.  

The short drive from Addison becomes insignificant when you consider the lifetime of clear vision ahead. Many patients find that combining their procedure with downtown errands or entertainment makes the trip feel less like a medical appointment and more like a productive day in the city.

Navigating Downtown Chicago's Medical District

The area surrounding Kraff Eye Institute at 25 E Washington Street buzzes with the energy of Chicago's Loop district. Our sixth-floor suite sits within the heart of the city's premier medical corridor, surrounded by renowned healthcare facilities and professional offices. Just steps from our building, you'll find the iconic Chicago Theatre marquee stretching across State Street, serving as an unmistakable landmark for first-time visitors.  

The Prudential Building towers nearby, while Millennium Park lies just blocks to the east, offering a peaceful retreat before or after your appointment. Block 37, the modern shopping center at State and Washington, provides convenient amenities including dining options and retail therapy opportunities. The Chicago Cultural Center, with its stunning Tiffany dome, stands as another prominent landmark just south of our location. Street-level businesses include everything from quick coffee shops perfect for pre-appointment caffeine to upscale restaurants ideal for celebrating your new vision.  

The proximity to major hotels like the Palmer House Hilton and the Hyatt Centric Loop makes overnight stays comfortable for those requiring multiple-day treatment plans.

Driving Directions from Franklin Park to Kraff Eye Institute

  • Begin your journey from central Addison at the intersection of Addison Road and Lake Street, heading east on Lake Street for approximately 2.5 miles through residential neighborhoods
  • Merge onto IL-64 E/North Avenue and continue for 3 miles, passing through Elmhurst and Villa Park
    • Expect heavier traffic during morning rush hours between 7-9 AM
  • Take the ramp to merge onto I-290 E toward Chicago, traveling approximately 8 miles
    • The Eisenhower Expressway offers the most direct route but consider I-355 to I-88 during peak afternoon hours
  • Pass landmarks including Oak Park Mall and the United Center as you approach downtown; the Willis Tower becomes visible on your left as you near the Loop
  • Exit at Congress Parkway and turn left, then right onto Michigan Avenue
  • Turn left onto E Washington Street; our building entrance is mid-block between Michigan and Wabash, with clear signage marking 25 E Washington

Total distance from Addison is approximately 20 miles.

For Tuesday or Thursday appointments, add 10-15 minutes to account for increased Loop traffic; Friday afternoons typically see the heaviest congestion starting at 3 PM

Alternative Transportation from Addison

  • Metra Union Pacific West Line offers service from the Addison station to Union Station downtown, with trains running hourly during off-peak times; from Union Station, take the #151 or #126 CTA bus directly to Washington and Michigan
  • The Pace Bus Route 301 connects Addison to the Forest Park CTA Blue Line station, providing direct rail service to Washington Station in the Loop; total commute time averages 75-90 minutes
  • Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer door-to-door convenience, with typical fares ranging from $35-55 depending on surge pricing; many patients find this option ideal for post-procedure travel when driving isn't recommended

Comfort and Convenience in Downtown Chicago

Following your LASIK procedure, immediate rest becomes essential for optimal healing, making nearby accommodations particularly valuable for Addison residents.  

The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, just two blocks away on Michigan Avenue, offers boutique luxury with stunning city views perfect for your recovery evening. For a more budget-conscious option, the Club Quarters Central Loop on Adams Street provides comfortable rooms within a five-minute walk.  

Dining options abound, with The Gage on Michigan Avenue offering upscale American fare in a relaxed atmosphere ideal for post-procedure celebrations. Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe on Randolph serves hearty breakfast options perfect for your follow-up appointment morning.
 
Many patients enjoy exploring Millennium Park's serene gardens during their downtown stay, finding the peaceful environment conducive to relaxation between appointments. The proximity to world-class shopping along State Street and Michigan Avenue allows family members to occupy themselves while you're in surgery, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Schedule Your Vision Transformation Today

Your journey to visual freedom begins with a single phone call to 312-757-7335. Our experienced team at Kraff Eye Institute welcomes consultations Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with Saturday appointments available by special arrangement.  

Located at 25 E Washington Street, Suite 606, Chicago, IL 60602, our office provides a comfortable, state-of-the-art environment where your vision goals become reality. Don't let another day pass wondering what life could be like without glasses or contacts.  

Addison residents consistently tell us that the short drive to downtown Chicago proved to be one of their best investments in personal wellness. Call today to discover why patients travel from throughout Chicagoland to experience the Kraff Eye Institute difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can go wrong with LASIK?

Expand F.A.Q.

The most common side effects include temporary dry eyes, which typically resolve within three to six months as your corneal nerves regenerate. Some patients experience glare or halos around lights, particularly during night driving back to Addison, though these symptoms usually diminish as your eyes heal.  

Overcorrection or undercorrection can occur, potentially requiring an enhancement procedure, which is why choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Kraff becomes crucial. Infection remains extremely rare, occurring in less than one in 1,000 cases, thanks to our stringent sterile protocols and post-operative care instructions.  

The advanced diagnostic equipment at our downtown Chicago location allows us to identify and address risk factors before they become complications, providing Addison residents with an extra layer of safety and confidence in their outcomes.

How much should I budget for LASIK?

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Planning your LASIK investment requires considering both the procedure cost and associated expenses for your trips from Addison to downtown Chicago. Traditional LASIK procedures typically range from $2,000 to $3,000 per eye.

Your investment covers not just the surgery but comprehensive pre-operative testing, the procedure itself, and all follow-up care during your first year. Many Addison patients find that financing options make the procedure immediately accessible, with monthly payments often less than their current spending on contacts and solutions.  

Don't forget to budget for transportation costs, whether that's parking fees in downtown Chicago, rideshare services, or Metra tickets for your appointments. Some patients choose to stay overnight downtown after their procedure, adding hotel costs but ensuring maximum comfort during the critical first night of healing.

When calculating your total investment, remember that LASIK eliminates ongoing expenses for glasses, contacts, and related supplies, often paying for itself within five to seven years.

How can I get LASIK for free?

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While completely free LASIK remains rare, several options can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses as an Addison resident seeking treatment at Kraff Eye Institute. Many vision insurance plans now offer LASIK benefits ranging from 15% to 50% discounts off regular pricing, making the procedure more affordable than ever.  

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) allow you to use pre-tax dollars for your procedure, effectively reducing your cost by your tax rate. Some Chicago-area employers offer LASIK as part of their benefits package or wellness programs, recognizing the long-term value of improved employee vision. Clinical research studies occasionally seek participants for new laser technologies, though these opportunities require flexibility with scheduling and specific qualification criteria. Military veterans and active-duty personnel may qualify for vision correction through VA benefits, with our downtown location convenient to the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. (1)

Rather than seeking completely free procedures that may compromise quality, focus on maximizing available discounts and benefits while choosing the most experienced surgeon to ensure optimal, lasting results for your vision investment.

Find us from Chicago Neighborhoods

Located in the heart of Chicago, IL, the Kraff Eye Institute is ideally situated to serve residents across the Chicagoland area. Our Chicago Neighborhoods institute is accessible from the following locations:

Schedule Consultation

You can simply CALL US or make an appointment using the online forms at the links below

312-444-1111Schedule Consultation
Schedule Consultation