Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Driving from Elmhurst to downtown Chicago for LASIK surgery might seem inconvenient at first. But thousands of your neighbors have made this exact trip to see Dr. Colman Kraff at 25 E Washington St Ste 606. They chose the 30-minute drive because suburban eye centers simply don't offer what Kraff Eye Institute delivers.
Dr. Kraff performed the very first VISX Excimer Laser procedure in the Chicago area back in 1991. Since then, he's completed over 70,000 laser surgeries using the same advanced technology. That's more procedures than most suburban practices complete in their entire existence.
The numbers tell the story. Dr. Kraff performs hundreds of laser corrections every year. Most local eye doctors might do a few dozen. Experience matters when someone's pointing a laser at your cornea. And that experience is concentrated in downtown Chicago, not scattered across suburban strip malls.
To schedule a consultation, please call (312) 444-1111. To inquire about other services, please fill out our Vision Correction Consultation form.
Schedule ConsultationThe VISX laser system at Kraff Eye Institute costs more than most small practices generate in revenue over several years. This equipment requires constant calibration, software updates, and specialized maintenance. Suburban centers often use older, less precise technology because they can't justify the investment.
LASIK surgery removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue with computer-guided precision. The difference between good equipment and great equipment shows up in your vision quality for the rest of your life. Dr. Kraff's participation in FDA clinical trials means you get access to cutting-edge techniques before they reach other providers.
PRK surgery offers an alternative when your corneas are too thin for traditional LASIK. Both procedures use the same laser platform, but PRK removes the surface layer instead of creating a flap. The healing takes longer, but the results are equally impressive for the right candidates.
Dr. Kraff maintains active memberships in the American Board of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. These organizations require continuing education and peer review. It's professional accountability that goes beyond basic licensing requirements.
Volume creates expertise. Dr. Kraff sees complications that suburban doctors encounter maybe once or twice in their careers. He's developed techniques for handling unusual anatomy, difficult cases, and revision surgeries that come from performing thousands of procedures.
The institute's location in downtown Chicago attracts patients from across the metropolitan area. This concentration of cases means Dr. Kraff regularly handles variations and complexities that keep his skills sharp. Suburban practices see more routine cases and fewer challenging situations.
Chicago's transportation network provides multiple ways to reach downtown. Highways, trains, and buses all converge on the Loop. Suburban locations typically require driving and offer limited parking. The city's infrastructure actually makes downtown more accessible than many strip mall locations.
Equipment maintenance becomes critical with laser surgery. The VISX system requires factory-trained technicians and specialized parts. Downtown Chicago supports this level of technical infrastructure. Suburban areas often struggle with service delays and equipment downtime.
Washington Street cuts straight through Chicago's financial district, passing the Chicago Theatre and connecting major business towers. The Kraff Eye Institute building sits between State Street and Wabash Avenue, surrounded by the typical mix of office workers, tourists, and delivery trucks that keep downtown Chicago buzzing.
The Chicago River flows just west of the building. You'll cross the bridge coming from the highway exits, getting a quick view of the city's architectural skyline. The contrast between old and new buildings creates recognizable landmarks for navigation.
Parking options vary throughout the day. The Millennium Park Garage offers covered spaces a few blocks east, though rates climb during events and peak hours. Street parking along Washington Street provides closer access but with time limits. The building sits near two CTA stations - Washington/Wells and Washington/State - eliminating parking hassles for train riders.
Ground floor businesses include a Starbucks and several lunch spots. The upper floors house professional offices typical of Chicago's central business district. Suite 606 provides a quiet environment removed from street-level activity but still convenient to elevators and building amenities.
Many patients choose downtown hotels for post-surgery recovery, especially those requiring next-day follow-up appointments. The Palmer House Hilton sits three blocks away and offers room service when you need to rest immediately after surgery. The Hampton Inn & Suites provides modern accommodations six blocks from the institute with quiet rooms and parking.
Recovery requires sleeping as soon as possible after LASIK. Driving home to Elmhurst immediately after surgery isn't recommended, particularly with the follow-up appointment scheduled for the next morning. Downtown accommodations eliminate the stress of another commute when your eyes are sensitive and healing.
Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe on Washington Street serves light breakfast foods that work well before surgery. The Gage offers dinner options for overnight stays, while Xoco provides quick Mexican food for post-surgery takeout when your appetite returns. These nearby restaurants remove the complexity of finding suitable food during recovery.
Call 312-757-7335 to schedule your comprehensive eye evaluation with Dr. Kraff. The office at 25 E Washington St Ste 606, Chicago, IL 60602 operates Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with Saturday appointments available when needed.
Your consultation includes detailed corneal mapping, vision testing, and honest discussion about realistic outcomes. Dr. Kraff's experience allows him to identify good candidates and counsel against surgery when appropriate. This thorough evaluation protects both your vision and your investment.
The math works in favor of LASIK for most adults. Annual eyewear costs - glasses, contacts, solutions, and replacements - typically run $500-800 per year. Over 20 years, you're spending $10,000-16,000 on vision correction that LASIK can replace with a one-time procedure.
Chicago's competitive market keeps LASIK pricing reasonable compared to coastal cities. Established surgeons with extensive experience often provide better long-term value than newer practitioners, as their revision rates stay lower and outcomes more predictable.
Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts allow pre-tax payment for LASIK, reducing costs by your marginal tax rate. Many practices offer financing that spreads the investment over manageable monthly payments. The 96% success rate means most patients achieve their desired vision correction without additional procedures.
Studies show regret rates below 5% for LASIK performed by experienced surgeons with modern equipment. Most dissatisfaction stems from unrealistic expectations or inadequate screening that missed poor candidates. (1)
Dr. Kraff's 70,000+ procedures provide extensive data about which patients achieve excellent results. His thorough evaluations identify candidates who might not benefit from surgery, preventing disappointment and ensuring realistic expectations.
Current LASIK technology has evolved dramatically from 1990s procedures. Modern treatments customize corrections based on detailed corneal mapping rather than using standardized approaches. This precision reduces complications and improves visual outcomes compared to earlier techniques.
Most health insurance excludes LASIK as elective surgery, but several strategies reduce your costs significantly. Health Savings Accounts let you pay with pre-tax dollars, providing immediate savings equal to your tax bracket. Flexible Spending Accounts offer similar benefits within plan year restrictions.
Some employers include vision benefits with LASIK discounts through specific providers. These arrangements can reduce procedure costs by 10-20% or more depending on the agreement.
Kraff Eye Institute doesn't accept Eye Med or Blue View Vision insurance, but their financial team helps patients maximize available benefits and payment options. Many find that combining HSA funds with practice financing creates affordable monthly payments that fit their budgets.
You can simply CALL US or make an appointment using the online forms at the links below
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